Arthritis in the ankle is not as common as in other joints, so it often deserves a closer look. When there is no past injury to explain the damage, it may signal an underlying condition rather than simple wear and tear. One example is haemochromatosis, a condition where the body stores too much iron, which can build up and affect joint health, over time. When only one ankle joint is involved, gout, a painful arthritis caused by uric acid crystals, is often a more likely cause than other crystal-related conditions. If infection is present, bacteria are usually responsible, including certain sexually transmitted strains. Tuberculosis is less likely in this joint. When several joints become inflamed, ankle involvement may point toward specific inflammatory conditions rather than classic rheumatoid arthritis. These patterns help guide diagnosis and care. If you are experiencing ankle pain, swelling, or stiffness without a clear reason, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Achilles tendon injuries are common among soccer players due to repetitive running, sudden acceleration, and frequent jumping. Achilles tendinopathies refer to chronic irritation or degeneration of the tendon, often resulting in pain, swelling, and reduced performance. Mid portion Achilles tendinopathy affects the middle section of the tendon and typically develops from overuse, while insertion Achilles tendinopathy occurs where the tendon attaches to the heel bone and may involve inflammation or bone spurs. Symptoms may include stiffness, tenderness, swelling, and difficulty with explosive movements. A podiatrist can evaluate the extent of injury, provide targeted treatment, including orthotics, activity modification, and recommend surgical options, if necessary. If you have sustained an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the problem, and offer effective treatment solutions.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein of Union Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Some genetic disorders can influence the way bones, joints, and connective tissues develop in the feet. Because the feet contain many small bones and joints, inherited conditions may change their shape, alignment, or flexibility. Achondroplasia, a common form of dwarfism, affects bone growth and may lead to changes in leg alignment that place extra stress on the feet and ankles during walking. Ellis van Creveld syndrome is a rare genetic condition that can cause short limbs and sometimes extra toes, which may affect balance and shoe fit. Marfan syndrome affects the body’s connective tissue and often leads to long, flexible feet with loose joints that can increase the risk of ankle instability. These structural differences may lead to discomfort, fatigue, or changes in walking over time. When unusual foot structure or persistent pain develops, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein of Union Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Chronic foot wounds are sores that do not heal within several weeks. They often develop in people with diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage. Because the skin on the feet faces daily pressure and friction, healing can be slow without proper care. Treatment begins with a careful exam to find the cause of the wound. Removing dead tissue through gentle debridement helps healthy tissue grow. Special moisture-balancing dressings protect the area and support healing. Reducing swelling and improving blood flow are also important parts of care. Some people benefit from negative pressure therapy or skin grafts. Managing blood sugar and wearing off-loading footwear can prevent added stress on the wound. Close monitoring lowers the risk of infection and serious complications. If you have a sore on your foot that is not improving, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.