Pickleball is a trending sport that many people enjoy. As with any physical sport, there can be painful foot repercussions if care is not taken while playing pickleball. Two common conditions that can be associated with this activity are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis. The ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes is called the plantar fascia. The fibers from the Achilles tendon run into the plantar fascia. The Achilles tendon attaches to the back of the heel and the plantar fascia on the bottom. The condition known as plantar fasciitis is when the plantar fascia becomes overstretched or sustains micro tears and causes pain in the heel area, especially when first steps are taken after prolonged rest. Achilles tendinitis is often an overuse injury as well. These things can happen after playing pickleball. Stretching the feet and calves, wearing supportive and well-fitting footwear, and resting the affected areas can all help. If the pain you feel in the heel or Achilles tendon continues or worsens, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist. This foot care expert can diagnose and treat foot pain and provide additional suggestions on how you might prevent foot problems while playing pickleball.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

A bunion is considered to be a deformity that can happen for genetic reasons, or from wearing shoes that are too tight. A bunion is a bony growth which forms on the side of the big toe. Severely protruding bunions may cause the other toes to shift toward each other as well, and larger shoes may need to be worn. Some people have corns and calluses that grow on top of the toes, as a result of the friction that is caused when they touch the top of the shoe. Wearing high heels may cause a bunion to form from the limited amount of room the toes have to move in. Relief may be found with mild bunions when a protective pad is worn over them. Some patients have chosen to wear custom-made orthotics, which may help the foot to feel more comfortable in the shoe. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the treatment option that is best for you.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

The gait, which is the way we walk, starts to develop as soon as a child stands up. As they age children go through different stages of gait development, and it is a good idea for parents to monitor these patterns and take note of abnormalities. Three recognizable gait disorders in children are in-toeing, out-toeing, and toe-walking. While in-toeing, also termed pigeon toe, is typical in many children under the age of 3, it also can be caused by a condition where the front of the foot curves inward instead of remaining straight. This can result in a child falling more often than normal. Out-toeing refers to walking with the toes pointed outward instead of straight ahead. It can be the result of flat feet, lower leg misalignment, or hip joint abnormalities. Toe walking is just what it sounds like the child walks on its toes. This can produce tight or shortened calf muscles and may affect balance and cause muscle soreness. If your child displays these or other gait abnormalities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can assess the situation and provide guidance on how to handle it.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that attacks the joints and can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and bone deformities. There is no known cure for arthritis, but there are many ways of treating the symptoms that allow patients to lead active lives. Because the feet contain 33 joints each, arthritis can negatively impact your daily life, even simply the ability to walk. The main types of arthritis that cause foot problems are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and gout. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that erodes the cartilage between the bones of the joint. This causes very painful inflammation and is most common among people 50 and older. It is known as wear and tear disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is a crippling disease where the immune system attacks the body’s cartilage, resulting in deformities. Post-traumatic arthritis can develop after sustaining an injury to the foot or ankle. Gout, which frequently attacks the big toe, is caused by having abnormal amounts of uric acid in the system. To find out more about how arthritis may be causing your foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. 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 Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.