Scar tissue can develop in the foot or ankle after an injury, surgery, or repeated strain to the soft tissues. It forms as the body repairs damaged areas, but the new tissue is often thicker and less flexible than the original structure. When scar tissue builds up around muscles, tendons, or ligaments, it may limit normal movement and create ongoing discomfort. Some people notice stiffness, tenderness, or a pulling sensation during walking or exercise. Treatment often focuses on restoring mobility and reducing irritation in the affected area. Gentle stretching, targeted exercises, and focused massage techniques may help improve flexibility and circulation. Wearing supportive footwear and activity changes can also reduce pressure on healing tissues. In some cases, medical treatments may be recommended to help break up restrictive scar tissue. When scar tissue leads to persistent foot or ankle pain or reduced movement, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Ankle arthrodesis, commonly known as ankle fusion, is a surgical procedure used to relieve severe, persistent ankle pain that has not improved with other treatments. The goal is to join the bones of the ankle so they heal as one solid unit, eliminating the painful motion caused by advanced arthritis, major injury, or long-standing joint damage. When the joint is fused, the ankle becomes stable and able to bear weight more comfortably, even though movement in the fused area is no longer present. Many people find that walking becomes easier once the constant grinding pain is gone. The procedure requires careful preparation and a structured recovery plan that supports proper bone healing. Over time, surrounding joints adapt, allowing patients to return to many of their usual activities. If you are dealing with unrelenting ankle pain that limits daily life, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to determine whether ankle arthrodesis is an appropriate option for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

Hammertoe is a toe deformity in which one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, causing a claw-like appearance. The condition often develops due to wearing shoes that are too tight, narrow, or high-heeled, which forces the toes into a bent position over time. Women are particularly prone to developing hammertoes because of fashionable footwear choices. Symptoms may include pain, corns or calluses on the top of the bent toe, swelling, redness, and difficulty walking or fitting into shoes comfortably. Risk factors include genetics, age, diabetes, and previous foot injuries. A podiatrist can provide evaluation, custom orthotics, footwear recommendations, and treatment options. If you have symptoms of hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to restore comfort and proper toe alignment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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.

Buying running shoes as a beginner requires careful attention to comfort, support, and proper fit. The right pair should feel comfortable immediately, with enough room in the toe box and secure support around the heel. Look for cushioning that matches your activity level and provides shock absorption without feeling unstable. A good fit allows natural foot movement while preventing slipping or pressure points. Quality running shoes are important because they help reduce stress on joints, improve alignment, and lower the risk of common overuse injuries. Trying shoes on later in the day, when feet are slightly swollen, can improve fit. A podiatrist can assess your foot type and gait to recommend suitable options. If you have foot or ankle pain from wearing the wrong running shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, and offer additional guidance on selecting the right running shoes.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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.