The feet bear the weight of the body, and many people choose to get routine foot massages as a form of foot therapy.  Foot massages may help to improve circulation, reduce stress, and relax the muscles in the body. There are various types of foot massages that can be performed. A Swedish foot massage is considered to be the most common form of massage and is done by performing circular motions and long strokes which may help to energize the feet. Some people may choose to have a reflexology foot massage done, and this may be helpful in relieving pain in different areas of the body. Forceful strokes that target the deeper muscles can be referred to as a deep tissue massage and may be beneficial for people who have endured injuries. If you are interested in learning more about this type of foot therapy, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can provide you with useful information.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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.

There are bones that are located underneath the big toe that include the sesamoid bones. Inflammation of them can cause the foot condition that is known as sesamoiditis, and can happen from overuse. People who enjoy running may be prone to developing sesamoiditis, and the repetitive running motion may cause the sesamoid bones to become injured. The sesamoid bones protect the surrounding tendons, and also increase the strength of the muscle. Additionally, they act as a lever and can take the majority of the weight off of the inside of the foot. Common symptoms that are associated with this condition can include swelling and tenderness under the foot, and patients may limp to compensate for the discomfort. Treatment generally begins with reducing existing pain and implementing methods that can protect the foot from further injury. If you have foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose sesamoiditis, and offer additional treatment options.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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 and ankle needs.

A common cause of heel pain in children and young adults can be associated with Sever’s disease. It is a condition that affects the growth plates in the heels of active children and can cause pain and discomfort. Parents may notice their children begin to tiptoe or limp, and these are classic symptoms of Sever’s disease. It can happen as a result of participating in jumping and running activities, and treatment generally begins with temporarily stopping the activity that caused the condition. This can be followed by frequently elevating the affected foot, and it may help to perform specific stretches that can relieve heel pain. Children may benefit from wearing custom-made orthotics until the growth spurt has stopped. If your child has heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose Severs disease, and offer additional treatment options.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 and ankle injuries.

Poor blood circulation can cause the feet to feel cold, numb, or tingly. It can also cause dry skin on the feet and brittle toenails. This happens because there is an interference with blood delivery of vital oxygen and nutrients to the feet. Poor circulation can make wounds heal slower and increase the risk of infection. Lifestyle changes may help some patients, and others may have to take medicine to widen blood vessels. Though vitamins and supplements cannot cure circulation problems, they may provide relief from symptoms. If you have signs of poor circulation in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine what the cause is, and offer advice on treatment. 

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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 and ankle needs.

The foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis may require foot surgery to be performed. If other treatment methods are unsuccessful, patients may consider surgery as an option for permanent relief. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes irritated or torn, which may happen from standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time. The plantar fascia is found on the bottom of the foot and connects the heels to the toes. The pain is often felt in the heel and lower leg and can cause difficulty in completing daily activities. Patients that have severe pain with this condition can find it can be uncomfortable to walk, causing them to look for relief options. When surgery is performed, the fascia is detached from the heel bone, and this can be successful in relieving tension. New growth occurs during the healing process, which may lengthen the fascia. If you suffer from this painful condition, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who will help you to determine if foot surgery is right 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 and ankle needs.