Stress fractures in the feet are small cracks in the bone that develop from repeated strain. They often occur when activity increases quickly or when the foot absorbs repeated impact, such as running or jumping. Pain usually begins gradually and worsens with movement, especially in weight-bearing bones like the long bones of the feet. Stress fractures can be difficult to detect early because swelling and bruising may be mild. A podiatrist can examine the foot, check for tender areas, and order imaging tests such as MRI scans to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment includes reducing stress on the bone and using supportive devices like walking boots, braces, or custom inserts. These help to limit movement and reduce pressure on the injured area as healing continues. Care also includes a guided return to activity to prevent long-term problems. If you have symptoms of a stress fracture after vigorous activity, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM from Madison Foot Clinic. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Clubfoot is a congenital condition in which a baby’s foot is twisted out of its normal position, often turning inward and downward. The exact cause is not always known, but it may be related to genetic and environmental factors that affect development before birth. It is typically diagnosed at birth through a physical examination, and sometimes confirmed with imaging. Symptoms include limited range of motion, abnormal foot shape, and difficulty placing the foot flat. The Ponsetti method is a common and effective treatment that involves gentle stretching, casting, and bracing to gradually correct alignment. Risk factors include family history and certain developmental conditions. A podiatrist can help monitor progress and guide care. If your baby shows signs of clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your health care team to ensure proper development. 

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM of Madison Foot Clinic. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

A plantar calcaneal spur, often referred to as a heel spur, is a small bony projection that forms on the underside of the heel bone. It often develops over time as the body responds to repeated strain where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel. This added bone growth may or may not cause pain, but when symptoms are present, they are commonly felt with the first steps after rest or during prolonged standing. The discomfort is often linked more to irritation of the surrounding soft tissue than the spur itself. Evaluation focuses on identifying the source of strain and how the foot functions during movement. Treatment may include wearing supportive footwear, cushioning, stretching, and custom orthotics to reduce pressure on the heel. Addressing contributing factors early can help limit ongoing irritation and improve comfort. If heel pain is affecting your daily routine, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM from Madison Foot Clinic. our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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

Warts that develop on the bottom of the foot are called plantar warts. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which infects the top layer of the skin and causes it to thicken. Plantar warts usually appear on weight-bearing areas, like the heel or the ball of the foot. They often look like rough, callus-like patches of skin and may contain small black dots, which are tiny blood vessels within the wart. Some plantar warts cause little discomfort, while others can become painful when pressure is placed on them when walking or standing. The virus can enter the skin through small cuts or breaks in the skin and are contagious. A podiatrist can examine the growth, confirm the diagnosis, and provide medical treatment to remove the wart safely and reduce discomfort. If you notice a growth on the bottom of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM from Madison Foot Clinic. our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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