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The tarsal navicular bone is one of the many small bones in the foot that sits on the inside of the foot and helps support the arch of the foot. Due to the bone’s location, activities such as running or jumping can create risk for an injury to the bone, such as a stress fracture known as a navicular stress fracture. Usually stress fractures are a result of repetitive forces to the foot, and they become an overuse injury. Common risks for sustaining this particular stress fracture include an increase in sports training, low bone density, change of running shoes or training surface, poor nutrition, or an abnormal foot structure. If you believe that you are suffering a navicular stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors 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 feel free to contact one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Podiatrists are trained to assess and manage a variety of foot related issues. A podiatrist’s primary role is to look for the mechanical issue that is causing pain. One common issue to have a podiatrist look at are bone deformities such as bunions and hammertoes. Another complex but critical issue that a podiatrist will be needed for is heel pain. Heel pain can be caused by plantar fasciitis, wearing of the fat pad on the heel, or a heel spur. Skin and nail conditions on the foot, such as corns, blisters, ingrown toenails or fungal nail infections, are also issues that are treated by podiatrists. Lastly, patients with diabetes will likely need help from a podiatrist in managing potential issues with the feet that may worsen. If you are experiencing foot issues, make sure to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails can develop when an injury occurs, if toenails are not trimmed properly, or if ill-fitting footwear is frequently worn. If this condition develops, the affected toenail will grow into the surrounding skin, often causing a great deal of pain. Some methods that can be used to relieve this discomfort include soaking the affected toe, keeping it elevated, and maintaining proper foot hygiene. If left untreated, it’s possible that the ingrown toenail can become infected. If this occurs, you will most likely see pus drain from around the affected toenail. For more information on how to promptly treat an ingrown toenail, please speak with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A neuroma is the thickening of a nerve, and Morton’s neuroma particularly involves the thickening of the nerve between the third and fourth toe. This nerve, which is normally 2mm wide, can grow up to 15mm in size and can be easily irritated by the bones surrounding it. Common symptoms of Morton’s neuroma include a sharp stabbing and or shooting pain, a burning or tingling sensation, or numbness in the toes. Treatments of this ailment can include orthotics, adding padding to the foot or shoes worn to decrease pressure and irritation, or injections of local corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation. These conservative methods have a high success rate however, if the neuroma is not treated and continues to grow and cause more severe pain, surgery may be necessary. If you are experiencing pain in your toes or the ball of your foot, it is important to visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and correct treatment. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.