Luckily, we are highly skilled in treating a variety of conditions and issues. Whether you have slight discomfort or severe pain, we can provide you with care that allows you to live the lifestyle you want!
These are just some of the conditions, treatments, and services you will find at our podiatric office. Just ask us if you have any questions!
- Ankle Instability
- Ankle Sprains
- Arthritis
- Athlete’s Foot
- Bunions
- Corns
- Calluses
- Foot Fractures
- Heel Spurs/Plantar Fasciitis
- Neuromas
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Warts
- Wound Care
- PodoPediatrics
- Ulcers
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Flat Feet
- Geriatric Foot Care
- Gout
- Hammertoes
- Heel Pain
- Injuries
- Sprains/Strains
- Dry Skin
- Fungal Infections
- High Arched Feet
- Infections
- Ingrown Toe/Fingernail
- Blisters
- Bone Spurs
- Cysts
- Dermatitis
- Skin below Knee
- Neuritis
- Pain
- Swelling
- Tendinitis
Ankle Instability
Chronic ankle instability is usually caused by repeated ankle sprains and is described as the gradual giving way of the outside of the ankle. Some symptoms of ankle instability include constant inflammation or swelling, tenderness, and instability in the ankle. After a sprained ankle, the ligaments become stretched and torn. Proper rehabilitation is required to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and rehabilitate the tissues within the ankle that affect your balance. In addition, physical therapy, medications, and bracing can help treat chronic ankle instability. Failure to do so may result in repeated ankle sprains, or possibly surgery.
Ankle Sprains
A sprained ankle occurs when you twist your ankle in an abnormal way causing the ligaments holding your ankle bones together to stretch or tear. Most sprained ankles involve injuries to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the injury. Although you may just need proper rest and pain medications to heal, it is important to have the sprain looked at by a professional to determine the severity and proper treatment.
Arthritis
Arthritis, or joint pain or joint disease, is the leading cause of disability in America. More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children are suffering from some type of arthritis. Common symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain, inability to perform normal day-to-day activities, and has the potential to cause permanent joint damage.
To determine whether or not you may be suffering from arthritis or to determine the severity, your medical professional will perform blood tests and conduct an imaging scan (ie: x-ray, CAT scan or MRI). Eating healthy, staying active, and understanding your type of arthritis and treatment options is crucial to decreasing your discomfort and paving the way for an enjoyable, happy life.
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Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a specific type of fungal infection that typically begins between the toes. A common cause of athlete’s foot is sweaty feet that are confined to tight shoes for a long period of time. Signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot include a scaly rash that usually causes itching, stinging and burning. Athlete’s foot is contagious and should be carefully monitored and treated. Athlete’s foot can easily be treated with antifungal medications, but the infection is likely to recur. Prescription medications also are available.
Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. They can develop from an inherited structural defect, excess stress on your foot, or can result from an existing medical condition.
For the most part, bunions require no medical treatment. However, if you are experiencing one or more of the following, a podiatrist can help alleviate your symptoms.
Corns
Corns tend to be smaller than calluses and are the hard center is surrounded by irritated skin. While corns can be found on the bottom of the foot where pressure is usually applied, it is more common that you find corns on the tops and sides of your toes and even between your toes. When pressure is applied, corns can cause significant pain and discomfort.
Calluses
Calluses, on the other hand, don’t usually cause pain. They usually develop on the soles of your feet, especially under the heels or balls, on your palms, or on your knees. Calluses vary in size and shape and are often larger than corns.
Foot Fractures
Since nearly one-fourth of the bones in our body are in our feet, fractures of the foot are common and rarely debilitating. There are two types of fractures. A stress fracture typically occurs in the space between the toes and middle of the foot, usually as a result of a physical activity gone awry. These fractures are only on the surface of the bone. General bone fractures extend through the bone. These injuries are usually caused by trauma to the foot.
Depending on the fracture and placement, different treatments will be discussed. Foot fractures typically heal on their own, although more serious cases may require surgery.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect your foot is fractured so treatment can begin right away.
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Heel Spurs/Plantar Fasciitis
Heel spurs occur in at least 50% of people who have plantar fasciitis. Past treatments for heel spurs, a bony growth that begins on the front of your heel bone and points toward the arch of your foot, included surgery to remove the growth. Nowadays, surgery is rarely a treatment option and more plans for physical therapy, ice, and pain medications are used to treat heel spurs.
Neuromas
A neuroma can occur in many areas of the body when nerve tissue thickens. Morton’s neuroma is the most typical neuroma that occurs in the foot and it occurs between the third and fourth toes. Also known as an intermetatarsal neuroma, the name describes its location in the ball of the foot.
Compression and irritation typically cause the nerve tissue to thicken. This pressure creates inflammation of the nerve, ultimately causing untreatable damage to the nerves in the foot.
Peripheral Neuropathy
As a result of damaged peripheral nerves, peripheral neuropathy can occur causing symptoms like weakness, numbness, burning, and tingling in the hands and feet as well as other parts of the body. Traumatic injuries, diabetes, and even some exposure to toxins can cause peripheral nerve damage.
Once damage to nerves occurs, the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are gradual and worsen with time. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to aid in the prevention of damage to those specific nerves.
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Warts
Plantar warts are caused by the HPV virus and cause tiny cuts and breaks on the bottom of your feet.
While most plantar warts are not a major health concern, it is advised you see a doctor to have the warts examined and removed. Some symptoms include small, rough lesions on the base of the foot, calluses in one spot, and tenderness when walking or standing for long periods of time.
Wound Care
Ulcers on the foot may not always come with pain, but they are serious conditions that should be evaluated by a medical professional. The symptoms of ulcers may include drainage, or red, inflamed tissue. To properly diagnose and develop a treatment plan x-rays may be ordered.
PodoPediatrics
At Hilliard Family PODIATRY, we believe that podopediatrics and preventative podiatry care is essential for ensuring children develop healthy, strong feet and sure footing as they mature into adults. We all know that your feet need to last a lifetime, and with preventative care during development, you have the unique ability to help your child avoid life-altering disabilities long before they manifest as progressive podiatric deformities.
When it comes to monitoring the development of a child’s gait or feet development, it’s important to know that just because a child isn’t complaining of pain or discomfort in their feet, doesn’t mean they aren’t suffering from a podiatry-related problem. Challenges such as difficulty walking or running, and even excessive stumbling and clumsiness are all signs of potential underlying podiatric issues that can be treated in our office. It is for this reason that early intervention is critical to avoiding foot problems later in life.
Preventative care is especially important for children playing sports. With frequent podiatric evaluations during a child’s development, we are able to care for and optimize a child’s foot and lower body posture to reduce the risk of injury while preparing for the demands of sports and physical activities. Whether it’s treating a present problem such as having flat feet or preventing potential painful, life-altering conditions, Hilliard Family PODIATRY is here to help you and your family every step of the way.
For more information about podopediatrics or to request an appointment, contact us today at (614) 636-3668.
Ulcers
A diabetic foot ulcer is a wound that occurs on the foot, heel, or toes of a person with diabetes. The elevated blood glucose levels of a diabetic patient can lead to nerve damage and contribute to a lack of feeling in the feet. If an injury occurs, they may not feel pain and may not be aware of the injury. Furthermore, poor circulation and a weakened immune system commonly associated with diabetes can reduce the body’s ability to heal quickly making diabetic patients prone to infection. It is important to seek treatment immediately if an ulcer is found as diabetic foot ulcers should be treated as soon as possible to minimize the risk of further infection or amputations.There are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing foot ulcers:
- Avoid cutting or shaving your callus on your own as you may cause more damage
- Inspect your feet daily
- Maintain good blood sugar levels
- Trim your toenails straight across to reduce your risk of ingrown nails that can lead to infection
- Wear shoes that protect and support your feet without causing friction or pressure
With good conservative care by your podiatrist and your cooperation, a diabetic foot ulcer can be managed and treated successfully. We can remove dead skin and foreign objects that may have caused the ulcer as well as treat any signs of infection. In severe cases, surgery may be performed to alleviate pressure around the ulcer. In some severe cases, amputation may be necessary, but it is only used as the last option for treatment and once all other treatment options have been tried and exhausted.
For more information on diabetic foot ulcers or to schedule a consultation, contact our office today at (614) 636-3668.
Diabetic Foot Care
Daily preventative care can help you decrease your risk of developing these other serious conditions like ulcers and infections. Inspecting your feet at the end of the day to look for any abnormalities, maintaining proper hygiene, keeping your feet warm in cold weather, encouraging blood flow in the feet, and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle can discourage other conditions from developing.
Flat Feet
Flat foot is a condition where the arches on the inside of your feet are flattened which causes the sole of the foot to touch the floor when standing upright. It is likely for flat feet to be caused by the arches not fully developing during childhood and is considered a very common and painless condition. On the other hand, flat feet can occur after an injury or from the normal aging process.
While it is common not to experience any pain or symptoms of flat feet, some people do tend to sense pain in the heel or arch area. Physical activity can irritate the area and inflame the foot along the inside of the ankle. This can be caused by the tendon that is supporting the arch being stretched as it is depreciating.
Geriatric Foot Care
As we age, foot problems are almost inevitable and completely normal. However, there are important steps to take to make sure you stay on your feet.
Health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory issues may cause problems that present themselves in the feet. It is very important to monitor your foot health and seek medical attention whenever you notice a problem. Below are some daily tips and tricks to keep your feet healthy.
Gout
Often we associate arthritis with older patients who have lived an active lifestyle. Gout, on the other hand, can affect anyone. Gout is a common form of arthritis that is known for its sudden attacks of pain and joint tenderness. Joints that are affected by gout are often hot to the touch, swollen, and very tender. While symptoms are not chronic, it is essential to take preventative measures to manage gout as its side effects can be debilitating and intolerable.
- Stay hydrated. By drinking plenty of fluids and limiting sugary drinks, you can help prevent future gout attacks.
- Maintain a healthy weight as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Some types of alcohol are more likely to increase the likelihood of a gout attack.
- Consider adding low-fat dairy products to your diet. These foods are proven to help protect against gout and are excellent sources of protein.
Hammertoes
Hammertoe is a deformity where one or both joints of the second, third, fourth or fifth toes begin to bend outside of their normal alignment. Pressure can begin to weigh heavy on the toes as you wear shoes which is where pain and other symptoms develop.
Hammertoes typically begin with small symptoms and deformities and continue to worsen with time. In its beginning stages, hammertoes are often impressionable which means they can be controlled using minimal treatment. It is important to know the signs of hammertoes to get them evaluated early. If left untreated, hammertoes can become more firm and difficult to manipulate, requiring surgery.
Heel Pain
Here at Hilliard Family PODIATRY we offer services to help those patients who struggle with heel pain. Heel pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, and it is our goal to help determine and treat the cause of your pain rather than simply masking your symptoms.
Whether you are struggling with plantar fasciitis, a stress fracture, tendonitis, or even a cyst, we are here to help. Once your heel pain has a proper diagnosis, we can work with you to establish a customized care plan for your treatment.
For more information about our services or to schedule a consultation, contact us today at (614) 636-3668.
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Injuries
Did you know that foot and ankle injuries are actually quite common? These injuries often occur when the ligaments that support the foot or ankle stretch beyond their limits and tear. This can be very painful, and can limit your ability to walk or bear weight. A foot or ankle injury can happen to anyone and can range from mild to severe. Here at Hilliard Family PODIATRY we provide treatment and rehabilitation for various types of foot and ankle injuries. We will do everything we can to assist you throughout your treatment and educate you on ways to prevent future injuries. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (614) 636-3668.
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Sprains/Strains
Chronic ankle instability is usually caused by repeated ankle sprains or strains and is described as the gradual giving way of the outside of the ankle. Symptoms of ankle instability typically occur after a sprain or after the ankle is sprained, and consist of constant inflammation or swelling, tenderness, and weakness in the ankle.
A sprained ankle occurs when you unnaturally twist your ankle, causing the ligaments holding your ankle bones together to stretch or tear. Most sprained ankles involve injuries to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle.
Similarly, a strain can happen when there is a sudden twist, pull, or tear in the muscles or tendons in the ankle. Chronic strains are those that occur over several days or weeks and are usually caused by repetitive movements.
Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the damage. Although you may just need proper rest and pain medications to heal, it is important to have the sprain looked at by a professional to determine the severity and appropriate treatment.
After an ankle sprain or strain, proper rehabilitation is required to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and rehabilitate the tissues within the ankle that affect your balance. Also, physical therapy, medications, and bracing can help treat chronic ankle instability. Failure to do so may result in repeated ankle sprains or strains, and possibly surgery.
If you have questions about our services or would like to request an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!