Items filtered by date: May 2015

Since Alta Ridge Foot Specialists opened their Spruce Pine, Mars Hill and Boone locations, the towns in Avery, Madison, Mitchell, North Buncombe, Watauga and Yancey counties including Newland, Banner Elk, Mars Hill, Marshall, Hot Springs, Spruce Pine, Bakersville, Weaverville, Barnardsville, Burnsville and Boone have their own FOOT AND ANKLE SPECIALIST or PODIATRIST.

A podiatrist specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of all foot and ankle problems. This could be a simple problem like a wart, toenail/foot fungus, an ingrown toenail, or a common problem like heel pain, hammertoes, or a bunion. A podiatrist also treats complex problems like diabetic foot infections and foot/ankle reconstructive surgery. We treat it all.

A podiatrist understands common diseases of the body like diabetes, arthritis, heart and lung disease, hypertension, and therefore is able to properly tailor treatment of your foot and ankle problem in a way that recognizes other treatments you are receiving.

The path to become a podiatrist is similar to that of other doctors. A podiatrist first completes a standard four year undergraduate degree. Following undergraduate studies, the podiatrist attends a podiatric medical school for four years. During the first two years, he studies anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, histology, pharmacology, etc. just as a medical doctor would. In their third and fourth years of podiatric medical school, the training includes clinical rotations in foot and ankle medicine and surgery, as well as anesthesiology, radiology, internal medicine, and vascular surgery. Our doctors had these rotations and classes alongside their medical student counterparts. Dr. Broyles and Dr. van Brederode attended the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and Dr. Verla attended the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine.

Following graduation from podiatric medical school, podiatrists pursue residency training that is 3 years in length with optional fellowship opportunities available for further sub-specialization training. This training occurs in the hospital setting. The first year is very similar to a medical intern’s first year including radiology, pathology, emergency medicine, neurology, infectious disease, pediatrics, orthopedics, anesthesiology, vascular surgery, and internal medicine rotations. Training in the latter years of residency continues in those specialties, but focuses on advanced foot and ankle medicine and surgery. During the entire residency training period, the doctors also run a regular clinic where they treat patients with a variety of all foot and ankle problems.

You deserve to have a podiatrist to treat your foot and ankle problem. Always see the SPECIALIST.

Dr. Broyles and Dr. van Brederode are board certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. Utilizing both in-office and hospital facilities, The doctors of Alta Ridge Foot Specialists surgically treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions including:

• Bunions
• Heel Spurs
• Metatarsal Abnormalities
• Hammertoes
• Soft Tissue masses/ Cysts
• Neuromas
• Skin lesions
• Ingrown Toenails
• Bone Spurs
• Foot and Ankle Fractures
• Tendon repair
• Ankle arthroscopy
• Flatfoot reconstruction

Heel Pain

Heel pain is a common complaint, affecting people of all ages. While plantar fasciitis often steals the spotlight, several other culprits can be behind your discomfort. Let’s delve into the different causes, treatments, and how our experts at Alta Ridge Foot Specialists can guide you towards pain-free steps.

The Culprits Behind Heel Pain

Plantar Fasciitis: This inflammation of the ligament supporting your arch is a frequent offender, especially for those with high or flat arches. It often presents as stabbing pain upon getting up after rest.

Other Causes: Don’t dismiss other possibilities like fractures, nerve issues, tumors, or arthritis. We’ll carefully examine your foot, gait, and even utilize X-rays to pinpoint the root cause.

Finding Relief: A Multi-Pronged Approach

Fortunately, most heel pain cases respond well to non-surgical treatments, like:

• Custom Orthotics: Address mechanical imbalances, controlling the arch and reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
• Stretching & Night Splints: Gentle stretches and wearing a night splint help keep the plantar fascia flexible and promote healing.
• Pain Management: Anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, and ice therapy can offer temporary relief.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Supportive shoes, avoiding barefoot walking, and reducing standing time on hard surfaces contribute significantly to recovery.

Advanced Solutions for Persistent Pain

For chronic cases, we may explore options like:

• Cast Immobilization: This temporary measure allows complete rest and healing in severe cases.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (EPAT): Sound waves target the painful area, stimulating tissue repair and pain relief.
• Surgery: In rare instances, surgery might be necessary to address specific structural issues.

Prevention is key! Long-term use of orthotics and stretching will help manage the problem and prevent recurrences.

Ready to Take Steps Towards Pain-Free Heels?

Schedule an appointment with our foot specialists today. We’ll work with you to diagnose the cause of your heel pain and create a personalized treatment plan to get you back on your feet comfortably.

Dr. van Brederode – Shockwave Treatment for Heel Pain

Bunions are a frequently encountered foot problem. The bunion is caused by heredity, flat feet, arthritis, trauma, and neuromuscular conditions. Usually the bunion is aggravated by tighter shoes and activity. The “bump” at the big toe joint that we call a bunion is actually caused by outward deviation of the metatarsal bone and inward deviation of the big toe toward the second toe leading to pain at the joint. Initial treatment will involve foot examination and x-rays to assess the deformity.

Generally, bunions can be classified as mild, moderate, and severe. In some cases, mild and moderate bunion deformities can be treated successfully to reduce associated pain with non-surgical means. This can be achieved using custom foot orthotics to control the mechanical foot instability that causes the bunion formation and thus prevent worsening of the bunion. Anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, padding, and shoe changes also assist in reducing symptoms.

If non-surgical treatment does not reduce symptoms or in cases of severe bunions, surgical treatment may be necessary. Bunion surgery is typically done as an outpatient procedure at the hospital. You will have follow-up visits and x-rays in the office to help you heal properly. Even after surgery, the custom foot orthotics and well-fitting shoes are necessary to control the mechanical forces which caused the bunion in the first place and help prevent bunion recurrence.

At Alta Ridge Foot Specialists we are ready for any of your toenail issues whether it is a painful ingrown toenail, a thick, abnormally colored nail, a nail injury, or even toenails that just need trimming. Although a toenail is a small thing, it can cause a lot of pain!

Ingrown toenails should be treated promptly by a doctor. Often trying to “fix it yourself” or putting off treatment can lead to infection. In most cases, a very simple procedure can be performed in the office under local anesthesia to remove the portion of nail causing the problem. Post-procedure aftercare is easy and return to activity is generally quick.

Thick, discolored toenails are often caused by a fungus that penetrates the nail. This can occur after your shoe has been rubbing on the nail, or if you have had your nails clipped with an unclean nail clipper. Simple diagnostic tests can be done on a clipping of nail to determine if fungus is present. If fungus is present, an appropriate treatment course will be started which may include oral or topical medication, or even trimming the nail depending on the patient’s needs and health status.

Toenail injuries are common especially at work, in hikers, and with sports that require lots of stopping and starting (like tennis and basketball). Often, one will notice pain and swelling around the base of the toenail, as well as fluid collection and a black and blue appearance under the nail. This condition should be treated promptly to help prevent infection.

Hammertoes are often noticed as one develops corns and calluses on their toes. The corn/callus is actually caused by an underlying joint contracture of the toe. This contracture of the toe joint causes the corn/callus and becomes painful as shoes rub on the area. Abnormal mechanical foot function, arthritis, and trauma can cause hammertoes.

Initial treatment will involve foot examination and x-rays to assess the deformity. Often, trimming the associated corn/callus, changing shoe gear, and use of padded toe splints can reduce the symptoms. In some cases, anti-inflammatory medicines and cortisone injections may be used to reduce pain.

If pain persists despite non-surgical treatment, then surgery is utilized to treat the painful joint contracture. This surgery is an out-patient procedure done at the hospital. Follow-up visits and x-rays will be done in the office to help you heal properly.

There are many causes of nerve pain in the foot. Some cases are simple, such as a shoe that is too tight impinging on a nerve leading to pain. Other instances are more complex, such as the metabolic effects of diabetes on the nerve leading to pain.

One of the most common forms of nerve pain of the foot is called a neuroma. This is an enlargement of the nerve caused by pressure on the nerve. This pressure is caused by impinging structures including ligaments and sometimes blood vessels. More often, the neuroma is caused by the adjacent metatarsal bones pinching on the nerve during normal walking, standing, and exercise. Common description of symptoms include: numbness and burning in the toes, a feeling that the “sock is wadded up” or “that something is in the foot”, a pain in the ball of the foot. Walking barefoot or exercise may worsen the symptoms.

Treatment involves foot examination and x-rays, followed by anti-inflammatory medication and/or cortisone injections. Custom foot orthotics are also vital in treating a neuroma because they prevent the mechanical forces causing the metatarsal bones to pinch on the nerve. Supportive, cushioned shoes are also helpful.

In some chronic cases denatured alcohol injections are administered to “shrink down” the abnormal nerve. If pain persists, the neuroma can be surgically removed.

Another common form of nerve pain in the foot is called neuropathy. This is most often encountered in patients with diabetes, but can also occur in alcoholics, individuals with poor nutrition, people who have worked a great deal around metals, and in some cases of infectious diseases. In its milder states, neuropathy can just be a numb feeling in the toes – a “pins and needles” feeling. It can progress to the point that this feeling extends up the leg. The condition can also become painful. Some individuals describe a sharp, burning sensation, like walking on nails, particularly when sitting or trying to sleep. This can even wake an individual at night.

Treatment consists of determining the root cause of the neuropathy. This may involve x-rays, blood tests, and special nerve tests to assess nerve function. Further treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, for example, treating and controlling diabetes, and then utilizing medications that can reduce the pain associated with the neuropathy. This will involve a “team approach” with both the medical doctor and podiatrist.

Take the first step toward relieving your foot nerve pain by visiting Alta Ridge Foot Specialists.

Children’s Foot Problems

Some foot and ankle problems tend to effect children more frequently. Often we excuse their aches or problems as “growing pains”, or try an easy over-the-counter remedy, when really their condition deserves a foot specialist’s attention. In fact, early treatment of some conditions may reduce or eliminate problems for them as an adult.

Flat Feet

Many parents are told that their children will outgrow their “flat feet”. In some cases this is true, but often the child would benefit from simple treatment. Often what we call “flat feet” or “fallen arches” is actually a functional problem of the foot called hyperpronation or too much inward motion of the arch. Hyperpronation, over time, can influence many structural conditions of the foot and ankle including bunions and hammertoes. It can also be influential in causing painful conditions like plantar fasciitis and neuromas, that tend to occur in adulthood. Custom foot orthotics can be made for your child. These are custom molded arch supports that control the mechanical instability of the foot similar to how eyeglasses control the mechanical imbalance of the eye.

Heel Pain in Children

Have you noticed your child running on their toes during their game? Or not wanting to run around outside and play because their heel hurts? Very commonly girls between 7 to 9 and boys between 9 to12 are affected by a painful inflammatory condition to the growth plate of their heel. The growth plate along the back of the heel is attached to two soft tissue structures – the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia. High activity and lack of foot support cause these soft tissue structures to apply high tension to the growth plate of the heel causing pain. This condition is treatable and should be addressed so the child can get back to activity comfortably.

Ingrown Toenails

Because children pick at or tear their toenails, or cut them improperly, they are at risk to get an ingrown toenail. These usually go unnoticed by the parent until it gets infected. Parents and children often get frustrated as they try to cure the infected ingrown toenail. Frequently the problem recurs if the treatment consists only of oral antibiotics and foot soaks. To properly cure this problem, it is vital to see your foot specialist who can perform a very simple procedure to remove the small portion of ingrown nail that has caused the infection.

Ankle Sprains

With the advent of the “child athlete”, kids are playing sports at younger ages and with higher levels of competition. An ankle sprain is one the most common injuries they may encounter. In some cases, a sprain of the ankle may involve damage to important ligaments that promote ankle stability, or actually may be a fracture of the ankle growth plate. Often parents simply ice the ankle and have the child rest, when really the ankle should be examined thoroughly and treated.

Warts

Children and teens are most commonly affected by plantar warts. Commonly the pediatric population encounters these during the warmer months of the year when children are at the pool or the recreation club. Warts are caused by a virus, and because of this may form multiple warts on your child’s foot or even spread to other family members. Many gentle treatments exist to help rid your child of their plantars wart.

Visit Alta Ridge Foot Specialists and let our doctors help your child’s foot and ankle problem. Dr. van Brederode has five children and Dr. Broyles has four children. They both relate well to young patients. Your child’s foot and ankle problem deserves a specialist’s attention.