August 2021

The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint connects the toes to the rest of the feet. The MTP joint that is located at the base of the big toe, in particular, is a frequent site of arthritis, stiffness, and deformity. Conservative treatments, such as doing foot stretching and strengthening exercises, taking anti-inflammatory medications, or injecting steroids into the joint, are sometimes effective for managing symptoms and reducing pain. However, severe symptoms that do not respond to conservative treatments may require surgical intervention. During a joint replacement surgery, the damaged MTP joint is replaced with a prosthetic. If you are suffering from MTP joint pain, please consult with a podiatrist, who can determine the right course of treatment for you. 

In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, consult with Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.

Arthritis in the Foot

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.

Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot

The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.

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

If you work a job that requires you to stand for prolonged periods of time, you may be more at risk of developing various foot and ankle problems. Fortunately, you can take several measures to reduce this risk. When standing at work, it is suggested that you change your position with slight movements frequently. Doing short, simple foot and ankle stretches, such as rolling a ball underneath each foot or flexing and extending your feet can help maintain strength, flexibility, and circulation in your lower limbs. You should also wear properly-fitted, comfortable, and supportive shoes and socks, and stand on an anti-fatigue mat if your workplace provides one. If possible, you should also alternate sitting, standing, and walking approximately every half hour and limit the total amount of time that you stand to no more than half of the work day. To learn more about caring for your feet when you have to stand for work, please consult with a podiatrist.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Heel pain can have a variety of causes, but the most common cause of it is plantar fasciitis. This occurs when the long band of tissue on the sole of the foot becomes inflamed. Women late in their pregnancy and people who waitress or work on their feet all day may be more at risk for developing this type of heel pain. Other causes of heel pain can include: a small crack in the heel bone, compressed nerves, worn down heel pads, nerve damage, thickened tissue surrounding a nerve, inflammation of the tendon that connects the heel bone with the calf muscles, plantar warts, and abnormalities in the bone which can causes inflammation of the bursa sac. There may also be injury to the tunnel between the heel and talus bones known as Sinus Tarsi Syndrome.  If you are struggling with any type of pain in your heel it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM of Elite Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot drop is often caused by a compression of the nerve that controls the muscles that lift the foot. When this occurs the front part of the foot and toes are difficult to lift or move due to muscular weakness or paralysis. Foot drop may also cause the foot to drag on the ground while walking. This is usually a sign of an underlying problem such as muscular damage, nerve damage like neuropathy, or a brain or spinal injury. While foot drop usually only affects one foot, it can affect both feet depending on the cause. It is most commonly temporary, but in severe cases it may be permanent. People who are finding it difficult to lift the front part of their foot off the ground should consult with a podiatrist who can help diagnose the underlying condition. A podiatrist will also be able to prescribe custom made orthotics or shoe inserts as well as other treatment options depending on the severity.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

The feet are the foundation of our bodies and while supporting our weight, they are also essential for mobility. Because of this, any foot-related issue should be addressed by a podiatrist. Common foot conditions a podiatrist can help with include athlete’s foot, bunions, hammertoes, corns, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis or heel pain, and foot blisters. Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that thrives between the toes or on the bottom of the feet that results in itching, burning, or scaling of the skin. Bunions are painful bumps that usually develop at the site of the big toe joint and cause the big toe to bend towards the smaller toes. Ingrown toenails occur as the nail grows into the sides of the nail bed. The skin around the affected toenail is typically swollen, red, painful, and can become infected. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. This is a result of the plantar fascia, which runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, becoming inflamed or torn. Patients who are suffering from any foot-related problem should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.