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News

07 May 2021
By Barrett Podiatry
What is that painful bump on the side of my Foot?

What is that painful bump on the side of my Foot?

News
It Could Be A Tailor's Bunion A Tailor's Bunion, or bunionette, is a bump or prominence on your fifth metatarsal bone, at the head of the 5th metatarsal and base of the little toe.  You have 5 long, thin bones in your mid-foot called metatarsals  which attach to your toes.  Shoe pressure and ground reactive forces can cause pain when the Tailor’s Bunion is present. The origin of the name Tailor's Bunion is interesting.  It is said to derive from the Tailors of textiles who would need to work a pedal to operate the old style sewing machines.  The side…
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23 Apr 2021
By Barrett Podiatry
Why Does Diabetes cause Foot problems? Part II

Why Does Diabetes cause Foot problems? Part II

Diabetic Foot Problems
Most people know that people with Diabetes are prone to foot and leg problems, such as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and Peripheral Neuropathy. Here are some ways to prevent and treat these conditions. #1 Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). People with Diabetes are at a higher risk for this “hardening of the arteries” disease that causes decreased oxygen to the lower legs and feet. If it is not addressed, the lack of oxygen can result in ulcers and even gangrene which is the death of the tissue. The best way to prevent this from happening is to maintain a healthy lifestyle,…
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09 Apr 2021
By Barrett Podiatry
Why Does Diabetes cause Foot problems? Part I

Why Does Diabetes cause Foot problems? Part I

Diabetic Foot Problems
Most people know that people with Diabetes are prone to foot and leg problems. But do you know why? What causes both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes to damage the blood vessels and nerves in the feet? There are two key conditions that cause these issues: #1 Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). PAD causes atherosclerotic plaques to narrow the arteries outside of the heart and brain. You’ve probably heard of this as “hardening of the arteries”. People with Diabetes are at a higher risk for developing PAD. The hardening of the arteries causes decreased oxygen to the lower legs and…
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26 Mar 2021
By Barrett Podiatry
Hate the Bunion?

Hate the Bunion?

Bunions
Why do I have a bunion? Blame your genetics first, but your footwear next! Bunions tend to run in families, specifically among those who have the foot type prone to developing a bunion. If you have flat feet, low arches, arthritis, or inflammatory joint disease, you can develop a bunion. Footwear choices play a role too! Wearing shoes that are too tight or cause the toes to be squeezed together, like many stylish peep-or pointed-toe shoes, aggravates a bunion-prone foot. I hate my bunion...how do I get rid of it? There are several treatment options available from the most conservative to surgical correction to eliminate the…
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12 Mar 2021
By Barrett Podiatry
Ouch! My Achilles Tendon Won’t Stop Hurting.

Ouch! My Achilles Tendon Won’t Stop Hurting.

Achilles Tendonitis,
Achilles tendon pathology can be separated into several catogies. Paratenosis, or inflamation to the soft tissue surrounding and bringing blood supply to the tendon, Tendonitis, or inflamation of the tendon itself, and finally Tendonosis, or a severe case of loss of blood supply to the paratenon and tendon; a stage with which cell death and rupture can occur. Most achilles tendon problems arise from a tightening or contraction of the tendon over time combined with over-pronation or fall of the arch of the foot. The achilles tendon twists on itself about 30 degrees in a medial direction from the knee…
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26 Feb 2021
By Barrett Podiatry
Even Professional Athletes Can Suffer From Plantar Fasciitis…A Game Ending Ailment

Even Professional Athletes Can Suffer From Plantar Fasciitis…A Game Ending Ailment

plantar fasciitis,
Professional athletes such as retired San Antonio Spurs player Tim Duncan have dealt with foot pain from a partially torn plantar fascia. Many can end up on the injured list putting a screeching halt to what would have been a successful season for the whole team. Plantar fascia tears are a common result of plantar fasciitis. Your plantar fascia extends from your toes to your heel bone. When the band of tissue has been constantly stretched it can end up having microtears throughout the body of tissue and these tears can cause a lot of pain and inflammation. A partially…
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12 Feb 2021
By Barrett Podiatry
Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown Toenails

News
Do I have an ingrown toenail? Ingrown toenails are usually curved and grown into the skin at the borders, which then causes irritation, pain, redness, swelling. If the nail causes a break in the skin, bacteria can then enter and cause an infection to the area. This will show more redness, and pain with colored or bloody drainage. An ingrown toenail is caused by many things including heredity, trauma, improper trimming, improperly sized footwear, and other nail conditions. Treating ingrown toenails usually requires a minor procedure to remove the offending nail. An oral antibiotic may be prescribed if an infection…
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11 Jan 2021
By Barrett Podiatry

Is Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus Right for You?

Toenail Fungus,
Toenail fungus infections are easy to contract but oftentimes difficult to treat. This is a common annoyance for many patients who struggle with infected nails. Though many of the symptoms appear to be primarily cosmetic, anyone who has experienced a fungal infection knows that the condition is much more than just brittle, yellow nails. In fact, some infections can be very painful, and the affected nails may even separate from the nail bed. If at-home care and over-the-counter products aren’t effective in curing your fungal infection, a local podiatrist can help. Oral antifungal drugs, such as Lamisil, are a common…
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08 Jan 2021
By Barrett Podiatry

A New Approach to Treating Injuries

News
No longer reserved for professional athletes, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is fast becoming the treatment of choice for everyone! What is PRP? PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Platelets are the components of your blood that are best known for blood clotting. Blood is made up of 55% plasma, 45% red blood cells, and about 1% white blood cells and platelets. Platelets also contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors, which are important in the healing of injuries. PRP is the separation of those platelets and plasma from the rest of the blood, which results in a high concentration of the…
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14 Dec 2020
By Barrett Podiatry

Signs Your Orthotics Need a Checkup

Bunions, Heel Pain
Custom orthotics can be an outstanding tool for helping many patients find relief from problems caused by structural abnormalities. This may mean treating heel pain, reducing callus-causing friction, or even taking excess pressure off a bunion. Custom orthotics can do a lot of hard work, but that means they can’t last forever, either. Eventually, the materials of an orthotic will wear down to the point where it is providing less (or no) supportive help. It is also common for circumstances to change, and the need for orthotics to change with them. Regular maintenance and replacement of orthotics is essential to…
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