Posts for category: Foot Conditions

- Seek immediate medical attention (head to your local ER)
- You may need a tetanus shot if it’s been more than 10 years since your last shot
- Schedule an appointment with your podiatrist within 24 hours of the injury
- Your podiatrist will provide you with a variety of care instructions to keep it clean and disinfected (make sure to follow all of these instructions)
- Fever
- New or worsening pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Drainage
- Skin that’s warm to the touch
Foot First Podiatry Center

- Pain that occurs immediately after an injury or accident
- Pain that is directly above a bone
- Pain that is worse with movement
- Bruising and severe swelling
- A cracking sound at the moment of injury
- A visible deformity or bump
- Can’t put weight on the injured foot
The symptoms of a sprain are far less severe. You can often put weight on the injured foot with a sprain; however, you may notice some slight pain and stiffness. You may also have heard a popping sound at the moment of the injury with a sprain, while a broken bone often produces a cracking sound. The pain associated with a sprain will also be above soft tissue rather than bone. A podiatrist will perform an X-ray to be able to determine if you are dealing with a break or a sprain.
Rest is key to allowing an injury, particularly a fracture, to heal properly. Along with rest, your doctor may also recommend either an over-the-counter or prescription-strength pain reliever, depending on the severity of your fracture. Those with more moderate to severe fractures may require a special boot, brace, or splint. Those with more severe fractures may need to wear a cast and use crutches, so they can avoid putting any weight on the foot.

- You experience pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the joints of the foot, particularly the toes
- You experience aching feet, particularly after activity or long periods of standing
- Some parts of your foot may feel oddly warm to the touch or may emanate heat while the rest of the foot feels normal
- The joints of the toes and ankles may swell
What does RA do to the feet and ankles?
Along with painful joints and stiffness, you may also notice other changes to your feet over time. Some of these changes include,
- Bunions
- Corns
- Hammertoes and claw toes
- Bursitis
- Circulation issues (e.g. atherosclerosis; Raynaud’s phenomena)
Since RA is not curable, your podiatrist will focus on crafting a treatment plan that will help to alleviate your symptoms and slow the progression of the disease to prevent severe and irreparable joint damage. Prescription medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are biologics that can reduce inflammation and prevent the progression of the disease.
Of course, there are also lifestyle changes you can make along with taking prescription medication that can also ease symptoms,
- Warm soaks
- Custom insoles or orthotics
- Pain relievers
- Compression
- Stretching exercises for the feet
- Bracing
- Steroid injections (for targeting severe inflammation)
Most people with RA will eventually develop foot and ankle problems, which is why it’s important to have a podiatrist on your team that can help you manage your RA effectively.
Don’t let painful heels get in the way of your daily routine!
Heel pain is a common complaint, particularly in runners; however, you don’t have to be a runner to experience heel pain. If you find yourself wearing high heels regularly or on your feet most of the day for work, then you may also deal with bouts of heel pain. Most cases of heel pain that our New Albany, IN, podiatrist Dr. Zahid Ladha sees is caused by plantar fasciitis.
Signs of Plantar Fasciitis
While the majority of heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis, this isn’t the only condition that can cause heel pain. You could be dealing with plantar fasciitis if you are experiencing,
- A stabbing, aching or throbbing pain at the bottom of the heel
- Stiffness in the heel that you may notice first thing in the morning
- Heel pain that is worse in the morning or after long periods of inactivity
- Pain that radiates to the arches of the foot
- Pain that eases up as you move around
Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms Can Last a While
It’s important not to ignore your heel pain, as you’ll find yourself dealing with this problem for far longer than you want. In fact, even with proper rest, it can take weeks or even months for the inflamed tissue in the feet to heal (especially if there are micro-tears present).
Of course, if your heel pain isn’t improving with rest and home care after five days, if heel pain is getting worse or if you can’t put any weight on the foot then it’s important that you schedule an appointment with our New Albany, IN, podiatrist.
Just About Anyone Can Develop Heel Pain
While we often see this problem in athletes, you don’t have to be a physically active person in order to deal with this problem. We also find that people with flat feet or high arches, as well as those who are overweight, are more likely to deal with heel pain. People who are on their feet most of the day for work, as well as those who don’t wear properly cushioned and supportive shoes, may also find themselves dealing with heel pain at some point.
If you are dealing with plantar fasciitis that keeps returning or isn’t responding to home care, then it’s time to see our New Albany, IN, podiatrist as soon as possible. Call Foot First Podiatry at (812) 945-9221 to schedule an immediate evaluation.

- Pain at the ball of the foot near the big toe
- Pain when bending or straightening the big toe
- Swelling
- Pain that comes up gradually
How is sesamoiditis treated?
The good news is that this inflammatory condition can be treated with rest and home care designed to ease the inflamed tendon or muscle. At-home care for sesamoiditis looks like:
- Avoiding any activities that put pressure on the foot
- Taking a pain reliever such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling
- Wearing supportive shoes with ample cushioning
- Applying ice to the foot for 10-15 minutes every few hours
- Avoiding shoes with pointed toes or high heels
If you are experiencing severe or persistent foot pain, you must seek podiatry care from a qualified foot and ankle specialist. Foot pain should not go ignored. Call your podiatrist today.