Warts

Plantar warts affect 14 percent of Americans annually. If you're one of the unlucky ones, learn how to recognize this common foot issue and seek treatment with Dr. Sara Shirazi.

Overview: Plantar Wart is a type of wart that forms on the sole of the foot. It causes a patch of thickened skin. Plantar warts are common, and they aren't harmful. But they can be tender, and they can be embarrassing and contagious.

Causes: Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus. We call it "HPV." You can come into contact with this virus if you walk barefoot in places that are warm and damp. It can enter the sole of your foot through a cut or a sore. It infects the outermost layer of your skin.

Symptoms: A plantar wart can be uncomfortable. It can cause pain when you stand or walk. Most plantar warts are no larger than a pencil eraser. Your wart may be flat like a callus. It may grow inward instead of outward. It may have tiny black dots in its center. You may have one wart, or you may have several. They can form in a cluster. In some cases a cluster of plantar warts grows very large and covers much of the sole of your foot.

Treatment: In some cases, plantar warts don't need to be treated. Over time, they often clear up on their own. But a painful or unsightly wart can be treated and removed. Often times, these do present in pediatric patients. No need to worry---Call us at 626-517-0022 to discuss further!

Hallux Rigidus (Stiff Big Toe Joint)

Overview : Hallux Rigidus is a type of arthritis that affects the base of the big toe. It forms in the metatarsophalangeal joint (doctors call it the "MTPJ"). With hallux rigidus, the protective cartilage on the ends of these bones wears away which causes bone to rub against bone. Bony growths called "bone spurs" may form. Your toe stiffens, and this can make walking uncomfortable or even painful.

Causes: Doctors don't fully understand exactly what causes this type of arthritis. It may be caused by overuse, genetics, poor shoe gear, etc. It may be linked to a foot injury or other problem. It may be linked to a certain type of foot anatomy that puts stress on the MTP joint.

Symptoms: Hallux rigidus tends to develop between the ages of 30 and 60. It causes pain and stiffness. You may not be able to bend the toe up or down. The joint may swell. Your toe may hurt more with activity. Calluses may form which is an indication that you may need either orthotics or, in the more serious case, surgical treatment.

Treatment: Treatment may include medication, inserts/orthotics, specific shoes that support your toe. You may need to limit activities that make your symptoms worse. If these don't help, you may benefit from surgery. Call us to discuss further at 626-517-0022.

Achilles Tendon Injuries

The Achilles tendon is a thick and powerful band of fibrous tissue. They connect your calf muscles to your heel bone. The tendons help you walk, run and jump. Achilles injuries are common and, if you watch any sports, you've likely heard of these injuries already!

The Achilles tendon is thick and powerful band of fibrous tissue which connects your calf muscles (Gastrocnemius) to your heel bone (calcaneus). The achilles tendon will help you walk, run and jump.

Overuse Injuries : You can injure an Achilles tendon due to overuse. That can happen if you walk or run for exercise. It can occur with basketball players and for other athletes who do ballistic type motions/jump often. A tendon injured from overuse is swollen and painful. This is referred to as, "tendinitis." If neglected, this injury can turn into a chronic problem which is difficult to fix. It can lead to a condition we call "tendinosis." That is a breakdown of the tendon tissue that gets worse over time.

Tendon Rupture: Another common injury is a tendon tear. That happens when you stretch an Achilles tendon too far. A quick, extreme leg movement (like if you suddenly break into a run, or if you trip or stumble) may tear a tendon. Many complain of a "pop" sound. It happens to people of all ages, who play sports that require a lot of running with stops and sharp turns. You may feel like you got hit in the back of the ankle at the time of injury, or it can weaken over time in a less noticeable way. A tear can be very painful, and it can make it hard for you to walk. The achilles tendon is also known to rupture as a side effect of certain medication.

Treatment: If you have injured an Achilles tendon, it's important to get proper care so you don't have ongoing problems. Some injuries can be treated with rest, medications, boot/ orthotics and physical therapy. If you have torn your tendon, you may benefit from a walking boot or a cast. Or, your tendon can be repaired with minimally invasive or more invasive surgery. Be sure to read our post about Tenex to review a quick, minimally invasive option for achilles tendinosis.

You may read more about Tenex here: https://www.tenexhealth.com/faq/

Other In Office Treatment Options for Achilles Tendonitis

If you don’t experience relief with home treatments, I offer treatments after evaluation in my office. These include:

• Taping or strapping the foot. I can apply kinesio tape, such as Rocktape, to support and reduce painful symptoms

• Physical therapy is something I can write a prescription for if home stretches are not enough. Physical therapists offer a wide range of modalities to treat this condition including ultrasound therapy. This uses sound waves to generate heat, loosening up tissue to increase response to stretching. Manual techniques such as massage of the calf muscle along the full length of the tendon can also work

• I may give an anti inflammation injection or prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory medication

• Custom or semi custom orthotics with a heel lift to reduce tension on the Achilles tendon

• Night splint for wearing in the evening or during sleep to passively stretch the tendon

• Additional non-invasive treatment options are available

• Surgery may even be discussed as a last resort

Call our office today at (626) 517-0022, so we can create a plan that's right for you.

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