Diagnostic Imaging for Foot Problems

Diagnostic imaging is used to diagnose a variety of foot problems. Some of the common tests include x-ray, ultrasound and MRI. Your doctor will decide which test(s) are appropriate to get a better look at your ailment. Take a closer look at what each test does.

X-Ray

A form of radiation focused into a beam that creates a picture. Dense tissue, such as bones, look white; less dense tissue, such as muscles, look gray; and air looks black.

X-rays can be done to:

• Detect a fracture or dislocation
• Detect fluid build up
• Detect changes in bones caused by infection, arthritis or bone growths

Ultrasound

Sound waves develop ultrasound images of what is happening inside the body. The echoes the sound waves make determine the size, shape and consistency of soft tissues and organs.

Ultrasounds can be done to:

• Detect soft-tissue injuries
• Diagnose bursitis, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, Morton’s Neuroma, tendonitis, etc.

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging uses a magnetic field and radio wave energy to create pictures of structures within the body.

MRIs can be done to:

• Provide more information about a problem seen on an x-ray or ultrasound
• Detect bone and joint problems
• Detect torn ligaments or tendons
• Detect infection

Image by Eric Schmuttenmaer. Right x-ray 002 - no info. (2006). Flickr.

Foot Surgery

Sometimes surgery may be necessary to fix problems with toes, feet or ankles. To minimize stress surrounding your procedure, be sure to ask your podiatrist as many questions as needed to fully understand the preparation required, the procedure itself, and the recovery. Having a good understanding will help you to be prepared during the entire process.

Diagnostic testing such as x-rays and MRI's may be utilized to determine if surgery is necessary. If it is, your physician may order tests such as blood draws and EKG’s to be sure your body is ready for such a procedure. It is important to share your complete medical history, medications you are on and any known allergies you have.

Your physician will explain the mechanics of the procedure and how it will correct your issue. Make a list of questions you want answered. Some good things to know are:

• Where will the surgery take place – in the office or a hospital setting?
• What kind of anesthesia will I be given? Will I be awake or asleep during the surgery?
• Will I need someone to drive me home?
• What do I need to do the day before and morning of my surgery?
• Will I be prescribed medication?
• How long will recovery be?

The longest conversation you have with your doctor will likely be about the recovery. You’ll want to know if you will have splints, casts, surgical shoes, crutches, etc. and how long it will take until you are able to put pressure on your foot. Recovery time depends on the type of surgery you are having.

Getting all of your questions answered will help you on your road to recovery.

Image by Stacey Kirainpdx. My foot all wrapped up at the podiatrist office. (2009). Flickr.

Foot and Ankle Swelling

Swelling is common in the lower extremities and can occur for a variety of reasons. Feet and ankles can increase in size or change in shape due to a collection of body fluid, tissue growth or abnormal movement of tissue.

Heat

Standing or sitting in the same position in the heat for an extended time can cause swelling in the feet and ankles.

Injury

Injuries like a sprained ankle or stubbed toe can be accompanied by swelling. It is best to rest, ice, compress and elevate the foot.

Lymphedema

A collection of lymphatic fluid in the tissues, lymphedema can occur because of problems with the lymph vessels.

Venous Insufficiency

Blood flows up from the feet to the heart. When blood vessels become weakened, blood can leak back down the vessel and cause fluid retention in the soft tissue of the ankles and feet. 

Disease

Certain heart, liver or kidney diseases can cause swelling in the lower extremities.

Medications

Swelling in the feet and ankles is a possible side effect of certain medications.

Swollen feet can be painful. Talk to you doctor if swelling does not subside. He will be able to find the source of the swelling and may be able to help reduce it.

Image by karendotcom127. IMG_1518. (2008). Flickr.

What do you know about Hammer, Claw and Mallet Toes?

1. Match the problem with the meaning:

1. The toe bends down toward the floor at the middle toe joint causing the middle toe joint to rise up.

2. The toe bends down at the joint closest to the tip of the toe.

3. The toes bend up at the joint where the toes and foot meet, and bend down at the middle joints and at the joints nearest the tip of the toes. This causes the toes to curl downward.

A. Hammer Toe

B. Claw Toe

C. Mallet Toe

2. These toe problems are linked with all of the following conditions. What is the most common?

A. Diabetes

B. Rheumatoid Arthritis

C. Foot or ankle injury

D. Tight shoes

3. Which of the following is not a symptom of hammer, claw and mallet toes?

A. Bent toe

B. Pain

C. Fungus

D. Irritation from footwear

4. True or False? In severe cases, these toe problems may affect your balance.

5. Which is more likely to require surgery?

A. Fixed Joint

B. Flexible Joint

6. The following are two types of surgery used to correct these toe problems. Match the surgical procedure with what it is.

1. Phalangeal head resection

2. Arthrodesis

A. Removing part of the toe bone

B. Removing part of the joint and letting the toe bones grow together.

Check out all the answers in the comments below!

Image by photologue_np. Question Mark. (2013). Flickr.

Running Precautions

We made it; tomorrow is the first day of spring! Though it is still possible to see snow in the springtime, temperatures have climbed above freezing, and more and more people have taken their activities outdoors. It’s hard to drive down the street and not see someone running on the sidewalk. If you are one of those people hitting the pavement, taking proper precautions can help keep you outdoors all running season.

Before running, stretch the muscles in your shins to prevent shin splints from occurring. It is also a good idea to replace your running shoes often. Shin splints can cause shooting pain near the front or the sides of the shin bone and can take you out of your running game for a while.

Wearing shoes that leave enough room will help prevent Morton’s Neuroma. This can cause stinging pain and numbness in the toes and pain in the balls of the feet. If you have experienced Morton’s Neuroma before, orthotics can be a way to help prevent it from re-occurring.

Proper stretching and arch support help to prevent Achilles Tendonitis. This is inflammation of the tendon that attaches to the back of the heel.  If you feel pain or irritation in that area, rest, ice and pain relievers can help. If pain persists, you should see a physician.

Too much stress on the lower extremities can cause Stress Fractures or Plantar Fasciitis. If you experience pain or swelling in your foot or ankle, it is best to see a physician. He will be able to properly diagnose you and set you up with a treatment plan to get you back at your running routing.

Image by Hernan Pinera. Run. (2013). Flickr.

Flip Flop Facts

It seems like just yesterday we were talking about how to pick the proper boot to protect your feet from the harsh winter. The weather is warming up, which means summer and sandal season are right around the corner. Before you ditch your closed toed shoes for something more open, here are a few facts about flip flops that you should be aware of.

Cheap flip flops that have no support put pressure on the outside of the foot instead of the heel while walking, which can change your stride.

Injuries such as twisted ankles and stubbed toes can occur from tripping over the front of flip flops.

The thong part of the sandal that keeps your foot from pushing forward can cause blisters due to rubbing. Chose flip flops with thongs made of soft leathers rather than plastic.

Your toes can get cramped since they are doing all the work gripping the flip flop. Limit the amount of time you are walking in them.

The lack of support can cause pain in the tendons alongside the shins.

Flip flops wear out quickly. If you are going to wear this type of shoe, it is best to buy new from one season to the next.

The sturdier, the better. If you can bend the flip flop in half, it is best to leave them on the sale rack. There are flip flops that offer arch support and shock absorption to better support your foot and ankles.

Image by Bill Selak. Flip Flops. (2007). Flickr.

Foot Pain

Foot pain is a common grievance and a popular reason patients seek out a podiatrist. There are many causes and different types of foot pain. Here are just a few:

Plantar Fasciitis: The band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed

Causes: Excessive pronation, high arches or flat feet, ill-fitting shoes

Complaint: Heel pain that is at its worst first thing in the morning when getting out of bed

Heel Spurs: Abnormal bone growth on the bottom of the heel bone

Causes: Abnormal stride, ill-fitting shoes

Complaint: Foot pain while walking or standing

Metatarsalgia: Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot

Causes: Strenuous activity or ill-fitting shoes

Complaint: Persistent pain

Stone bruise: A deep bruise of the fat pad on the heel or ball of the foot

Causes: Impact injury or stepping on a hard object

Complaint: Persistent pain

Turf Toe: Pain at the base of the big toe due to physical activity

Causes: Strain from hyperextension of the big toe

Complaint: Toe Pain

Toe Sprain: Damage to the tendons or soft tissue of the toe

Causes: Stubbing your toe

Complaint: Pain and swelling

Foot pain is not normal and should not be ignored. There are a number of diagnoses made from a foot pain complaint. Your physician will be able to recommend treatment once the problem is identified.  

Image by Corey Balazowich. Cold Feet. (2007). Flickr.