At Brandywine Foot & Ankle Associates we treat many conditions. Below you will find a list of common conditions and their definitions. We look forward to meeting you and alleviating your foot and ankle discomfort with a treatment that is right for you.
ACHILLES TENDON
This is inflammation to the Achilles tendon which is typically short-lived. If left untreated, it may become Achilles tendonosis, which is when the tendon losses its structure and in most cases, develops microscopic tears.
ARTHRITIC FOOT AND ANKLE
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joint that can produce swelling and pain. If left untreated, it may result in deformity, loss of joint function and decreased ability to walk.
ANKLE INSTABILITY
This is when the outer side of the ankle “gives way” which can result in repeated sprained ankles. It is common for athletes to suffer from chronic ankle instability.
ANKLE SPRAINS
An Ankle sprain usually occurs on the outside of the ankle and is an injury to one or more ligaments.
CALLUSES
These are thickened areas of skin that vary in size and can become painful. They are caused by repeat rubbing of shoes or socks.
ATHLETES FOOT
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection affecting the skin and can occur on any part of the body. It thrives on dark, moist and warm environments which makes feet an ideal location.
BUNIONS
Is a change in the bony structure of the front part of the foot and can be seen visually as a bump on the side of the big toe. Bunions cause the big toe to lean towards the second toe which throws the bones out of alignment.
CORNS
A corn is similar to a callus although it has a central core of hard material and resembles a kernel of corn.
CRUSH INJURIES
These injuries occur when an object crushes or squeezes the foot between another mobile or stationary object.
DIABETIC FOOT CARE
It is important to take additional care of your feet if you have Diabetes. Because Diabetes may cause nerve damage that takes away feeling in your feet, a foreign object in your shoe may be left unnoticed, resulting in blisters or a sore. We look forward to meeting with you to discuss options of Diabetic Foot Care that are best suited for you.
DIABETIC FOOT INFECTIONS
If you have Diabetes, it is important to treat blisters and sores to your feet as soon as they are noticed. Untreatable wounds could put you at risk of an amputation.
DIABETIC SHOE PROGRAM
These shoes are specially designed to increase circulation and decrease friction and pressure to your feet. Wearing these shoes may help decrease chances of getting an untreatable infection, gangrene or even amputation.
FLAT FEET
Degrees of flatfeet may vary from partial to total collapse of the arch. This is a complex disorder associated with wide-ranging symptoms.
FRACTURES
This can be a partial or complete break in a bone, ranging in severity. It is common for people mistaken an ankle fracture for a sprained ankle.
FUNGUS TOENAILS
Fungal Toenails: Toenail fungus is an organism that can affect people of all ages. It can be seen as a yellowing of the toenail.
GERIATRIC FOOT CARE
Problems with feet can be the first sign of a more serious medical problem. It is important to practice good foot care.
HAMMERTOES
Poorly fitted shoes or high heels may cause hammertoes. Its name comes from the permanently bent shape the toe takes on. Treatment may be noninvasive if caught in its earlier stages.
HEEL SPURS
Heel spurs occur over a long period of time when calcium deposits build up under the heal bone. They are common with runners or other sports that are strenuous on the foot muscles and ligaments.
INFECTIONS
Foot infections are caused by a bacterial infection when germs multiply and damage the tissue. They can have serious consequences if not treated quickly.
INGROWN TOENAILS
This occurs when the nail digs into the skin causing pain, redness, swelling and toe warmth. There are several treatments for ingrown toenails depending on the severity and your foot.
INJURIES
Poorly fitting footwear is often the damaging culprit causing foot injuries and disorders.
METATARSALGIA
Metatarsalgia is pain and inflammation of the ball of the foot. It is very common among athletes whom participate in high-impact sorts.
NEUROMAS
Neuromas a thickening of nerve tissue in the ball of the foot and may feel like you are standing on a pebble. In early stages this can be treated with different footwear or arch support.
ORTHOTICS (CUSTOM & SEMI - CUSTOM)
Custom orthotics are shoe inserts that are custom made to your feet from a plaster mold. We offer this service in-house and have found that they help align the foot and lower extremities and can reduce related back pain.
PLANTAR FASCIITIS
This is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, band of tissue extending from the heel to the toes, resulting in heel pain.
POOR CIRCULATION
Poor circulation to the feet may also be associated with numbness, sores that do not heal, changes to the skin, sensitivity to cold and cramping. It is important to have your feet examined to discuss options to improve the health of your feet and rule out serious disorders.
SECOND OPINIONS
Patients may choose to see second opinion in order to get a different point-of-view.
SPORTS INJURIES
Your feet take a lot of stress from sports. It is important to treat injuries to your feet to prevent severe damage.
ULCERS & WOUND CARE
When treating ulcers, removing the unhealthy tissue is necessary. For wounds, a local treatment is administered to assist the healing process. To prevent these occurrences, we may suggest special shoes or padded inserts to relieve pressure where it affects you most.
WARTS
A wart is a small growth caused by a virus that can cultivate anywhere on the foot. Plantar warts, appear on the bottom of the foot.
X - RAYS (DIGITAL)
By offering digital x-rays at our offices, we are able to treat our patients sooner and offer a thorough examination.
