Podiatry

Podiatry Care and Treatment of Foot, Ankle and Leg Disorders

St. Mary’s Physician Associates podiatry services range far and wide. Our doctors of podiatric medicine and podiatry care are centered around you and ensuring proper care for foot and ankle conditions. 

St. Mary’s Physician Associates’ podiatrists specialize in diagnosing, treating and helping to prevent the occurrence of problems and diseases that affect a patient’s feet, ankles and related structures of the leg.

Podiatry Conditions We Treat 

We treat many conditions at our podiatry clinics including:

Arch Problems

There are many possible causes of arch pain, including weight gain, age, overuse and physical stress. If the pain does not improve or gets worse, it’s time to see a doctor. Not addressing the problem could lead to more serious issues. Wearing supportive shoes or using orthotics may temporarily alleviate pain caused by the arch. 

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot, also called tinea pedis, is a common condition affecting 15 to 25 percent of people at any one time. The fungal infection usually begins between the toes and can spread to other parts of the body and other people. 

Symptoms include a scaly rash that causes itching and burning. Typically, athlete’s foot can be treated by antifungal medications. To keep athlete’s foot at bay, protect your feet by wearing socks or shoes in damp or wet areas with a lot of foot traffic (in locker rooms, showers, gyms). 

Bone Spurs

Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, are bony growths that develop on the edge of a bone. The primary cause of bone spurs is joint damage associated with osteoarthritis. Some bone spurs cause no symptoms and do not require treatment. If treatment is necessary, it will depend on where the spurs are located and how your health is affected.

Bunions and Hammertoes

Both bunions and hammertoes are common conditions of the foot. Bunions are formed when the big toe pushes against the next toe due to wearing tight shoes, foot stress or arthritis. The skin over the bunion might become red and sore and may present additional symptoms of bone deformity, pain and stiffness. 

Hammertoe is a deformity of the joint of the second, third, fourth or fifth toes. This abnormal curling can put pressure on the toe when wearing shoes, causing problems to develop. The affected toe or toes can be painful or hard to move.

Diabetic Foot Care

A common and costly complication of diabetes, foot ulcers can easily be prevented through self-examination and proper foot care. If you have diabetes, it’s important to keep a close eye on the bottom of your feet since diabetes can cause the feeling in your feet to lessen.

People with diabetes have a high risk factor for developing foot ulcers from minor cuts and scrapes. Always wear shoes and socks when possible and visit a diabetic foot care specialist. Learn more.

Flat Feet

Flat feet occur when the arches on the inside of your feet either don’t develop properly or become flattened due to an injury, obesity or simply age. Oftentimes there is no pain associated with flat feet, but if you are experiencing pain, it’s time to see a doctor.

Fracture Care/Surgery

Fractures and injuries to the foot bone, such as a broken foot, can cause great discomfort; however, the seriousness of a broken foot varies. Fractures can range from tiny cracks in your bones to breaks that pierce the skin. Treatment is dependent on the site and severity of the injury.

The most common injuries are:

• Stress fractures
  • Stress fractures occur when the foot is under repetitive or constant stress. This is often caused by overuse.
• Ankle sprains
  • Ankle sprains occur when the ankle joint twists or rolls in an uncomfortable way. Rolling or twisting the ankle can cause torn ligaments.

Neuromas

Neuromas, specifically Morton’s neuroma, are a painful condition causing sharp, tingling, burning pain in the ball of your foot and numbness in toes. Treatment may include steroid injections or surgery, if deemed necessary.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. 

Treatment includes pain relievers, physical therapy, arch supports or night splints. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis can be similar to other foot conditions. Look out for sharp pains in the foot or heel, swelling or the need to limp.

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are growths typically appearing on the heels of the feet caused by HPV, which is a virus that enters the body through cuts, breaks or weak spots on the foot bottom. Most plantar warts aren’t a serious health concern and eventually go away on their own. If necessary, plantar warts can be treated at home or possibly removed by a doctor.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon causing pain and tenderness just outside the joint. In most cases, treatment includes rest, physical therapy and pain relievers. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. In the feet, tendonitis most typically presents as pain in the achilles tendon.

Toenail Problems (Bunions, Nail Fungus, Ingrown Toenails)

Problems with your toenails can be caused by physical activity, heat and moisture, and rubbing on your shoes. They may cause pain, itching and discoloration. These issues are not serious, but should be addressed. As a part of diabetic foot care and treatment, pay attention to your toenails if you have diabetes. 

Contact St. Mary’s Physician Associates for Podiatry Services

The podiatrists at St. Mary’s Physician Associates provide comprehensive cardiac treatment for patients in the Northwest Oklahoma area. Check insurances accepted at St. Mary’s Physician Associates, what items to bring with you the day of appointment and new patient forms.