Plantar warts, small growths caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, are notorious for cropping up on the soles of the feet, bringing discomfort and annoyance. Understanding the triggers behind their occurrence is essential for prevention. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments, making communal spaces like swimming pools, locker rooms, and public showers prime breeding grounds. Walking barefoot in these areas increases the risk of viral exposure. Additionally, cuts or abrasions on the soles create entry points for the virus, facilitating infection. Weakened immune systems, often seen in individuals under stress or with underlying health conditions, make them more susceptible to plantar warts. While direct contact with the virus is the primary mode of transmission, the virus can also be contracted indirectly through contaminated surfaces. Awareness of these triggers empowers individuals to adopt preventive measures, such as wearing protective footwear in public areas and maintaining foot hygiene, to thwart the onset of plantar warts. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer the treatment method that is best for you.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Understanding the risk factors associated with foot stress fractures is pivotal in preemptively addressing this common injury. Repetitive stress on the foot, often incurred through high-impact activities like running or jumping, emerges as a primary catalyst. Insufficient conditioning or abrupt increases in activity levels can amplify the risk, as the bones may not be adequately prepared for the intensified load. Foot anatomy also plays a role, with individuals having high arches or flat feet being more susceptible. Wearing inadequate footwear, and lacking proper support or shock absorption, further heightens the risk. Nutritional deficiencies, especially in calcium and vitamin D, compromise bone strength, rendering them more prone to fractures. Additionally, hormonal imbalances, prevalent in conditions like female athlete triad or among those with irregular menstrual cycles, contribute to bone weakening. If you have incurred a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can treat it accordingly, and offer effective prevention techniques.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, and it often results in foot-related problems in up to 90 percent of those diagnosed. The foot can be an initial site for RA symptoms, with symptoms that include soreness, swelling, and joint erosion.  A podiatrist can identify, diagnose, and treat these foot-related challenges, with an aim to alleviate pain, enhance function, and protect overall foot health. Their palliative foot care includes addressing distorted or altered nails, hard skin, calluses, and corns. A podiatrist also specializes in wound management, offering timely interventions for wounds and ulcers on the feet as they develop. Custom orthotics, ranging from soft cushions to firmer devices, can improve foot alignment and function. A podiatrist can contribute to joint protection, manage inflamed joints, suggest appropriate exercises, and provide insights into surgical options when necessary. Their comprehensive care extends beyond immediate foot concerns, aiming to enhance overall foot health and contribute to the well-being of those navigating the challenges of rheumatoid arthritis. For more information about managing foot problems associated with RA, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist as a permanent member of your medical team.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle injuries, a common woe for sports enthusiasts, often leave you wondering: Is it a sprain or a break? Understanding the nuances is imperative for effective treatment. A sprain occurs when ligaments, which are the connectors between bones and joints, are forcefully stretched beyond their normal range. Notably, ankle sprains take the lead as the most prevalent sports injury. Conversely, a fracture entails a break in a bone, with a broken ankle indicating damage to tibia and fibula in the leg or calcaneus and talus bones of the foot. Fractures cause sudden pain and noticeable swelling, whereas stress fractures, smaller cracks in the bone, bring intense pain with less swelling. When uncertainty looms, seeking medical guidance is paramount. Consult a podiatrist if you suspect a fracture or ruptured ligament. Tenderness over a bone and an irregular shape of the leg or joint may signify a break or dislocation, necessitating immediate attention. An accurate diagnosis ensures the right intervention, whether it is rest and rehabilitation for a sprain or more intensive measures for a fracture. If you have sustained a serious ankle injury, be it a sprain or a fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.