Freiberg infraction is a condition that affects the long bones in the front of the foot, most often the second metatarsal. It happens when the bone under the toe joint loses its normal blood supply, leading to tiny fractures and collapse of the bone surface. This can cause pain in the ball of the foot, swelling, and stiffness in the toe. Walking or wearing tight shoes may make the discomfort worse, and over time, the joint may become stiff or uneven. The condition is more common in teenagers and young adults, especially those who are active in sports, although adults can develop it, as well. Treatment may involve rest, wearing cushioned shoes, orthotics, or targeted exercises  to relieve pressure and improve movement. Severe cases may require surgery. If you have persistent pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Steven Wolfington, DPM of Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When circulation is compromised, the feet, ankles, and legs are often the first to show signs of trouble. Vascular disease restricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood, which can slow healing, weaken tissues, and increase the risk of infection. Even minor cuts, scrapes, or blisters may linger and become chronic wounds because the body is unable to deliver the nutrients needed for repair. Over time, this reduced circulation can also cause skin discoloration, cramping, and a heavy or tired feeling in the legs. People with diabetes or peripheral artery disease face even greater risks, as poor blood flow can lead to ulcers or more serious complications. Protecting the lower limbs means monitoring for changes, avoiding injuries, and seeking care quickly if a wound does not heal. It is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis, management, and treatment.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Medical conditions that can affect the feet may develop as a result of being obese. These conditions include general foot pain, arthritis, heel pain, diabetes and possible skin complications. Pressure may increase on the ankles and feet, and exercising may become difficult. The feet may become wider, and larger shoes may have to be purchased. Heel pain may develop, which can indicate plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the plantar fascia. This can become painful as the heel endures additional weight on a continuous basis. Diabetes is a common medical ailment which can originate from elevated blood sugar levels. Diabetes can cause nerve damage and alter the body's ability to fight infection. If you would like more information about how to manage foot conditions that can be caused by obesity, please consult with a podiatrist.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The medical condition that is referred to as Sever’s disease can affect children and young adults who participate in sporting activities. There is a soft area in the heel bone known as the calcaneal growth plate, and it is surrounded by the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. The heel plate may become inflamed as consistent body weight is placed on the foot, and this may cause your child to limp. It is beneficial to stop the activity that has caused the injury. Additionally, your child may feel relief when a heel lift is placed inside the shoe, as this may help to relieve a portion of the pressure. If your child is complaining of heel pain, consult with a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis and begin effective treatment as soon as possible.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.