Ankle Surgery, Foot Surgery - Podiatrist in Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ

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 Ankle Surgery, Foot Surgery - Podiatrist in Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ

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Dr Alan Discont of Family Foot and Ankle Care discusses Foot Surgery and Ankle Surgery.

http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

The top foot problems are:

• Bunions - misaligned big toe joints that can become swollen and tender, causing the first joint of the big toe to slant outward, and the second joint to angle toward the other toes. Bunions tend to be hereditary, but can be aggravated by shoes that are too narrow in the forefoot and toe. Surgery is frequently performed to correct the problem.
• Hammertoe - a condition, usually stemming from muscle imbalance, in which the toe is bent in a claw-like position. It occurs most frequently with the second toe, often when a bunion slants the big toe toward and under it, but any of the other three smaller toes can be affected. Selecting shoes and socks that do not cramp the toes will alleviate aggravation.
• Heel spurs - growths of bone on the underside, forepart of the heel bone. Heel spurs occur when the plantar tendon pulls at its attachment to the heel bone. This area of the heel can later calcify to form a spur. With proper warm-up and the use of appropriate athletic shoes, strain to the ligament can be reduced.
• Ingrown nails - toenails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the skin. Ingrown toenails are frequently caused by improper nail trimming, but also by shoe pressure, injury, fungus infection, heredity and poor foot structure. Women are much more likely to have ingrown toenails than men. Ingrown nails can be prevented by trimming toenails straight across, selecting proper shoe style and size - not too tapered or shallow - and paying special attention to foot pain.
• Neuromas - enlarged benign growths of nerves, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. They are caused by tissue rubbing against and irritating the nerves. Pressure from ill-fitting shoes or abnormal bone structure can also lead to this condition. Treatments include orthoses (shoe inserts) and/or cortisone injections, but surgical removal of the growth is sometimes necessary.
• Plantar fasciitis (heel pain) - usually caused by an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. Our practice can evaluate arch pain, and may prescribe customized shoe inserts called orthoses to help alleviate the pain.
• Sesamoiditis - inflammation or rupture of the two small bones (sesamoids) under the first metatarsal bones. Proper shoe selection and orthoses can help.
• Shin splints - pain to either side of the leg bone, caused by muscle or tendon inflammation. It is commonly related to excessive foot pronation (collapsing arch), but may be related to a muscle imbalance between opposing muscle groups in the leg. Proper stretching and corrective orthoses (shoe inserts) for pronation can help prevent shin splints.
• Stress fractures -incomplete cracks in bone caused by overuse. With complete rest, stress fractures heal quickly. Extra padding in shoes helps prevent the condition. Stress fractures left untreated may become complete fractures, which require casting and immobilization.

Visit our website: http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

Children’s Foot Care - Sun Lakes, Chandler and Phoenix, AZ - Podiatrist - Alan Discont, DPM

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Children’s Foot Care - Sun Lakes, Chandler and Phoenix, AZ - Podiatrist - Alan Discont, DPM

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 Dr. Alan Discont of Family Foot and Ankle Care discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Children’s Foot Problems.

http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

Children`s Feet

Children with strong, healthy feet often avoid many kinds of lower extremity problems later in life. Contact our office to have your children`s feet and lower extremities examined.

Infants

The size and shape of your baby`s feet change quickly during their first year. Because a baby`s feet are flexible, too much pressure or strain can affect their feet`s shape. It`s important to allow your baby to kick and stretch his or her feet. Also, make sure shoes and socks do not squeeze the toes.

Toddlers

Try not to force your toddler to walk before she is ready. Carefully watch her gait once she begins to walk. If your toddler`s toe touches down instead of the heel, or she always sits while others play, contact our office. Many toddlers have a pigeon-toe gait, and this is normal. Most children outgrow the problem.

When foot care is needed

To help with flatfeet, special shoes or custom-made shoe inserts may be prescribed. To correct mild intoeing, your toddler may need to sit in a different position while playing or watching TV. If you child`s feet turn in or out a lot, corrective shoes, splints, or night braces may be prescribed.

The foot`s bone structure is well-formed by the time your child reaches age 7 or 8, but if a growth plate (the area where bone growth begins) is injured, the damaged plate may cause the bone to grow oddly. With a doctor`s care, however, the risk of future bone problems is reduced.

Remember to check your child`s shoe size often. Make sure there is space between the toes and the end of the shoe, Make sure their shoes are roomy enough to allow the toes to move freely. Don`t let your child wear hand-me-downs.

 

Visit our website: http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ - Podiatrist Alan Discont, DPM

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Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ - Podiatrist Alan Discont, DPM

Meet top foot doctor, Dr. Alan Discont of Family Foot and Ankle Care as he discusses foot care in the southeast valley.

http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

 

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If you are looking for a podiatrist in Chandler, AZ, we welcome you to our practice.

The doctors and staff of Family Foot & Ankle Care, welcome you to our web site. As you navigate through our site, you will find valuable information about common foot and ankle conditions, treatment options available, our physicians and our practice. We invite you to call our office with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment.

Family Foot & Ankle Care, PC is a professional association of board certified and qualified foot and ankle specialists licensed in Arizona to practice podiatric medicine and surgery for greater than 27 years. Our goal is to deliver personalized, friendly care of the highest quality. We take the time to explain your foot conditions, treatment methods, and options available and answer your questions so that you fully understand your problems. We emphasize state of the art corrective treatment and preventative medicine in our modern offices. Our qualified friendly staff will help to make your visit a positive, relaxing and comfortable experience.

Visit our website: http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

 

In-Office Medical Store - Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ - Podiatrist Alan Discont, DPM

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In-Office Medical Store - Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ - Podiatrist Alan Discont, DPM

 

Dr. Alan Discont discusses In-Office Medical Store of Family Foot and Ankle Care.

http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

The doctors and staff of Family Foot & Ankle Care, welcome you to our web site. As you navigate through our site, you will find valuable information about common foot and ankle conditions, treatment options available, our physicians and our practice. We invite you to call our office with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment.

Family Foot & Ankle Care, PC is a professional association of board certified and qualified foot and ankle specialists licensed in Arizona to practice podiatric medicine and surgery for greater than 27 years. Our goal is to deliver personalized, friendly care of the highest quality. We take the time to explain your foot conditions, treatment methods, and options available and answer your questions so that you fully understand your problems. We emphasize state of the art corrective treatment and preventative medicine in our modern offices. Our qualified friendly staff will help to make your visit a positive, relaxing and comfortable experience.

Visit our website: http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

Morton’s Neuroma - Podiatrist in Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ

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Morton’s Neuroma  - Podiatrist in Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ

Dr Alan Discont discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Morton’s Neuroma.

http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

Neuroma

Neuromas are enlarged benign growths of nerves, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. They are caused by tissue rubbing against and irritating the nerves. Pressure from poorly-fitting shoes or abnormal bone structure can create the condition as well. Treatments include special shoes or inserts and/or cortisone injections, but surgical removal of the growth is sometimes necessary.

Visit our website: http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

 

Custom Orthotic - Podiatrist in Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ

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Custom Orthotic  - Podiatrist in Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ

 Dr. Alan Discont - What is a Custom Orthotic?

http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

Orthotics are shoe inserts that correct an abnormal, or irregular, walking pattern. Generally called arch supports, orthotics allow people to stand, walk, and run more efficiently and comfortably.

Podiatrists sometimes prescribe orthotic devices to correct an abnormal walk, or gait, and often for patients following surgery.

Orthotic devices come in many shapes and sizes, and materials and fall into three main categories: those designed to change foot function, are primarily protective in nature, and those that combine functional control and protection.

Rigid orthotics

The so-called rigid orthotic device, designed to control function, is often composed a firm material such as plastic or carbon fiber, and is used primarily for walking or dress shoes. Such orthotics are made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot.

Rigid orthotics control motion in two major foot joints that lie directly below the ankle joint and may improve or eliminate strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back.

Soft orthotics

Soft orthotics usually absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. They are typically made up of soft, cushy materials. Soft orthoses also are worn against the sole of the foot, extending from the heel past the ball of the foot, including the toes. Such orthotics are also made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot.

Soft orthoses are usually effective for diabetic, arthritic, and deformed feet.

Semi-rigid orthotics

Semi-rigid orthotics provide foot balance for walking or participating in sports. Sometimes, different sports call for different kinds of semi-rigid orthotics. The typical semi-rigid orthotic is made up of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials.

Children are sometimes given orthoses to treat flatfoot or intoeing or outtoeing disorders. Athletes often are given orthoses to mitigate pain while they train and compete.

While over-the-counter orthotic inserts help people with mild symptoms, they normally cannot correct the wide range of symptoms that prescription foot orthoses can since they are made to fit a person with an "average" foot shape.

Visit our website: http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

 

Brace for Adult Flatfoot, PTTD and Drop Foot - Podiatrist in Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ

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Brace for Adult Flatfoot, PTTD and Drop Foot - Podiatrist in Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ

Dr Alan Discont discusses how he treats patients with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), Drop foot,and Adult Flatfoot using the Richie Brace Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO).

http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) is a painful flatfoot condition which affects adults, primarily over the age of 50. Also known as Adult Acquired Flatfoot, this pathology affects women more than men and is linked to obesity, hypertension and diabetes. Most people with PTTD have had flat feet all of their lives. Then, for reasons not fully understood, one foot starts to become painful and more deformed.

PTTD begins with a gradual stretching and loss of strength of the posterior tibial tendon which is the most important tendon supporting the arch of the human foot. Left untreated, this tendon will continue to lengthen and eventually rupture, leading to a progressive visible collapse of the arch of the foot. In the early stages, patients with PTTD will notice a pain and swelling along the inner ankle and arch. Many times, they are diagnosed with "tendonitis" of the inner ankle. If the foot and ankle are not properly supported during this early phase, the posterior tibial tendon can rupture and devastating consequences will occur to the foot and ankle structure. The progressive adult acquired flatfoot deformity will cause the heel to roll inward in a "valgus" or pronated direction while the forefoot will rotate outward causing a "duckfooted" walking pattern. Eventually, significant arthritis can occur in the joints of the foot, the ankle and even the knee.

The Richie Brace® has been successfully prescribed for over 20,000 patients with PTTD over the past 7 years. The custom contoured footplate and the orientation of the leg uprights of the Richie Brace® are ideally suited to control the abnormal pronation forces occurring with PTTD. Most patients find the lightweight, low-profile design of the Richie Brace® to be far more comfortable than traditional long leg solid shell ankle foot orthoses. Thus the Richie Brace® has now become the preferred method of non-surgical treatment of PTTD by foot and ankle specialists.

 

Visit our website: http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

 

Reconstructive Foot Surgery - Podiatrist in Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ

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Reconstructive Foot Surgery - Podiatrist in Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ

Patient of Podiatrist Alan Discont discusses Reconstructive Foot Surgery.

http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

Surgery on the foot, ankle, or lower leg is usually performed by podiatric surgeons.

Foot and ankle surgeries address a wide variety of foot problems, including:

• Sprains and fractures.
• Arthritis and joint disease.
• Benign and malignant tumors.
• Birth deformities.
• Bunions.
• Calluses and warts.
• Corns and hammertoes.
• Flatfeet.
• Heel or toe spurs.
• Ingrown toenails.
• Neuromas (nerve tumors).

Many kinds of foot surgeries require you to have your foot immobilized after the procedures with such things as a bandage, splint, surgical shoe, cast, or open sandal. Most surgeons will encourage post-operative exercise of the foot and legs to speed recovery. After sufficient healing time, most patients can resume wearing their usual footwear.

In addition, many patients need additional therapy or treatments after surgery in order to aid in the healing and recovery process. These may include physiotherapy, orthotic devices (foot supports), and special footwear.

Visit our website: http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

 

Ingrown Toenails - Podiatrist in Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ

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Ingrown Toenail Treatment  - Podiatrist in Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ

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Dr Alan Discont discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Ingrown Toenails.

http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

Ingrown toenails often are the result of trimming your toenails too short, particularly on the sides of your big toes.

While they are common, ingrown toenails can be painful. When trimming your nails, avoid tapering the corners so that the nail curves with the shape of your toe. The sides of the nail will curl down and dig into your skin. Shoes that are too tight or short also may cause ingrown toenails.

Ingrown toenail start out hard, swollen and tender, and later, may become sore, red and infected. Your skin may start to grow over the ingrown toenail.

Soaking your foot in warm, soapy water several times each day is usually a good way to treat an ingrown nail. Also, you can try inserting some cotton or waxed dental floss between the nail and your skin. Please contact our office to determine the best course of treatment for your condition.

Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed if an infection is present. Part of your ingrown toenail (partial nail plate avulsion) may need to be surgically removed if an acute infection occurs. The procedure involves injecting the toe with an anesthetic and cutting out the ingrown part of the toenail.

You can prevent ingrown toenails by:

• Trimming your toenails straight across with no rounded corners.
• Ensuring that your shoes and socks are not too tight.
• Keeping your feet clean at all times.

Visit our website: http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

Heel Pain - Podiatrist in Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ

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Heel Pain - Podiatrist in Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ

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Dr Alan Discont discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Heel Pain.

http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)

Plantar fasciitis (or heel pain) is commonly traced to an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. Our practice can evaluate arch pain, and may prescribe customized shoe inserts called orthoses to help alleviate the pain.

Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the connective tissue that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel bone. Also called "heel spur syndrome," the condition can usually be successfully treated with conservative measures such as use of anti-inflammatory medications and ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy.

Visit our website: http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

Corns - Podiatrist in Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ

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Corns Treatment - Podiatrist in Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ

 Dr Alan Discont discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for corns.

http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

Corns are calluses that form on the toes because the bones push up against the shoe and put pressure on the skin. The surface layer of the skin thickens and builds up, irritating the tissues underneath. Hard corns are usually located on the top of the toe or on the side of the small toe. Soft corns resemble open sores and develop between the toes as they rub against each other.

Improperly fitting shoes area leading cause of corns. Toe deformities, such as hammertoe or claw toe, also can lead to corns. In a visit to our office, your corns can be shaved with a scalpel. Self care includes soaking your feet regularly and using a pumice stone or callus file to soften and reduce the size of the corn. Special over-the-counter non-medicated donut-shaped foam pads also can help relieve the pressure.

Visit our website: http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

Calluses - Podiatrist in Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ

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Calluses Treatment - Podiatrist in Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ

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Dr Alan Discont discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for calluses.

http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

A callus is an area of hard, thickened skin that can occur across the ball of the foot, on the heel, or on the outer side of the big toe. While many consider them a skin problem, they actually are systemic of a problem with the bone.

Calluses have painful nerves and bursal sacs (fluid-filled balloons that act as shock absorbers) beneath them, causing symptoms ranging from sharp, shooting pain to dull, aching soreness.

Calluses form from repeated friction and pressure, as the shoe (or ground) rubs against a bony prominence (bone spur) on the toe or foot. The skin thickens in response to this pressure. Small amounts of friction or pressure over long periods of time cause a corn or callus. A great deal of friction or pressure over shorter periods of time can cause blisters or open sores. Calluses typically develop under a metatarsal head (the long bone that forms the ball of the foot) that is carrying more than its fair share of the body weight, usually due to it being dropped down or due to its longer length.

Calluses can be treated with over-the-counter callus removers that have strong acids that peel this excess skin away after repeated application. You should be careful with these products as they can cause chemical burns when not used correctly. Begin by soaking your feet in warm soapy water and gently rubbing away any dead skin that loosens. A pumice stone or emery board is then used to "file" this thickened skin. Apply a good moisturizer to the hardened areas to keep them softer and relieve pain. Non-medicated corn pads or moleskin (a thin fuzzy sheet of fabric with an adhesive back) can relieve calluses, but should be removed carefully to avoid tearing the skin.

If you need assistance relieving calluses, contact our office. Calluses can be trimmed and comfortable padding applied to these painful areas. In addition to medication to relieve inflammation, cortisone may be injected into the underlying bursal sac to rapidly reduce pain and swelling.

A plantar callus forms when one metatarsal bone is longer or lower than the others, and it hits the ground first-and with more force than it is equipped to handle-at every step. As a result, the skin under this bone thickens like a rock in your shoe. Plantar calluses that are recurring are sometimes removed surgically in a procedure called an osteotomy, which relieves pressure on the bone.

A condition called Intractable Plantar Keratosis (IPK) is a deep callus directly under the ball of the foot. IPK is caused by a "dropped metatarsal," which happens when the metatarsal head drops to a lower level than the surrounding metatarsals and protrudes from the bottom of the foot. This results in more pressure being applied in this area and causes a thick callus to form.

A "dropped metatarsal" can either be a congenital abnormality, a result of a metatarsal fracture, or a structural change that may have occurred over time.

How to prevent calluses:

• Switch to better shoes, or even an orthotic device.
• Buy socks with double-thick toes and heels and nylon hose with a woven cotton sole on the bottom of the foot.

Visit our website: http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.co

Bunion Treatment - Podiatrist in Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ

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Bunion Treatment - Podiatrist in Chandler, Sun Lakes and Phoenix, AZ

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 Dr Alan Discont discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for bunions.

http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com

Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

Bunions are misaligned big toe joints that can become swollen and tender, causing the first joint of the big toe to slant outward, and the second joint to angle toward the other toes. Bunions tend to be hereditary, but can be aggravated by shoes that are too narrow in the forefoot and toe. Surgery by a podiatric physician is frequently recommended to correct the problem.

Visit our website: http://www.chandlerfootandanklecare.com