Have you been experiencing pain right under that big toe after some physical activity or from wearing shoes/heels all day? Well that pain may be coming from two common conditions: sesamoiditis or Gout. Let’s start by giving a little background of each condition. First, sesamoids are the two circular small bones that are located right underneath the big toe. Their main purpose is to assist with weight-bearing and help elevate the rest of the bones in the big toe. With so much weight and so much biomechanical involvement the tendons surrounding the sesamoids can become inflamed or irritated.

Gout is a condition that is caused by a build up of uric acid in the joints. The big toe joint is the most common affected area. The noticeable different between gout and sesamoiditis is amount and timing of pain. Gout is normally accompanied with extremely painful attacks (mainly in men) and a classic symptom of waking up in the middle of the night with sharp throbbing pain in the big toe.

At Frederick’s Foot and Ankle Specialists we can help determine which condition you may have. Most importantly, we can help alleviate and treat the symptoms that arise from having either condition.

Usually dancers, runners and baseball catchers are more prone to getting sesamoiditis. While, eating too much red meat, shellfish and brandy, being a man over 40 yrs and genetics makes you more gout-prone. Did you know that historical figures such as Benjamin Franklin and King Henry VII of England had gout conditions? Gout has been around for a long time, unfortunately for Mr. Franklin and King Henry VIIIthey didn’t have Dr. Steinberg, Dr. Yanes, or Dr. Ho to treat them with today’s prescribed gout medication. So stop by our offices in Frederick or Urbana, MD!

Treatment for sesamoiditis is more up to the patient. Usually stoppage of the activity causing the inflammation is requested. Ibuprofen and aspirin may be prescribed and some more cushioned shoes may be ordered. In severe cases, we would administer steroid injections.

These are two drastically different conditions. One that you are more genetically-disposed (Gout) and the other that is caused mainly by physical activity without rest (Sesamoiditis). Come see us to help determine the proper diagnosis.

As always check your feet daily and stop by! It can help avoid future health problems!

The Baltimore Marathon is happening this weekend, October 15, 2011! Up to 5000 course participants of all ages will be running in this event. With so much variety in age and skill level foot and ankle injuries do occur. At Frederick Foot and Ankle Specialists with typically see marathon injuries before, during and after the marathon. 26.2 miles can take a real toll on the body. It is ultimately up to you to listen to your body and know your limitations.

The foot injuries that are commonly seen throughout the course of marathon training and the event itself are: plantar fasciitis, sesamoiditis (inflammation under big toe), shin splints, Achilles Tendonitis, stress fractures. At our offices located in Frederick and Urbana, MD we can help treat these common injuries before they get to severe. We wouldn’t want you to not be able to run the event that you have been training for so long for!

You hear more and more celebrities completing marathons such as: Will Ferrell, Katie Holmes, and Shia LaBeouf. They make it seem easy to training for it and complete it. First things first, the ultimate goal of competing in a marathon is admirable, but also takes dedication. You simply cannot grab a pair of only running shoes, get your running attire on, and simply brisk your way through the marathon. That’s how we are seeing more patients with marathon-related injuries than ever before. Everyone’s feet are different so when following a group or common marathon training keep in mind your feet and listen to your body. You can always come talk to Dr. Steinberg, Dr. Yanes, and Dr. Ho before any training occurs! Remember, it’s easier to prevent treatment than treat them.

Let us advise you when you are picking out new shoes to start training, we can even provide foot orthotics to help with the sudden increase of physical activity. Some times having the proper fitting shoe and right pair of socks can prevent blisters, sprain ankles and even stress fractures.  If you happen to get hurt while training, don’t run through the pain. Stop by our offices and we’ll provide the necessary services to examine the problem and treat it.

As always check your feet daily and stop by! It can help avoid future health problems!

To those running the marathon this weekend, GOOD LUCK!  

Many people don't realize they have a fungal nail problems; therefore, they don't seek treatment. Yet, fungal toenail infections are a common foot health problem and can persist without ever causing pain. Normally fungal nails are characterized as a change in color, brittle or thickening of nail. Some people chose to go to see their local nail salon to have their nails trimmed and get pedicure. Most nail salon professionals do a great job of clearing up the nail and making your feet look pretty. Unfortunately, this is only half the battle. The nail salon only manages to treat the appearance and not the actually root of the problem. If the discolored nail continues to reoccur despite your pedicures, we recommend you see us in one of our locations in Frederick or Urbana, MD.

Remember, you can always avoidfungal nail infections by taking the following precautions: exercise proper hygiene on your feet, keep them dry and clip nails straight.  Depending on the type of infection you have you many need a prescribed medication and have the nail matter and debris removed. This can all be done at Frederick Foot and Ankle Specialists during your visit.

Many people have also found relief in nail salon for their ingrown toenails. When a nail professional asks: “How do you like to wear your toe nails?” some people respond with, “cut them short” or “round the nails”. Dr. Yanes, Dr. Steinberg, and Dr. Ho would advise not requesting those services, as they are more likely to increase the chance of ingrown toenails. Liam Neeson, actor, deals with ingrown toenails by going to a nail specialist to alleviate the pain.  If Mr. Neeson is reading this please be informed that a podiatrist could provide excellent office treatment that would eliminate the reoccurring ingrown nail problems.

Ingrown toenails, if left untreated, can become red, hot and possibly infected. It is highly advised to seek medical attention if you experience any of those symptoms. Further treatment and/or medication can be provided if seen by a podiatrist.

As always check your feet daily and stop by!  

A stress fracture is a ‘tiny cracked’ bone. Stress fractures are caused by: sudden increase in exercise, improper training techniques, or a change in surfaces. Research studies have shown that athletes participating in tennis, running, gymnastics, dance and basketball are at high risk for stress fractures.

Recently retired NBA player, Yao Ming, has had repeated problems with his left foot. Ming has missed extensive playing time due to his fractures throughout different points of his career. His most recent stress fracture was most likely caused by too much exercise and perhaps too intense of workouts. At Fredericks Foot and Ankle Specialists we diagnose stress fractures, treat stress fractures, but more importantly help prevent stress fracture from occurring.

Dr. Yanes, Dr. Steinberg, and Dr. Ho are advocates of daily exercise, but you must be aware of your body’s limitations. Make sure you control the intensity of your workout and maintain appropriate frequency of workouts. Although stress fractures are caused by overuse, they can occur by people who never exercise. If an individual has osteoporosis (weakening of bones) or osteomyelitis (bone infection) or any other bone diseases they are at higher risk for stress fractures. One of Yao Ming’s many fractures was actually caused by a bone infection on his left big toe, which caused overall weakening of his foot bones.

If you experience pain that increases with weight-bearing activity and is relieved by rest we recommend you come see us to determine if you have a stress fracture. We love educating our patients so if you are concerned or believe you are susceptible to stress fractures schedule an appointment to talk to us at our locations in Frederick or Urbana, MD.

We offer diagnostic methods, such as x-rays and MRIs, to determine the severity of the stress fracture. Our treatments can range from prescribed rest to protective footwear and possible surgical treatment. Your recovery is important to us, but it depends mainly on the patient. Once you are pain-free we will ease you back into your athletic and daily activities.

As always check your feet daily and stop by!