June 2022

Corns can develop on the feet below the toenail bed, between toes, on the sides of feet, or on the bottom of the feet. These can develop from wearing shoes that are too tight, from standing or walking for prolonged periods, or from a heavy body weight that constantly puts pressure on the bottom of the feet. It is important to wear properly fitting shoes and socks that do not restrict the feet. Soaking the affected foot, making sure to dry it completely and moisturize it when done can help soften the corn. One can try corn pads to pad the corn and relieve the pressure on it for a better chance of healing. If a corn does not heal with these home treatments, or if it worsens, it is suggested to see a podiatrist who can better and more safely treat a corn by scraping it, shaving it, or cutting away layers, as well as lay out a plan for required treatment and prevention.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM of Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A pain that is felt in the front of the ankle is known as anterior ankle pain. It can happen suddenly, called acute onset, or gradually, usually as the result of overuse. The three main forms of anterior ankle pain are tibialis anterior tendonitis, ankle impingement, and high ankle sprain. When the tendon that connects the tibialis anterior muscle to the ankle becomes inflamed, the resulting condition is termed anterior tibialis tendonitis. Pain occurs when you flex your foot and toes. Ankle impingement is the result of a bony growth at the front or back of the ankle that inhibits your normal range of motion. The tissue becomes pressed between the bones, causing pain. The condition is often caused by a sprain or other injury that has not healed correctly. A high ankle sprain is the result of a tear in the tibiofibular ligament where it connects with the ankle. It causes pain, swelling, bruising, and walking becomes difficult. If you are experiencing pain in the front of your ankle, it is wise to see a podiatrist who can perform tests to pinpoint the exact cause and recommend the proper treatment to bring you relief.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Bunions affect many people around the globe. They are considered to be a deformity, and can develop from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room in the toe area. Additionally, people who rarely stretch, receive massages, or exercise their feet may be prone to developing a bunion. Many family members may get bunions, and this can come from genetic factors. They appear as a bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe and can cause the need to purchase larger shoes. Large bunions can produce pain and discomfort, and mild relief may be found when specific exercises are performed. An effective stretch for the toes consists of rolling a tennis ball on the sole of the foot underneath the toes. This may help to release existing muscle tension. The toes can increase mobility by gripping the foot between the toes with the hands and moving the toes back and forth. If you have this ailment, and would like additional information about how to treat bunions, please contact a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment techniques. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM of Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

A broken or fractured ankle happens when there is a partial or complete break in the ankle joint bones – the tibia, the fibula, and the talus bones. This can occur from excessive stress on the joint through heavy impact or twisting beyond the normal range of movement. The main symptom of a broken ankle is pain but swelling and bruising can also show at or around the site of the break. The ankle joint may be stiff and hard to move, and it might be hard for one with such a fracture to support their body weight. Recovery from a broken ankle will depend on how severe the break is and how well one follows the recommended care regimen. In most cases, recovery time is six to 12 weeks. If you think you have broken your ankle, visit a podiatrist to find out if there is an actual break and how it can best be treated.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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