At Northstate Foot & Ankle Specialists, we pride ourselves on providing the most complete professional treatment for every type of foot condition. Our practice includes comprehensive foot & ankle care for one of the most common diseases that affects feet, diabetes. The symptoms of diabetes, treatment methods for diabetic foot conditions and podiatric self-care recommendations are often misunderstood. We are…
Here at Northstate Foot and Ankle Specialists, we have a team of expert physicians and full-time physical therapists on-site to provide you with complete foot and ankle care. This allows you to receive comprehensive care from the Northstate family all the way through to your full recovery. While our team of podiatric professionals can provide you with the ultimate in…
What Is Midfoot Osteoarthritis? Midfoot osteoarthritis is a condition characterized by the breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage in one or more joints. Cartilage (the connective tissue found at the end of the bones in the joints) protects and cushions the bones during movement. When cartilage deteriorates or is lost, symptoms develop that can restrict one’s ability to easily perform…
Custom Prescription Foot Orthotics Depending on the nature of your foot condition, your podiatrist will make a recommendation for a specific type of orthotic. Different materials, designs and production processes are used for each unique foot problem. Getting the shape just right makes all the difference in alleviating symptoms Types of orthotics include: Functional Orthotics This type of orthotic is…
Signs of Diabetic Foot Problems With diabetes, there are a lot of foot problems that can arise due to the nature of the disease and its systemic effects. Especially when it comes to the foot and ankle, it is important to constantly be looking out for signs of diabetic progression. Changes in skin color Changes in skin temperature Swelling in…
What Is Ankle Arthritis? Ankle arthritis is a clinical condition in which the joint that connects the foot to the leg, known as the tibiotalar or ankle joint, has damaged or worn out cartilage. Cartilage (the connective tissue found at the end of the bones in the joints) protects and cushions the bones during movement. When cartilage deteriorates or is…
What Is the Achilles Tendon? A tendon is a band of tissue, made up of the Gastrocnemius and Soleus muscles which unite to form the tendon. The Achilles tendon runs down the back of the lower leg and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Also called the “heel cord,” the Achilles tendon facilitates walking by helping to raise…
What is Plantar Fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is the term commonly used to refer to heel and arch pain traced to an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. More specifically, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue, called plantar fascia, that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at…
What are Bunions? Bunions are most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. It is not the bunion itself that is inherited, but certain foot types that make a person prone to developing a bunion. Although wearing shoes that crowd the toes won’t actually cause bunions, it sometimes makes the deformity get progressively worse. Symptoms may…
During gait, the arch of the foot naturally depresses to help absorb shock. One of the ways that the arch tries to elevate again is accomplished is by the gripping of the toes. They help to stabilize the metatarsal heads, pull the heel bone further forward to shorten the arch and elevate the heel. During the process of gait, if…