Treatments

Services Available:
Platelet Rich Plasma treatment, Arthroscopy, Tenex Ultrasound-Guided Repair of Tendon, Subchondroplasty, Custom Foot Orthotics

Conditions Treated:
Dr. Garber treats many conditions that affect the feet and ankles. Among them are Heel Pain, Sports Injuries, Arthritis, Tendonitis Gout, Hammertoes, Neuromas, Warts, Onychomycosis, Skin conditions, Foot conditions related to Diabetes, Plantar Fasciitis, Sprains and Fractures, Bunions, Ingrown Toenails


PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common orthopedic conditions affecting the foot. It occurs when the ligament on the bottom of the foot (the plantar fascia) becomes overused, inflamed and irritated, making it difficult to walk. This is most often the result of repeated episodes of minor but recurring injury, such as with frequent running or long periods of standing. Quite frequently, there may be an underlying biomechanical (the way the body mover) issue with the foot or lower extremity.  The pain is commonly located in the heel area of the foot or in the arch. It is often worse in the morning due to the stiffness of the tissue, and also becomes worse after long periods of walking. The pain often decreases with rest.

DIAGNOSIS

Your podiatrist will perform a physical exam your foot for swelling, redness, and tenderness of the area. X-rays may be taken.  Diagnostic Ultrasound may be performed.

TREATMENT

Initial treatment usually involves heel stretching exercises, night splints or orthotic inserts. Anti-inflammatory medications and steroid injections may also be given and depend on the severity of symptoms.  Treatment may span several weeks to months before symptoms improve. Most patients will see an improvement within a few months. Further treatment may include physical therapy, Regenerative Medicine techniques including Platelet Rich Plasma injections, or in certain situations a minimally invasive surgical procedure utilizing Tenex Health Technology that allows the patient to return to activity faster without release the plantar fascia. 

WITHOUT TREATMENT

Foot pain can continue, and progress into a severe condition that affects the ability to walk. Eventually, permanent damage to the plantar fascia or surrounding nerves may occur.


SPRAINS AND FRACTURES

The foot alone contains a total of 26 bones.  Any of the bones can become fractured as a result of an injury.  Ligaments are the connective tissue that connects bones to each other and holds them together. When these become strained or torn, often as a result of being hit or twisted, the result is a sprain. If a ligament is completely torn, sometimes a pop is heard or felt.

DIAGNOSIS

Fractures can be diagnosed with the use of an X-ray or other imaging such as a CAT scan or MRI.  Sprains are often diagnosed based on the type of injury and location of the pain and tenderness. Sometimes an MRI can help diagnose a specific sprain.

TREATMENT

The initial treatment of either a sprain or a fracture includes rest, elevation and ice. It is important to immobilize and keep weight off of the affected foot or ankle. In some cases, a cast or splint is applied to minimize motion so that the foot or ankle can heal properly.   In other cases, surgery may be needed to repair a ligament or to stabilize a fracture.


BUNIONS

A bunion occurs when the joint at the base of your big toe develops a bony bump and becomes sore and swollen.  The joint becomes misaligned and your big toe may start to angle toward your second toe or move underneath it. Bunions can form from poorly fitting shoes, but many times there is an underlying genetic component. Much of our body weight goes through the big toe joint when just walking. When there are inherited foot problems like flat feet, high arches or poor bone structures and weak ligament and tendon strength, feet need special support.  The repeated stress can contribute to the bunion formation. A bunionette occurs on the outside side of the foot, near your small toe, and is typically smaller than a bunion.

DIAGNOSIS

A podiatrist can usually diagnose a bunion during a physical exam. An X-ray provides further information about the joint, the angle of the toe, and if arthritis or gout are concerns to further investigate.

TREATMENT

Wearing comfortable shoes with a wide toe-box at the first signs of a bunion appearing can decrease its growth and reduce any further symptoms. Resting the foot, using anti-inflammatory medications, icing the area and custom foot orthotics may help. In some cases, a cortisone shot at the base of the big toe may help. In cases when the bunion is causing severe pain, surgery may be performed to remove the bony bump and to realign the toe.

WITHOUT TREATMENT

Ignoring a bunion will lead to increased pain and the chance of developing bursitis when the small fluid-filled sac next to the joint becomes inflamed. Unfortunately, the bunion can also lead to other foot problems like arthritis, hammertoes, corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails.  Depending on how severe your bunion is, your foot can become deformed and continue to cause chronic pain.


INGROWN TOENAILS

An ingrown toenail (also known as onychocryptosis) occurs when the nail grows sideways into the toe, and not outward. The result is a pain in the side of the toe. The big toe is most commonly affected, though it can occur on any toe. It can be caused by any situation that interferes with the proper outward growth of the nail, such as the improper trimming of the nail or incorrect footwear.  It also may be an inherited condition. 

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of an ingrown toenail can be made on the basis of the appearance of the toe. A history is also obtained to determine the cause of the ingrown toenail and to address any predisposing conditions.

TREATMENT

In some cases, the edge of the nail can be separated from the side of the toe. Padding is placed between the nail and the toe to encourage growth in the correct direction. Many cases require surgical partial removal of the offending toenail border. A new, normal nail then grows in over the next several months.  In chronic cases, the ingrowing nail border can permanently be removed and still maintain a cosmetically appealing result.

WITHOUT TREATMENT

The nail may continue to grow into the side of the toe. This can lead to progressive pain or recurring infection. It is most serious in people with underlying medical problems such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease.