Bunions

Calluses and “Corns” in Ankeny and Des Moines, IA

Calluses and “corns” are your body’s response to increased pressure or friction in an area, either from shoes or from a deformity such as a hammertoe or bunion. Typically, they develop on the soles of feet, specifically on the heel or ball of the foot, however they can occur elsewhere such as in-between the toes and on the top of a toe. Calluses and corns can become painful and can cause damage to deeper tissues. Other mechanical issues, such as how your foot is positioned when you walk, can lead to the increased pressure and friction also.

At the appointment, we will perform an examination of your foot and may take x-rays to evaluate for deformities which are contributing to your foot callus or corn. Following that exam, we will provide treatment recommendations. Most of the time “trimming” the callus or corn is just a short-term fix. Our goal is to identify the cause and provide treatment recommendation to prevent the callus from recurring, at least slowing it down. Treatment for calluses and corns can include debridement (where the callus is shaved down for short term relief), topical treatment (RevitaDerm), modifications of shoe gear and orthotics to decrease pressure areas causing the concern and possible surgical intervention to correct the deformity causing the callus or corn.

Contact Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa/Bunion Surgery Specialists for an appointment to discuss your calluses as well as any other foot and ankle concerns.

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Gout

Gout in Ankeny and Des Moines, IA

Gout is a painful condition in which uric acid crystalizes within the joint. The most commonly affected joint with gout is the big toe joint. Gout presents as an acutely painful joint. The joint is typically warm to the touch and swollen.

When you see your foot doctor, they will take x-rays to evaluate the joint. Following that they will perform a physical examination of your foot. Treatment of gout can include anti-inflammatories, diet change and activity modification. With chronic gout, there are oral medications available to help control the level of Uric acid in your blood. Your foot and ankle physician will discuss varying treatment options with you at your foot and ankle appointment. They will also be able to determine if your symptoms are from arthritis in the joint instead of gout, and they can often present similar.
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Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s Foot in Ankeny and Des Moines, IA

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that typically begins in-between the toes or on the bottom of the foot. The common signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot include a red, scaly rash that can cause burning, itching and stinging. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be spread from contaminated floors, towels or clothing. Also, it worsened by tight fitting shoes and increased moisture or sweating of your foot.

When you see one of our doctors for athlete’s foot, they will perform a foot exam. Typically, athlete’s foot can be diagnosed by visual examination, but in some cases a biopsy with scraping of the affected skin of the foot is needed to be sent to lab and verify the diagnosis. This is especially important if the rash isn’t resolving with typical treatment methods or has atypical findings. Following the examination, we will discuss treatment options with you. These may include topical treatments, compounded topical medications, or possibly oral antifungal or antibacterial medications if the infection is severe. As well, we can discuss ways to help prevent the spread of the infection and control sweating of the feet to help prevent spread.

Contact Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa today to discuss your foot and ankle concerns.

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Flat Feet

Flat Feet in Ankeny and Des Moines, IA

Flat feet is a condition in which the arch of your feet are flattened. There are varying levels of deformity and a variety of symptoms which can be experienced with someone with flat feet. While the condition is not always painful, it can be.

If you have flat feet, a visit to one of the foot and ankle physicians at Foot and Ankle Center of Iowa is a good place to start learning more about your feet and what you can do to prevent complications from flat feet. Your foot doctor will begin with x-rays. Following x-rays, your foot doctor will perform a physical examination of your foot and ankle. Treatment options will then be discussed which may include orthotics, shoe gear modification or a range of conservative and surgical treatment options. Your foot and ankle doctor will work with you to pick the best treatment plan for your foot and ankle. The team of specialists at Foot and Ankle Center of Iowa treat flat feet in all patients, from pediatric patients to elderly.

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