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Items filtered by date: May 2022

Thursday, 05 May 2022 19:33

Warning Signs of Foot Melanoma

FASCentralOhio melanoma 1

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US? Over 5 million Americans are diagnosed each year. The great news is, it’s also one of the most preventable. Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we wanted to share important facts and warning signs of melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. While it is rare for melanoma to appear on the feet, it is often diagnosed when it is already in the advanced stages. That’s why it is important to recognize the early warning signs for the best chances of successful treatment. 

How does foot melanoma form?

Harmful ultraviolet radiation is most often the cause of skin cancer. It’s important to note, especially as the feet are often neglected when it comes to sunscreen use. In fact, getting 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk of developing melanoma. 

Common causes of foot melanoma include genetic disposition, viruses, and chronic inflammation. 

Early warning signs of foot melanoma

Here are the early signs of melanoma to look out for, which involve changes in size, shape, texture, and color of spots and moles on your skin. Watch out for these ABC’s:

  • A is for Asymmetry - Is your spot asymmetrical? 
  • B is for Border - Is your mole clearly defined or jagged?
  • C is for Color - Does it include different shades of brown?
  • D is for Diameter - Is it more than 6mm in diameter?
  • E is for Evolution - Has it changed in size, shape, or texture over time?

Consult with a podiatrist if you answered “Yes” to any of the above questions. Additional symptoms to look out for include persistent itchiness, redness, changes in skin pigment, or wounds or sores that are slow to heal. Foot doctors can help determine if your spot of concern is skin cancer, or other skin condition that needs treatment. If you have underlying conditions like diabetes, it can make sensing wounds more difficult, which is another reason why you should schedule regular visits for foot assessments. 

A podiatrist can help!

Skin cancer sounds scary, but with consistent visits and awareness of facts, you can be prepared and feel supported. At Foot and Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio, our team of foot doctors is dedicated to enhancing your foot and ankle health and treating a range of podiatric conditions and diseases. Whether you suspect skin cancer or have concerns about your foot health, our podiatrists have the experience, expertise, and access to advanced technologies to help! 

Need to schedule an appointment? Contact any of our locations in Gahanna, Columbus, and Newark, OH to set one up today!

Tuesday, 03 May 2022 00:00

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures are bone breaks that happen more subtly than one would usually think of when imagining broken bones. They are caused by repetitive movement on or by a bone over time. These fractures can either be hairline fractures or total breaks. Common areas of the body for stress fractures to occur include the shin, thigh, pelvis, and feet. Anyone can be affected by stress fractures but they are most commonly seen in athletes, healthcare workers, and military personnel. Generally, this type of fracture is caused by overuse. While the body is constantly repairing itself, certain actions prevent the body from normal healing. Feet need ample time to rest and repair or one can be prone to fractures. Other possible causes of bone breaks include osteoporosis, wearing improper footwear (too tight, too high, or not supportive), misaligned bones or muscles, obesity, and using oral steroids. If you experience foot pain that is not going away in a reasonable time frame, visit a podiatrist to see if you have developed a stress fracture.



 

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

  • Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
  • Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
  • Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Gahanna, Newark, Columbus, and Lancaster, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Tuesday, 03 May 2022 00:00

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures are bone breaks that happen more subtly than one would usually think of when imagining broken bones. They are caused by repetitive movement on or by a bone over time. These fractures can either be hairline fractures or total breaks. Common areas of the body for stress fractures to occur include the shin, thigh, pelvis, and feet. Anyone can be affected by stress fractures but they are most commonly seen in athletes, healthcare workers, and military personnel. Generally, this type of fracture is caused by overuse. While the body is constantly repairing itself, certain actions prevent the body from normal healing. Feet need ample time to rest and repair or one can be prone to fractures. Other possible causes of bone breaks include osteoporosis, wearing improper footwear (too tight, too high, or not supportive), misaligned bones or muscles, obesity, and using oral steroids. If you experience foot pain that is not going away in a reasonable time frame, visit a podiatrist to see if you have developed a stress fracture.



 

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

  • Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
  • Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
  • Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Gahanna, Newark, Columbus, and Lancaster, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
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