May 2024

Complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, is a debilitating condition affecting the feet and other body parts. It often emerges following an injury, surgery, or trauma, although its precise origins remain uncertain. CRPS encompasses a range of symptoms, notably persistent and severe pain disproportionate to the initial injury. Sensory disturbances like burning sensations, tingling, or hypersensitivity are common, in addition to vasomotor symptoms such as changes in skin temperature and color, swelling, and alterations in sweating patterns. Additionally, CRPS can lead to motor and trophic symptoms, including muscle weakness, coordination difficulties, and changes in hair and nail growth. Treatment for CRPS typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating medication and nerve blocks. Podiatrists help in managing foot-related CRPS symptoms, offering specialized care like custom orthotics and tailored pain management techniques to improve mobility and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals grappling with this challenging condition. If you have symptoms of CRPS, it is suggested that you seek help from this type of medical professional.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact John Horlebein, DPM of Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Chelan, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Plantar fasciitis surgery is a treatment option for individuals who have not found relief from conservative measures and continue to experience severe and debilitating heel pain. The surgery typically involves releasing or removing a portion of the plantar fascia to alleviate tension and reduce inflammation. This procedure aims to provide long-term pain relief and restore normal foot function. Success rates of plantar fasciitis surgery vary depending on various factors, such as the patient's overall health, the severity of the condition, and the specific surgical technique used. While many patients experience significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life following surgery, it is essential to understand that success is not guaranteed, and there are risks associated with any surgical procedure. If you have this condition and are considering surgery, it is strongly suggested that you speak with your podiatrist who can guide you toward making an informed decision. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact John Horlebein, DPM of Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Peripheral neuropathy, a complication of diabetes, occurs when high levels of fats or sugar in the blood damage nerves throughout the body, particularly in the extremities like the feet and hands. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, pain, and loss of sensation in these areas. Peripheral neuropathy often progresses gradually and can be unnoticed until its more advanced stages. Diagnosis involves a thorough physical examination by a podiatrist to assess reflexes, sensation loss, and skin changes. Additional tests like electromyograms, EMG, or nerve conduction velocity tests, abbreviated NCV, may be required for confirmation. While there is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, managing blood sugar levels is the best way to slow its progression. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications, such as ulcers. It is important to seek care from a podiatrist, a doctor who specializes in foot and ankle health, for comprehensive management of peripheral neuropathy. To help maintain mobility and prevent complications like ulcers and amputations, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist in your medical team.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Blisters between the toes can be a real pain, whether they're caused by friction, insect bites, burns, or infections. These little pockets of fluid can make each step a challenge. Friction is often the main cause of blisters between the toes. When your toes rub against each other or your shoes, the skin becomes irritated and leads to blister formation. Other causes of blisters between the toes include insect bites, burns, and various infections. While most blisters will heal on their own within a week or two, it's essential to resist the urge to pop them. Breaking a blister can increase the risk of infection and prolong the healing process. Instead, keep the blister clean and covered with a bandage. If the blister is particularly painful or shows signs of infection, it's best to seek medical attention from a podiatrist. Preventing blisters between the toes starts with wearing properly fitting shoes and socks. Avoid walking long distances in new shoes, and be sure to change socks if they become damp. If you have persistent or severe blisters between the toes, it is suggested that you seek help from a podiatrist for relief. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact John Horlebein, DPM of Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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