Clinical

What Are Skin Cancers of the Feet? Skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body, including in the lower extremities. Skin cancers of the feet have several features in common. Most are painless, and often there is a history of recurrent cracking, bleeding, or ulceration. Frequently, individuals discover their skin cancer after unrelated ailments near … Read more

What is Tendinitis? Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon. Tendons are thick cords of tissue that connect muscles to bone. Achilles tendinitis, or an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, is one of the most common causes of foot or ankle pain. Other types of foot/ankle tendinitis include posterior tibial tendinitis and peroneal tendinitis. Causes … Read more

What is a Foot or Ankle Sprain or Fracture?  The feet and ankles work together to provide support and mobility to the body. A foot or ankle sprain is a soft tissue injury. Most often, a sprain occurs when an injury pulls, stretches, or tears the ligaments that connect bone to bone. A fracture is … Read more

What is Bursitis?  Bursitis is inflammation and swelling of fluid-filled sacs called bursae. These sacs act as cushions near the joints between the bones and tendon/muscle insertion. With 33 joints in the foot, bursae can be found in a multitude of areas. They are commonly found at the ball of the foot (especially the metatarsophalangeal joints), the … Read more

What is Peripheral Neuropathy? Peripheral neuropathy is damage of the peripheral nerves. Your peripheral nerves are the nerves that travel to your arms and legs. When the nerves are damaged, they don’t function properly. People with peripheral neuropathy have decreased or abnormal sensation in their toes and fingers. Sometimes, they develop problems moving these parts … Read more

What is Arthritis? Arthritis, in general terms, is inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and lining of the joints, generally accompanied by an increase in the fluid in the joints. Arthritis has multiple causes; just as a sore throat may have its origin in a variety of diseases, so joint inflammation and arthritis are associated … Read more

For recommendations on shoe brands, please click the recommendation list link on the bottom of the webpage.  To have your shoes evaluated for appropriateness and health please see Dr. Hoy. Research has indicated that running shoes are the most important purchase a runner can make. There are several choices available, which is why it is … Read more

Corns and calluses are very common and potentially painful and dangerous.  It is important to properly distinguish this from a wart, which is a viral infection.  The treatment is very different.  It is for the reasons above that it is important to seek podiatric medical treatment. Patients who have corns on their feet are often … Read more

For the latest in recommendations for walking and running shoes, please scroll to the bottom of our website.  To have your shoes assessed to see if they are helpful or cause problems, please schedule an appointment to see Dr. Hoy. Research has shown walking shoes have less flexibility than running shoes. People who enjoy running … Read more

A common myth is that there is nothing that can be done for a toe fracture.  Toe injuries need to be assessed to ensure that there is not a broken bone that is displaced, gapped or angulated, which could result in incorrect healing and resulting deformity, Broken toes are generally very painful and can cause … Read more