Neuroscience & Surgery Institute of DE.
774 Christiana Road
Suite #105 Newark, DE 19713
Phone: (302) 355-0056
Fax: (302) 709-6170
Wilmington Office
1415 Foulk Road
Suite #101 Foulkstone Plaza
Wilmington, DE 19803
Phone: (302) 355-0056
Fax: (302) 709-6170
Middletown Office
Middletown Medical Center
210 Cleaver Farm Road Building B, Suite 2
Middletown, DE 19709
Phone:
(302) 355-0056
Fax: (302) 709-6170
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A Hammertoe is a deformity of the toe that causes the middle joint to bend, resembling the shape of a hammer. If you have hammertoes, you should seek medical attention. The sooner you seek treatment, the likelier it is that the problem won't get worse. Dr. Raymond DiPretoro Jr. and Dr. Aahba M. Suchak at Advanced Foot and Ankle Center in Newark and Wilmington, DE, are your podiatrists for the treatment of hammertoes. About Hammertoes Hammertoes are painful deformities of the toes, and often affect the middle three toes. Initially, hammertoes may be flexible, but over time, they may become rigid and require surgery to straighten the toes. Because hammertoes are progressive, they should receive early medical attention, as they won't get better without some kind of intervention. Causes of Hammertoes Some causes of hammertoe are poorly fitting shoes, high heels, foot injuries, and medical conditions that affect the nerves and muscles, such as diabetes and arthritis. Women are more likely to develop hammertoes than men. The risk of developing a hammertoe increases with age. Genetics can also play a role in hammertoes, Hammertoes may run in families. Hammertoes can be a serious problem for diabetics and people with poor circulation. Symptoms of Hammertoes Deformity is usually the first symptom of hammertoe. Patients with hammertoes may have calluses or corns on the top of the middle joint of the toes or on the tips of the toes. They may feel pain in their toes and have difficulty finding footwear that is comfortable. At first, they may be able to move and straighten the deformed toes. Over time, they will no longer be able to move the deformed toes. Hammertoe Treatments in Newark and Wilmington Padding and taping is the first step in a treatment plan. Padding and taping the hammertoe prominence relieves the stress and pain and allows the patient to continue a normal, active life. Cortisone injections and anti-inflammatory medications can be prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation caused by the deformity. Custom-fitted shoe inserts called orthotics made by your foot doctor may ease your discomfort and prevent the worsening of the deformity. When the hammertoe is not resolved with the above methods, surgery may be necessary. Don't let a hammertoe knock you off your feet. If you have hammertoes, call Advanced Foot and Ankle Center at (302) 355-0056 today to schedule a consultation in Newark and Wilmington, DE. Our hammertoe treatments will ease your pain and help you get back to a normal, happy, and healthy life.
Find out if the symptoms you’re experiencing could be trying to tell you that you have a stress fracture. A stress fracture occurs when a tiny crack in the bone of your foot or ankle develops. More often than not stress fractures come about over time due to overuse, which is why a lot of athletes experience this problem at some point during their lifetime. Are you wondering if your discomfort could actually be a stress fracture? Our Newark, DE, podiatrists, Dr. Raymond DiPretoro, Jr. and Dr. Aahba M. Suchak, are here to help you figure out if it’s time to schedule an evaluation with us. How do stress fractures happen? As we mentioned above, this is a problem that commonly plagues athletes and runners because stress fractures often arise from overuse or from performing repetitive movements. Of course, if you suddenly change the intensity or duration of a workout you may also find yourself dealing with this problem. It’s important that you are warming-up and conditioning your body properly before exercising or adopting a new workout routine. Those with other health problems such as osteoporosis or arthritis may also be prone to stress fractures in the feet and ankles. What are the symptoms of a stress fracture? Pain is the number one indicator of a stress fracture. Of course, a lot of injuries and other problems can lead to foot and ankle pain so you’ll want to visit our Newark foot doctors for a proper and comprehensive foot evaluation to determine the true source of your pain. If you have a stress fracture, pain may get worse when walking or putting weight on the foot but the pain may subside when resting. The pain may be exacerbated throughout the day depending on your activity level. There may also be some swelling present on the top portion of the foot or around the ankle (depending on the location of the stress fracture). The area may also be tender to the touch or there might be some minor bruising. If you suspect that you have a stress fracture it’s important that you schedule an appointment with us right away so that we can diagnose and treat your condition as soon as possible to prevent complications. Don’t ignore changes in the health of your feet. Our team of foot care specialists at Advanced Foot & Ankle Center in Glasgow, Wilmington, and Newark, DE, are here to make sure you get the care you need to speed up recovery and get back to your daily activities. Call our office at (302) 355-0056 to learn more.
Does heel pain make walking uncomfortable? Podiatrists Dr. Raymond DiPretoro Jr. and Dr. Aahba M. Suchak of Advanced Foot and Ankle heel painCenter in Glasgow, Wilmington, and Newark, DE, share common causes of the pain and explain what can be done to relieve it. Haglund's deformity Haglund's deformity, also known as retrocalcaneal bursitis, causes a swollen red bump to develop on the back of your heel. The bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac, helps your Achilles tendon glide over the bones in your ankle joint easily. You can develop Haglund's deformity if you wear shoes that rub against your heel or exercise more intensely or longer than normal. The condition often goes away if you choose shoes that don't irritate your heel. Soaking your heel in warm water, applying ice packs and taking over-the-counter pain medication can help reduce pain. If your symptoms continue, you may benefit from physical therapy, ultrasound treatment, corticosteroid injections or orthotics. Calluses Painful calluses can develop on your heel if you wear shoes that don't fit well or if one of the metatarsal bones in your foot is longer than the other. Although you can remove shallow calluses with a pumice stone, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with our Glasgow, Wilmington, or Newark, DE office if your callus is thick or you have diabetes. If a difference in the length of your bones causes frequent calluses, you may benefit from surgery to lift and realign the longer bone. Plantar fasciitis An inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue you can feel if you press on the sole of your foot, is a common cause of heel pain. The condition is more likely to occur if you run or on your feet for long periods of time, are overweight or have an arch problem. If your pain is mild, you may notice some improvement if you stay off your feet, apply ice packs and perform a few stretching exercises. Corticosteroid injections, night splints, and heel inserts are often recommended by foot doctors to treat plantar fasciitis symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be needed. Are you concerned about your heel pain? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Raymond DiPretoro Jr. and Dr. Aahba M. Suchak of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center in Glasgow, Wilmington, and Newark, DE, by calling (302) 355-0056.
Have foot fungus? Fungal infections are very common. Studies show that foot infections like toenail fungus and athlete's foot do spread foot fungusfrom person to person. Dr. Raymond DiPretoro Jr. and Dr. Aahba M. Suchak of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center in Newark and Wilmington, DE, offer treatments for fungal infections. Here's how to keep your foot fungus from spreading to your partner. 1. See a podiatrist for treatment. If you think you may have foot fungus, book an appointment with your Newark and Wilmington podiatrist right away. A podiatrist can figure out if you have foot fungus. The doctor will be able to tell looking at the skin on your feet. The doctor may scrape off a skin sample to test for fungus. Your podiatrist may suggest using an antifungal ointment, powder, lotion, or spray. 2. Cover up your fungal infection. If you live with your partner, do this every day. Fungal infections can be spread from person to person by touching. Keep the fungal infection covered until it has been treated. Don't cover the area too tightly. It's important to keep the area dry and cool as you treat the foot fungus. 3. Practice good hygiene. By practicing good hygiene, you may be able to keep your foot fungus from spreading to your partner. Wash and dry your feet regularly. Make sure that you wash your hands any time that you may have touched your own fungal infection. Keeping your feet dry and clean is a simple way to prevent foot fungus from spreading to your partner. 4. Avoid walking barefoot. Wearing shoes is a simple way to prevent foot fungus from spreading to your partner. If you have foot fungus, then walking around without shoes will increase the chance that you will spread it to your partner. Make sure your partner protects their feet at home. 5. Don't share your personal items. Don't share any personal care items such as shoes, towels, clothing, socks, nail clippers, nail files, antiperspirant, or razors with your partner. A fungal infection of the foot can be spread by indirect contact with an infected individual's personal care items. Say hello to healthy and happy feet! Don't wait another minute- call Advanced Foot and Ankle Center at (302) 355-0056 right now to schedule an appointment in Newark or Wilmington, DE. Get your life back on track by receiving the best foot fungus treatment available. We will help you achieve real relief with little expense or trouble.
Tired of that bunion? A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint connecting the big toe. Bunions can be extremely painful. Dr. bunionsRaymond DiPretoro Jr. and Dr. Aahba M. Suchak of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center, which has offices in Newark and Wilmington, DE, offer a range of specialized treatments for bunions. Read on to learn about four treatment options for bunions. 1. Taping and Padding - Taping and padding can ease your symptoms. Your foot doctor can pad and tape your foot in a normal position. This will reduce pain and stress on your bunion. Taping and padding also prevent bunions from getting worse. 2. Custom Orthotics - Orthotic devices are used to treat a variety of foot problems. Orthotic devices are molded pieces of rubber, leather, or other material that are inserted into a shoe. Orthotic devices can be helpful in treating bunions. They can help take pressure off your toes and alleviate your pain. You can get custom-made orthotic devices from your podiatrist. 3. Suitable Footwear - It is recommended that you wear flat or low-heeled, wide-fitting shoes if you have a bunion. High-heel shoes can make your bunion worse by putting excessive pressure on your toes. Footwear made from soft leather is ideal because it will relieve pressure on your bunion. 4. Bunion Surgery - Surgery may be recommended for your bunion if your symptoms are severe enough to warrant such intervention. The type of surgery performed depends on the severity of the bunion and the patient's general health, age, and activity level. Say hello to healthy and happy feet! Call Advanced Foot & Ankle Center at (302) 355-0056 now to schedule an appointment in our Newark or Wilmington, DE office. We are committed to providing high-quality patient care using state-of-the-art technologies. We will provide all the relief you need.
Foot and ankle surgery can help you improve your mobility and reduce pain. Our Newark, Glasgow and Wilmington, DE, podiatrists, Dr. foot surgery, ankle surgeryRaymond DiPretoro and Dr. Aahba M. Suchak of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center, explain when the surgery is needed. Fractures Ankle surgery may be needed to stabilize broken bones in your feet or ankles. Pins or other internal or external fixation devices may be used to facilitate proper healing. Birth defects Surgery may also be used to correct birth defects that affect your ability to walk normally or cause you pain. The type of surgery depends on the type and extent of the defect. Arthritis Arthritis, both osteo and rheumatoid, can cause significant joint deformity and pain. Surgery may be performed to remove bone spurs or inflamed tissues. In some cases, fusing two bones together may be helpful. Bunions Bunions cause a bony bump at the base of your big toe and often affect Newark, Glasgow and Wilmington women who have worn high heels or other tight shoes for years. Surgery removes excess bone and realigns the bones in the foot, eliminating the bunion. Hammertoes Do you have a toe that bends at a right angle, just like a hammer? Hammertoes are not only painful but also make it difficult to find comfortable shoes. Although you may be able to straighten your toe by pushing on it during the early stages of the condition, it may eventually become rigid. If that happens, surgery may be needed to realign your bones or release the tight tendon. Achilles' tendon ruptures Achilles' tendon ruptures are common in athletes, but you don't have to be an athlete to experience the injury. It can also happen if you have tight calf muscles or have certain diseases, such as diabetes or arthritis. Although ruptured tendons can heal on their own, in some cases, surgery may be needed to repair them. Ingrown toenails When the edge of your toenail becomes trapped in your skin, you'll need minor surgery to remove the edge. In some cases, removal of the entire nail may be recommended. Could you benefit from foot and ankle surgery? Call Newark, Glasgow and Wilmington, DE, podiatrists, Dr. DiPretoro and Dr. Caristo of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center, at (302) 355-0056 to schedule an appointment.
Injuries happen when you least expect it. Know how to care for a foot injury if it happens to you.ulcer Think about how often you are on your feet, running up stairs, chasing down your bus to work and wearing less-than-ideal shoes. It’s probably a lot more than you realized. Your feet take a lot of abuse every day so it might not be all-too-surprising when a foot wound or ulcer occurs. From the office of your Newark and Wilmington, DE, podiatrists, Dr. Raymond Dipretoro Jr. and Dr. Aahba M. Suchak, find out what you should do to protect the health of your feet while caring for your wound. It’s true that those with peripheral neuropathy, as well as those with diabetes, are at an increased risk for developing ulcers. If you’ve been diagnosed with either of these conditions then you may find that ulcers don’t heal as quickly as they should. Also, these ulcers are more likely to become infected. If an infection goes unnoticed it will continue to spread to the surrounding skin and even deep within the bone. It’s important that you visit your Newark foot doctor immediately if you develop a foot ulcer. What does a foot ulcer look like? Ulcers are more likely to form on the bottoms or sides of the foot, as well as the toes. An ulcer will look like a red open wound. Some ulcers may be small and superficial while others can be rather deep. Most ulcers have a callused layer of skin that has formed around the wound. In otherwise healthy individuals, they may not even notice that they have an ulcer. It may not even cause any pain. If you have diabetes or poor circulation it’s imperative that you are managing your symptoms and keeping your blood sugar under control. You should also be thoroughly examining your feet every day to look for any changes. By performing self-exams daily you can catch ulcers and other problems right away so you can get the treatment you need and to prevent further complications. Our doctors will be able to tell right away whether or not your symptoms are due to a foot ulcer and what treatments are necessary. Whether you have questions about foot care or you have diabetes, we are here to help you manage your issues as efficiently and easily as possible. Foot health is important but it shouldn’t consume you. Let Advanced Foot and Ankle Center in Newark and Wilmington, DE take the burden off of you and help give your feet the care they need.
Here are all your burning questions about heel pain answered! You wake up in the morning and with the first few steps you notice a terrible pain coming from the heel of your foot. You may notice that it heel paingets better throughout the day but if you try to go about your physical activities you may find that it makes your problem worse. Does this sound like you? Our Newark and Wilmington, DE, podiatrists, Dr. Raymond Dipretoro Jr. and Dr. Aahba M. Suchak, are here to address the most popular questions surrounding heel pain. Q. What causes heel pain? A. There are many issues that could lead to heel pain. While the most common culprit is an inflammatory condition known as plantar fasciitis, other causes include, Achilles tendinitis Heel spur Bursitis Stone Bruise Arthritis An injury or tear Tarsal tunnel syndrome Q. What is plantar fasciitis? A. This condition often comes about from overuse, which is why we see this condition most often in runners and other athletes. This problem results in inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue that run along the bottom of the foot and attach to the heel bone. If you find that foot pain is worse in the morning or after activity then you could be dealing with plantar fasciitis. Q. When should I see my Newark and Wilmington foot doctor? A. You should schedule an appointment with us if you are experiencing heel pain that lingers even if you aren’t putting weight on the foot or moving around, or if you have heel pain that lasts several weeks despite rest and at-home care. Q. What are my treatment options? A. You might be relieved to hear that many people with heel pain can manage their symptoms and heal completely with simple self-measures such as, Resting and avoiding certain physical activities Icing the heel for 15-20 minutes at a time up to three times daily Wearing shoes that provide support for the foot and ankle and give toes enough room to move around Wearing shoe inserts or orthotics to help support the foot, particularly the arches, to remove excessive pressure from certain areas of the foot Taking OTC pain relievers to handle minor to moderate swelling and pain If these treatments don’t take care of your symptoms and improve your condition then more aggressive treatment options like corticosteroid injections, shockwave therapy and even surgery may be necessary. Advanced Foot and Ankle Center is happy to provide quality foot care to the Delaware area with three convenient locations, Newark and Wilmington, DE. Give us a call today to schedule a visit with us. Don’t let heel pain affect your quality of life.
Lack of the arch in the foot is a common condition and is usually not painful. All of us have flat feet when we are born, and the development of the arch usually takes place during childhood. People who have flat feet rarely have symptoms or problems. However, some people may have pain because of various factors such as: minor injuries, excessive standing, walking, running or jumping, sudden weight gain and improperly fitted footwear. If you are experiencing pain due to your flat feet try some of these exercises to alleviate the pain and get on with your daily routine! Arch Exercises "Towel Scrunch." To strengthen the arch, start out barefoot in a chair and spread a small hand towel on the floor in front of you. Place the ball of your foot on the edge of the towel closest to you and, reaching out with your toes as far as you can, grab the towel and pull it back toward you, bunching it up under your foot. Keep reaching out and grabbing more towel until you run out. At the end of each scrunch, hold the contraction until you feel it in the arch for just a second before releasing. Do three sets of scrunches. Stair Raises for Arch Strength Stand on a step at least three to four inches off the ground with only the ball of your foot on the step and the rest of your heel and foot hanging slightly below the toes. Start with your foot in a neutral position and raise up to your tiptoes, pressing down with your toes. When you lower, resist the urge to drop your heel too far below the stair line; that is really a calf exercise, and your focus is on your arch. Do three sets, ten arch raises per set. Arch Flexibility Exercise Stretch the foot by either reaching down with your hand and grabbing your toe, pulling your toes back and up while relaxing your foot. You can also sit in a chair, use a small can. place your arch across the can and roll it out and back. Use moderate downward pressure and roll the can from the ball of your foot all the way back to your heel. This stretches and massages the bottom of the foot and can be a way to reduce some arch soreness. If you are feeling pain in the arch of your foot, call Dr. Raymond A DiPretoro Jr. at (302) 355-0056, or visit an Advanced Foot and Ankle Center Inc. near you. We’re located in Newark, Glasgow, and Wilmington DE. You can also keep in touch through Twitter, Facebook or our website. http://www.livestrong.com/article/415124-arch-building-exercises-for-flat-feet/ http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/flatfoot-pes-planus-topic-overview
A bunion is a structural problem of the big toe joint causing a boney prominence. Surgery is commonly performed to correct the problem. Surgery for bunions involves more than just simply shaving the boney protrusion. It typically requires that the bones have to be structurally realigned. Milder bunions are corrected with bone cuts close to the big toe joint. Larger bunions typically need a more "involved" bone cut or a fusion procedure to completely realign the problem. It takes approximately six weeks for the bones to heal in the corrected position. Myth #1: Bunion Surgery Is Excruciatingly Painful Bunion surgery is not particularly "more" painful than other surgeries. Foot surgery, in general, can lend itself to increased pain post-operatively because the foot is below the level of the heart and blood can rush to the area, causing a throbbing feeling. Also, the foot does not have much soft tissue surrounding the bones, so moderate postoperative swelling can aggravate the nerves, causing pain. Most patients find that the postoperative discomfort is tolerable with pain medication. Myth #2: Bunions Come Back Even After Surgery A majority of patients are satisfied with their outcome after bunion surgery. Recurrence is possible, but not particularly likely. The return of a bunion is not necessarily a complication, but something that can happen over time. Some patients have excessive motion in the foot that may predispose them to the bunion coming back. Another possible reason for recurrence occurs when a procedure that was performed did not best suit the severity of the particular bunion -- so it's important to have the surgery tailored for your particular bunion and to make sure your surgeon has had experience and successful outcomes with bunionectomey surgery. Myth #3: Bunion Surgery = Cast and Crutches While this was true years ago, more modern techniques have allowed surgeons to mobilize patients quicker. Mild bunions typically involve walking in a surgical shoe for six weeks. Surgeons consider casting with crutches with larger bunions because setting the bones is more complex. Some surgeons have moved away from bone cuts and instead perform a fusion procedure that allows for realignment of the entire deviated bone. This fusion procedure is called the Lapidus Bunionectomy, and contemporary approaches allow for early protected walking at two weeks postoperatively. This is a procedure that Dr. Raymond A. DiPretoro, Jr. is well-versed in! Myth #4: You Have To Be Off Work This is simply not true,! A patient can return to a desk job within two weeks of the surgery, and varies based on surgeon protocol and type of bunionectomy performed. Jobs that require excessive walking, standing and physical activity may require a medical leave of absence -- which can be up six weeks up to two months depending on healing and job requirements. Getting around can be difficult and driving may be off limits if you have your right foot operated on and/or drive a manual. Myth #5: Don't Fix A Bunion Unless Painful The concern with surgically correcting a non-painful bunion is that the surgery can result in longstanding post-operative pain that may not have been there prior. However, people do have surgery for non-painful bunions if the bunion interferes with activity, continues to become larger, or if they have difficulty wearing certain shoes and/or if the bunion is simply unsightly. Surgeons strongly prefer (or require) that patients have a painful bunion before they consider surgery. Fortunately, pain is the most common reason people seek treatment. Myth #6: Healing After Bunion Surgery Results In Unsightly Scars Surgical healing is part of the process with any surgery, and bunion surgery is no different. Incisions can be minimized, or alternate surgical approaches may be used to hide surgical scars. Bunion incisions are either located on the top of the foot or on the side of the foot, and technique varies based on surgeon. A surgeon may perform a plastic surgery-type closure to keep scaring minimum. To learn more about bunion surgery visit the Advanced Foot and Ankle Center Inc. near you. For your convenience, there are location in Wilmington, Newark and Glasgow, DE. You can also find us online, or contact us by calling (302) 355-0056! Photo Credit: Leagun via FreeStockPhotos.com