Common conditions of the Achilles tendon include tendonitis, peritendonitis, rupture, and retrocalcaneal bursitis. These conditions are usually caused by overuse and can occur in adolescents and adults, with men over 30 years old most vulnerable.

Treatment for the spectrum of Achilles Tendon disorders includes ice, rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, control of biomechanical factors by correcting malalignment with appropriate shoes, appropriate training techniques, losing weight and ultrasound. Referral for possible surgical intervention should be made if no improvement occurs after six months of conservative treatment.

The medical term for this condition is "Hallux Abducto Valgus". This means simply that the hallux (large toe) is going 'away' from the midline of the body. A bump usually develops near the base oth the first toe. It is caused by malalignment of the metatarsal phalangeal joint of the big toe. The condition worsens over time leading to discomfort, corns, difficulty with shoe gear, and pain when walking.

Drs. Testa and Coppola treat bunions with modalities that are conservative to surgery if necessary. The most conservative treatments involve applying ice to the feet, wearing wider shoes and custom made orthotics. If this is not satisfactory, surgery may be needed.

Diabetes may lead to a condition in which nerve function deteriorates in the body's extremities called peripheral neuropathy. The patient may have symptoms of decreased feeling, numbness, tingling or a burning sensation in the hands, arms, legs, and feet. The inability to sense pain in the feet, combined with changes in circulation, can lead to increased pressure in certain areas causing cuts, bruises, blisters and ulcers.

Proper Diabetic Care includes monitoring blood glucose levels, speaking to your physician about the correct diet and regular visits to the opthamologist and podiatrist. You're podiatrist will monitor your feet for any wounds that may be occuring. Corns, callouses and regular nail care are all a very important part of routine Diabetic Foot Care.

When there is an imbalance in the muscles of the foot, a hammer toe or claw toe can develop. Although these conditions may seem minor, if left untreated, they may cause considerable pain & disability. The inside of the shoe may rub against the bent toe joint, causing calluses to form. The metatarsals that support body weight and pressure may cause calluses and ulcers to develop on the sole of the foot. It is important to obtain treatment for hammertoes and clawtoes when they start, before they become a permanent deformity.

Conservative treatments of removing the corn or callus and padding usually provide relief and involve only a simple office visit. Correction of hammer toes may be acclomplished by a minor surgical procedure called arthroplasty that lengthens a shortened tendon and removes a small section of underlying enlarged bone.

Bone spurs on the heel occur when muscle tension pulls a piece of bone away from the calcaneus (heel bone). A bone spur usually appears on x-ray as a fishhook shaped structure. This sharp edged spur, irritates the nerves in the heel and combined with strained muscles, causes pain.

Conservative treatment for this condition is the creation of custom made orthotics. A surgical procedure in which the bone spur is resected would be the treatment of choice in patients in which orthotics did not control symptoms (see plantar fasciitis for a discussion of surgical options).

This is a condition in which the metatarsal heads become inflamed and painful. This may be due to overuse, bone malalignment or rheumatologic conditions such as osteoarthritis, psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment options include: treatment of the underlying arthritic condition, anti-inflammatory medication, custom foot orthotics (arch supports and/or metatarsal pads) and physical therapy.

Neuroma is a term for a nerve that has become enlarged and inflamed. It is a painful condition involving the foot where the toes meet the ball of the foot. The nerve becomes entrapped between the metatarsal bones and base of the toe causing pain and burning in the area. Women are affected nine times more than men.

Available treatments include oral medications, cortisone injection (to shrink neuroma), physical therapy and shoe modifications. Surgery may be indicated when conservative measures are not successful. Approximately 80% of patients become cured without surgery.

Plantar Fasciitis is is caused by collagen degeneration at the origin of the plantar fascia at the medial tubercle of the calcaneus (heel bone). It is a common cause of foot pain in adults. The condition usually presents with pain that is particularly severe with the first few steps taken in the morning and often reoccurs later in the day.

Treatment options consist of rest, stretching, strenghening, arch support, orthotics, night splints, anti-inflammatory agents and in some cases, surgery. Modern day technology has provided new surgical procedures for the correction of heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. These procedures cause little disability and are very successful in correcting chronic heel and foot pain. These newer procedures are endoscopic plantar fasciotomy, extracorporal shock wave therapy and nerve ablation.

Skin and Nail Conditions are one of the most common reasons that patients seek podiatric care. Skin conditions such as athletes foot, psoriasis, skin rashes, corns and calluses are common foot ailments that can be treated easily and painlessly in a simple office visit.

Nail conditions such as nail fungus, ingrown nails and nail infections are common in all age groups and are easily treated and corrected in the office.

We will thoroughly and professionally evaluate any podiatric condition that you may have and provide a treatment plan that fits your needs and life style.

We provide second surgical opinions. At that time, we will gladly reassess your condition and answer any questions, you may have, concerning an upcoming foot surgery.