Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease

Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease causes weak muscles and atrophy in the hands, feet, legs and forearms. this peripheral nerve disorder involves a gradual deterioration of the myelin coating on motor and sensory nerves and poor transmission of nerve impulses. A person's legs and feet are typically the first to show signs of CMT. Foot and ankle weakness and fatigue may develop initially, along with weakness in the hands. Toes may curl as muscles weaken. Some patients develop a highly arched foot from weak foot muscles. The person may experience a change in gait from CMT, as muscles adapt to the atrophy. Fracures and sprains are common. Other symptoms include burning, tingling or numbness in the feet, and trouble balancing.

The first step in treating any foot problem is an accurate diagnosis. This requires a comprehensive history, physical exam and in some cases, x-rays and laboratory tests. Depend on it, though-whatever is causing your foot pain, whether it's disease or injury, a hereditary condition, or any number of ills that can plague the feet- you can count on Shenandoah Podiatry for relief.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,
Dr. Jennifer Feeny

p.s. CMT is different from Charcot's foot disease, a joint disorder and common complication of diabetes.

High Arches

When you stand, the gap between your foot’s inner side and the ground is referred to as your arch. If your arch is high, you have a pes cavus (high-arched foot). A high arch may not cause any symptoms for some people, but for others it can lead to discomfort. Symptoms vary depending on the degree of the arch. Some patients develop calluses or hard skin under the sole of the foot or feel pain or tenderness along the arch. Feet may also feel stiff. In severe cases, pain in the calf, hip, or knee may develop. It may be challenging to find shoes that fit properly, especially around the ankle, and shoes may wear out quickly.
To determine the best treatment for high arches and other foot conditions, a podiatrist will examine the foot and perform a gait analysis. He or she will also look at a patient’s medical history, past medical problems, length, frequency of symptoms in determining the best treatment plan.

What Is A Podiatrist?

Simply put, podiatrists are medical experts that deal exclusively with problems associated with the foot and ankle. The DPM after a podiatrist's name stands for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Because our training is highly specialized, we are able to quickly and accurately diagnosis your condition while offering the most modern treatment plans available.
Many people know that podiatrists treat senior citizens and those with diabetic foot conditions but may not realize that we also treat patients of all ages for a wide variety of ailments. Podiatrists are well qualified to help children and young adults with any foot and ankle problems they may be experiencing . Sports injuries, heel pain, bunions and hammer toes are just a few problems we provide treatment for. If your discomfort involves any part of the foot or ankle, a podiatrist is the one to call.

Creating A Splash...Fish Pedicures?!

Have you heard about the new type of pedicure? The fish pedicure involves submerging your feet in water while tiny little fish, called garra rufa, nibble away at your feet. Read Creating A Splash...Fish Pedicures?! to learn more about this strange procedure.

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

For over one hundred and fifty years, Americans have been devoted to the game of baseball as both fans and participants. With the arrival of each spring, thousands of people across the country search for their gloves and cleats in preparation for the upcoming baseball and softball season. Spring also brings an influx of patients to the local emergency rooms and doctor’s offices because of the injuries associated with our national pastime. Before you ever step up to the plate, take the time to ensure that you are actually ready to run the bases. Read more about baseball and your feet in my new article Baseball and Your Feet.