Foot Pain

Advanced Care and Surgery

The foot contains 26 bones surrounded by joints and muscles that all need to work in sync to give you proper mobility and stability. With so many parts, it’s not surprising that as many as 80 percent of Americans will suffer from some form of foot or ankle pain during their lives. If you’re suffering, the orthopedic specialists at Saint Vincent Hospital’s Center for Musculoskeletal Services can help.

Comprehensive Care

Foot and ankle pain can be caused be a wide range of conditions, including:

Injury
Arthritis
Diabetes
Poor circulation
Genetic abnormalities
Ill-fitting shoes
Normal wear and tear

Our specialists are trained to diagnose the cause of your pain and create an individualized treatment plan to address the root cause — not simply mask the pain.

In some cases, surgery may be appropriate. But we’ll exhaust every appropriate treatment option before turning to surgery. However, if a surgical procedure becomes the recommended choice, our team of ankle and foot specialists is well versed in:

Complex fracture care
Custom casting and splinting
Manufacturing and fitting of custom braces and orthotics
Plantar Fasciitis and other common foot problems
Reconstructive surgery related to arthritis or deformity
Reconstructive surgery related to trauma
Soft tissue sprains, strains and contusions
Sports-related injuries of the foot and ankle

Find an Orthopedic Specialist

Fill out a contact form and we’ll call you to refer a doctor.

Request an Orthopedic Referral

Brain Fog and When to Worry

Dealing with persistent "brain fog" like forgetfulness or trouble focusing? You might be experiencing brain fog, which refers to a feeling where you have trouble remembering, concentrating or finding the right words. It's like your thoughts are slow and unclear. This condition can make it hard to plan, organize or multitask. Some people with brain fog may also feel overwhelmed or fatigued.

There are ways you can try to help clear the haze, but if the fog doesn’t lift, it may be time to see a doctor, like a neurologist. Here's a guide to help you learn more about brain fog and know when to see a doctor.

What You Need To Know About Brain Fog

Causes

Medications:

Anti-cholinergic drugs
Older antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)
Some older antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline)
Medications for urinary symptoms (e.g., oxybutynin)

Illnesses and Conditions:

COVID-19
Menopause
Migraines
Lyme disease
“Chemo brain” due to chemotherapy
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Fibromyalgia ("fibro fog")
Lupus
Hormonal changes during pregnancy

Environmental Factors:

Extreme heat
Air pollution
Exposure to cold

Lifestyle Factors:

Poor sleep or insomnia
Dehydration
High stress levels
Depression and anxiety
Drug or alcohol use
Excessive screen time
Jet lag
Aging

Symptoms

Difficulty concentrating or focusing
Confusion
Fatigue
Forgetfulness
Losing your train of thought
Mental exhaustion
Not having the right words
Slow thought process and reaction time
Trouble paying attention

5 Ways To Help Clear Brain Fog

Set Limits: Prioritize rest, especially when managing conditions like COVID or cancer.
Maintain Healthy Habits: Engage socially, eat well, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol and stay hydrated.
Stay Active: Incorporate short, brisk walks to enhance alertness and cognitive function.
Manage Stress: Engage in relaxation techniques like meditation and regular exercise and consult with professionals if needed.
Monitor Sleep and General Health: Maintain consistent sleep routines and manage general health indicators like cholesterol and blood pressure.

When To See a Doctor

See a doctor if your brain fog:

Persists for several weeks.
Is more severe than usual.
Occurs suddenly.
Affects your daily activities.

Finding Clarity Beyond the Fog

If you're dealing with brain fog, know that you're not alone. Talk to a doctor if your condition doesn't go away. They can help you find ways to manage and possibly clear up the fog, so you can feel better and more focused.