Items filtered by date: September 2020

The heel is the fatty pad that surrounds and cushions the heel bone in the back of the foot. Anyone can experience pain in their heel, but those who are physically active, middle aged, obese, or pregnant are said to be at a higher risk of suffering from heel pain. One common source of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, the tissue connecting the heel to the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. Some other causes of heel pain can be from ill fitting shoes, obesity, walking or standing on hard surfaces for extended periods of time, or even an abnormal walking gait. Other sources of pain include injuries such as stress fractures, bursitis, or heel spurs. If you are experiencing any type of pain in your heel, it is important to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan that is correct for you. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

As the feet age, they begin to flatten and widen, and the fatty padding begins to wear away. Overall function of the feet can be affected by something as small as a blister, and more severe injuries can lead to a variety of health conditions. One of the first steps to maintain healthy feet is keeping the feet clean and moisturized. Clean feet are critical in preventing fungal infections, and moisturizing helps prevent the skin from cracking and forming wounds. Proper nail trimming helps to prevent ingrown toenails and keeps the nails from overgrowing and interfering while walking. Make sure to wear properly fitting shoes in order to keep foot ailments like blisters to a minimum. Lastly, when necessary, make sure to visit a podiatrist when needed. A podiatrist can address serious situations such as pain, poor circulation, infections and other foot ailments. 

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis or RA, is an autoimmune condition that can affect joints throughout the body. It often affects the joints of the feet and ankles. The most common joints in the feet and ankles affected by RA are the smaller joints of the toes, the joints of the forefoot, the subtalar joint between the two tarsal bones of the foot, and less commonly the ankle joint. Signs of RA in your feet include soreness, warmth and swelling of one or more joints that lasts for several days, joint erosion, joint instability, and pain. RA could also cause painful fluid-filled sacs or nodules to develop on the feet. For more information on the signs and symptoms of RA in the feet and what you can do to treat this condition, speak with a podiatrist today.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

People who have peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that impairs circulation to the lower limbs, or have diabetes, which can also lead to poor circulation in the feet, are at an increased risk for amputation. Fortunately, these conditions can be treated and amputation can be prevented. Simple preventative measures such as being under the care of a podiatrist, participating in noninvasive vascular testing, and undergoing diabetic foot examinations can lead to better long term outcomes for patients. If you have peripheral artery disease or diabetes, it is recommended that you regularly visit a podiatrist who can help you take care of your feet.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.