Bunions are bony bumps that form on the joint of your big toe. They cause your big toe to move towards the other toes and force the joint at the base of the big toe to stick out. If your bunions are causing you pain, there are several things that you can try to relieve the pain at home. Exercising your feet by performing stretches can strengthen your muscles and improve foot flexibility, which may ease your bunion pain. For a light foot exercise, stand on a towel and scrunch it up with your toes, or lift your toes off the floor for ten seconds while keeping your heels firmly on the ground. If your bunion is inflamed, applying ice to the affected area for several minutes may help reduce inflammation. If you are suffering from bunion pain, visiting a podiatrist who can offer you the most effective treatment options is highly recommended.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.

Cycling is becoming increasingly popular as a form of exercise. However, as a cyclist, you must be wary of injuries to your ankle or foot. Luckily, there are preventative measures that you can take to save yourself from the pain of an injury. One of the most common ankle injuries from cycling is Achilles tendonitis, an overuse injury of the tendon that runs from the calf muscle to the back of the foot. Training too much, or too hard too quickly, can increase your risk of Achilles tendonitis. To help prevent this injury, try to break up your cycling to allow adequate time for rest and healing. Another common problem among cyclists is foot numbness. This may be caused by ill-fitting shoes or a lot of uphill riding. To help prevent foot numbness, make sure that you are wearing properly-fitted shoes, and add more variety to your rides so that you are not always cycling uphill. For more information on how to prevent and treat cycling injuries of the feet and ankles, talk to a podiatrist today.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

Obesity can impact the health of your body in a variety of ways. But did you know that it can also impact the health of your feet? A recent study of over 2000 people found that overweight and obese people were more likely to experience foot pain. Furthermore, as BMI increased, so did the likelihood of experiencing foot pain. The explanation for this may be fairly simple. The feet support the weight of the entire body. As that weight increases, the feet are put under more pressure and strain, which can eventually lead to pain. If you experience foot pain, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist, who can provide a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options for you.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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.