Items filtered by date: August 2022

A bump on the side of the big toe may be classified as a bunion. It can be large or small depending on how fast it develops. It may be uncomfortable and can happen as a result of wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move around in. Some patients have pain in the bottom of their big toe that may gradually develop into the rest of the foot. In severe cases, the bunion may cause the other toes to shift and can result in overlapping. Many patients choose to have an X-ray taken and this can be beneficial in determining the extent of the deformity, in addition to observing if there is wear and tear on the joint. This condition may be the result of an abnormal foot structure and may happen to people who have flat feet. Additional reasons why people may develop a bunion can be from having endured a foot injury or possibly from collagen deficiency diseases. If you have a bunion, please confer with a podiatrist who can recommend what type of treatment is correct for you, and how to find permanent relief.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Care Specialists. 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 our offices located in West Chester, and Broomall, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ice skating requires balance, flexibility, strength, and power. In the 1990s, patterns that generated shapes like circles and figure eights were replaced with more physically demanding jumps and spins. As expected, skating can stress the muscles, bones, and joints of the feet and ankles. Injuries in skating often happen from falls. A skater’s feet are tightly bound in leather or synthetic composite boots so the feet and ankles bear the brunt of various motions performed. Problems can arise from repetitive stretching of the Achilles tendon, located at the heel of the foot, and a skater can get Achilles tendinopathy, tendonitis in the ankle, plantar fasciitis, bunions, calluses, hammertoes, or other foot and ankle problems. Skaters should warm up and stretch before skating to loosen stiff muscles and wear properly fitting boots. If you are a skater and have sports-related pain in your feet or ankles that is not relieved with rest, see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Care Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in West Chester, and Broomall, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that can be extremely painful. It generally attacks a joint in the body, frequently the big toe. The joint becomes inflamed during what is termed a flare-up. Usually the inflammation recedes after a few days or a week. Symptoms of gout are pain, redness, swelling, tenderness to touch, and heat. Men are more likely to have gout than women. Obesity, genetics, high blood pressure, consuming high levels of alcohol, and eating foods rich in purines are risk factors. Purines are contained in red meat, organ meat, and some seafood. The purines break down into uric acid, which then can crystallize in the joint and result in inflammation. While there is not a cure for gout, it can be treated. If you have frequent problems with gout in the big toe, please see a podiatrist for more information and possible treatment options.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Care Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in West Chester, and Broomall, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people need to wear orthotics in their shoes. They are defined as custom-made insoles that can help a variety of foot conditions and may also be used to improve ankle support. A proper diagnosis can determine if orthotics are right for you. This can consist of having a physical examination performed on the feet, discussing existing symptoms, and checking for painful deformities. Additionally, an X-ray or MRI may be ordered that can show any signs of arthritis or damage to the foot. There are some foot conditions that can alter the foot structure including bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs, or flat feet. There are two categories of orthotics consisting of rigid and flexible and may be available in two sizes, full-shoe inserts or smaller inserts that the heels can fit in. If you have a foot ailment and would like more information about the benefits of wearing custom-made orthotics, it is strongly advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Care Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in West Chester, and Broomall, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When the toe joints become out of balance a condition known as hammertoe may develop. This is considered to be a deformity and can happen from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely. The joints in the toes become affected and can bend downward, resembling a hammer. Additionally, genetic reasons may cause this condition to occur, where there is an imbalance in the tendons. An injury to the toes may cause a hammertoe to develop and many times corns and calluses form on top of the bent toes. Research has indicated that is important to wear shoes that fit correctly. A shoe that fits well has enough space between the longest toe and the top of the shoe, ensuring the toe will not touch that part of the shoe. Flexible hammertoe generally happens in the beginning stages of this ailment. This is noticeable because the toes can still be straightened despite being in a fixed position. When the toes are unable to straighten this is classified as rigid hammertoe, and surgery may be necessary to correct it. If you notice signs of hammertoe, please consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment techniques.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Care Specialists. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in West Chester, and Broomall, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.