Items filtered by date: October 2023

Soccer is a physically demanding sport where foot and ankle injuries are prevalent. Three common injuries in soccer are plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, and Achilles tendonitis. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a tissue connecting the heel to the ball of the foot. It causes pain on the heel and along the arch of the foot and may result from playing on hard surfaces or due to anatomical factors like flat feet or weak muscles. Ankle sprains occur when the ankle ligaments are overstretched or torn. Symptoms can include pain, bruising, and swelling. These sprains are often caused by awkward landings or playing on uneven surfaces. Achilles tendonitis involves inflammation or rupture of the Achilles tendon, causing mild aches or stiffness in the leg. It can be triggered by a sudden change in exercise intensity or from wearing inappropriate footwear. If you or your child has an injured foot or ankle from playing soccer, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis, and treatment, in addition to learning about preventative measures that can be taken to make you more resilient against such injuries.

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 Podiatry Care Specialists. 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 our offices located in West Chester, and Broomall, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

In the workplace, ensuring the safety of your feet is of great importance. Different job environments require various types of foot protection to prevent injuries and promote a secure working environment. Steel-toed boots are a popular choice in jobs like construction, manufacturing, and heavy equipment operation, as they shield against impacts and punctures. For those working with chemicals, waterproof boots with chemical-resistant materials offer protection against corrosive substances. Electricians and others exposed to electrical hazards can benefit from electrical hazard footwear that insulates against electric shock. Slip-resistant shoes are necessary in environments prone to spills or wet surfaces as they reduce the risk of slipping. Healthcare professionals often wear comfortable, slip-resistant shoes to maintain stability during long shifts. To determine the best shoe choice for your profession or to learn about the benefits of wearing work-appropriate shoes, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Care Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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 and ankle needs.

Excessive foot sweating, known as focal hyperhidrosis, is a common but distressing condition. It involves uncontrollable sweating of the feet even when not hot or physically active. Treatments can help manage its impact. Normal sweating occurs when you are hot, exercising, anxious, or nervous, as the nervous system triggers sweat glands to cool the body. Medical conditions, including diabetes, menopause, thyroid problems, and nervous system disorders, can cause excessive sweating of the feet. Some medications may contribute to this as well. While excessive sweating itself does not harm health, it can significantly affect quality of life, causing emotional distress, skin conditions, and discomfort. Diagnosis involves a medical evaluation to rule out underlying causes. Treatment options can include medications, therapy, and in severe cases, surgery. Moderate relief can consist of keeping the feet clean and dry, wearing moisture-wicking socks made from breathable fabrics, and seeking emotional support if needed. If you suffer from excessively sweaty feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and treatment.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Care Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best 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 and ankle needs.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, or DPN, is a common complication of diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the nerves, especially those in the legs and feet. DPN can lead to various symptoms, including numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and pain in the affected areas. It can also cause muscle weakness and affect balance and coordination. Over time, it can have serious complications if not managed properly. Surgery to release nerves in the legs has been shown to help people with this affliction and researchers have found that when people had such surgery, they experienced less pain and had an improved ability to feel touch. Surgery on a specific nerve in the tarsal tunnel area seemed to work best in these cases, and those who underwent such surgery were less likely to get ulcers or need amputation. If you suffer from DPN, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a full evaluation and treatment. Surgery may or may not be right for you, but new developments are constantly being made in this area that can potentially be helpful.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Care Specialists. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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 and ankle needs.

Gout, a type of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe joint pain and inflammation, has often been associated with men. However, it is important to recognize that women are not immune to this painful condition. While women have a lower overall risk of developing gout compared with men, certain factors can increase their susceptibility. One significant risk factor is age. Women are more likely to develop gout after menopause when estrogen levels drop. Hormonal changes can affect uric acid levels, contributing to the formation of gouty crystals in the joints. Additionally, obesity is a prominent risk factor for both genders. Women with a higher body mass index are more likely to develop gout, as excess weight can lead to elevated uric acid levels. Certain medications, such as diuretics or low-dose aspirin, can also raise the risk of gout in women. Genetics and a family history of gout may contribute to the development of this condition. If a woman has relatives with gout, her chances of developing the condition are higher. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing weight, staying hydrated, and addressing underlying medical conditions can help reduce the risk of gout in women. If you would like more information about women developing gout, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. 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 type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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 and ankle needs.