Items filtered by date: February 2023

Tuesday, 28 February 2023 00:00

Pickleball Injuries to the Feet on the Rise

Pickleball has increased in popularity, and because of that, injuries related to this sport are on the rise. Pickleball is played on a small court with paddles and a perforated plastic ball. It calls for a lot of stop-and-start motions and bursts of energy. This increases the risk of injuries like ankle sprains, falls, and Achilles tendon strains. Because of the speed and force involved in pickleball games, many players develop plantar fasciitis, which is an overuse injury that causes inflammation of the band of tissue on the sole of the foot. Bruising of the heels is common, as are blisters on the feet. Proper footwear is an important way to limit both acute and chronic foot or ankle injuries caused by pickleball. Experts have recommended using cross training shoes, rather than running shoes, to improve the stability needed for rapid side-to-side movements. An ankle brace with straps or laces can also be used. It is also a good idea to warm up before starting a pickleball game and to rest if you experience pain. Custom orthotics may be needed for additional support. For more information about dealing with foot pain from pickleball, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

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.

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Tuesday, 21 February 2023 00:00

What Is Gout Caused By?

Gout is a painful foot condition. People who are afflicted with gout may find the pain so debilitating that walking may temporarily become difficult, if not impossible to do. It is a form of arthritis that is caused by excess uric acid in the blood. This can convert into crystals that lodge in the joints of the big toe. In addition to the intense pain, common symptoms can include swelling, redness, and the affected area may feel warm when touched. Frequently eating certain types of foods may lead to gout, including shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Controlling the frequency of gout attacks may be accomplished by implementing healthy eating habits into the daily regime, and engaging in a gentle exercise program. Additionally, it can be beneficial to drink plenty of water and limit the number of foods with high levels of purines that may convert to uric acid. If you have had one or several gout attacks, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

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.

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Tuesday, 14 February 2023 00:00

Skin Infection May Cause Athlete’s Foot

A fungal skin infection is the cause of the foot condition that is known as athlete’s foot. It is contagious, and the virus that causes this lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. This often includes shower room floors, public swimming pools, and locker rooms. It is suggested to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas, such as water shoes or flip flops. The symptoms of athletes’ foot can be bothersome, and many people will look for relief. Common symptoms can include severe itching between the toes and on the bottom of the feet, and the skin is often red. In severe cases, blisters will form on different areas of the foot, and prompt medical attention is often sought. If you have developed this condition, it is strongly urged that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you proper treatment methods, which may include prescription cream.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Care Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

 

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Friday, 10 February 2023 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Tuesday, 07 February 2023 00:00

Do You Know How the Foot Works?

Walking seems so simple and is taken for granted by most of us. We do not think that with each step we take, there is a complex set of actions required by our unique arrangement of bones, tendons, and ligaments that are put into motion. The main tendon that is required to move the foot is the Achilles tendon. This tendon connects the calf muscle to the hindfoot bone. Ligaments are bands of elastic tissue that are between bones. To move, muscles require stimulation from nerves that feed into the foot. The plantar fascia, the connective tissue running along the bottom of the foot, acts as a springboard for stepping. The largest bone in the foot, which is known as the calcaneus, forms the heel bone and is vital for foot balance and strength. The forefoot’s five metatarsal bones lead to the phalanges that make up the toes of the foot. Few people have knowledge of how our feet work to get us from place to place, but everything is put together to make this happen smoothly. Most of us only learn some of the biomechanics of the feet when something goes amiss. If you would like to learn more about how feet are put together and function, make an appointment with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

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