The feet provide us with mobility, and enable people to participate in running, walking, and jumping activities. An individual person will walk 100,000 miles during the course of an average lifetime, and research has shown that many people spend approximately 80 percent of their waking hours on their feet. This being said, it is beneficial to keep the feet as healthy as possible in order to prevent unwanted foot conditions from developing. Some of these ailments can consist of hammertoe, foot cramps, ingrown toenails, or bunions. Many of these can be remedied by purchasing shoes that fit correctly, in addition to maintaining proper foot care. Diabetic patients may be prone to developing foot ulcers. This is defined as an infection that develops on the sole of the foot, and can happen from the inability to feel existing cuts. If you have foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and treat it effectively.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

People often take their feet for granted until they begin to hurt. Arthritis in the feet can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it is beneficial to learn proper arthritic foot care. Four types of arthritis can affect the feet. These are classified as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and post-traumatic arthritis. Studies suggest that osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and causes wear and tear to the joints over time. When crystals form in the joints of the big toe, it can be indicative of gout. This is a condition that is caused by genetic factors or by specific types of foods that are frequently eaten. Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease that can target the joints in the feet causing severe pain and inflammation. If the foot is injured, the patient may develop post-traumatic arthritis, which can be a result of ankle trauma. There are several treatment options available and this often depends on the type of arthritis the individual has. If you have arthritis in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment method.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

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 our offices located in West Chester, and Broomall, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Many people are currently living with a condition known as rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, which is an inflammatory disease that attacks the joints. Individuals who have or are developing rheumatoid arthritis often experience certain symptoms that are highly indicative of the condition. For example, the joints in the body may ache, and more specifically, the ankles may be affected. Sometimes, the aching and pain can be symmetrical in the ankles, which means that both of the ankle joints may ache. Importantly, those whose ankles are affected by rheumatoid arthritis may also experience some amount of swelling in the ankle joints. If you think that you have rheumatoid arthritis and your ankles are being affected, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for an appointment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and 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.

A broken foot is one of the most common injuries seen in emergency rooms. Broken bones in the foot are usually caused by some type of trauma. Car accidents, dropping something heavy on the foot, and tripping over something are a few causes of fractures in the foot. Runners often experience stress fractures, which are tiny cracks in the bones and are caused by repetitive force. A fall also may cause a broken bone in the foot. Extreme pain and swelling are probably the most common symptoms of a broken foot, in addition to bruising and tenderness when touched. With more severe fractures, a bone may be jutting out of the skin, and immediate medical intervention is imperative. If you feel you may have broken a bone in your foot, it is wise to avoid further damage by keeping the foot immobilized, and avoiding standing or walking on it. An X-ray may be required to determine the location and severity of the broken bone, or bones, depending on the cause. Because the symptoms of a broken or fractured foot bone are similar to sprains, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and appropriate treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Children can get dry, cracked heels, and this can interfere with their active functioning. Cracked heels can occur in children for several reasons, including fungal infections, taking long and hot baths, obesity, and skin allergies. Drinking lots of water and good nutrition, which should include proper vitamins and nutrients, can help with dry, cracked heels in kids. Keeping feet clean, dry, and moisturized may also help prevent fungal and bacterial infections, such as athlete’s foot, often resulting in dry, cracked heels. Obese children can suffer from increased pressure on their feet, leading to cracked skin. If a child is obese, actions to bring a child’s weight into the normal range are suggested. Of course, if a child appears to get a skin reaction from a new product or some other irritant, it should be stopped immediately. Since dry, cracked heels have varied causes, it is suggested to take them to a podiatrist for an examination and treatment if this is something your child suffers from.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

Children’s foot and heel pain is common and can happen throughout any growing stage, especially growth spurts. The pain occurs around the heel bone and inside the foot. It can also aggravate children who participate in a lot of physical activity, like running and jumping. In children, when there is a growth spurt, and the bones grow quicker than the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons, there can be pain and tightness in the calf area. The calf muscles form the Achilles tendon, which is attached to the heel bone. The Achilles tendon can pull on the heel bone with intense physical activity and can cause pain. Also, active kids often have flexible flat feet until they grow older. The combination of these things can cause a pulling on the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon and further irritate the heel. If your child has heel or foot pain or walks on their toes or limps, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can make a proper diagnosis and offer a treatment plan to restore them to comfort.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

The popular shoes that are known as flip flops date back to 1500 B.C. They have the same Y-shaped construction, and today they are available in a variety of colors and styles. Despite the ease of wearing these types of shoes, they can be the source of foot pain. Most flip flops lack good arch support and may cause the feet to flatten as walking is done. Plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, may gradually develop as a result of this. The plantar fasciia is the band of tissue that connects the heels to the toes, and the condition is often painful. The entire foot may become fatigued from the toes gripping the front of the shoe to keep it on the foot. The stride may change as the heels touch the ground with more force while wearing flip flops, possibly causing the natural walking style to change. If you are interested in wearing these types of shoes, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can educate you on the pros and cons of wearing flip flops.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Care Specialists. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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.