There are several different afflictions of the foot that might be properly classified as rare. Charcot foot is one such foot condition. This condition primarily results from some kind of nerve damage that affects bones and joints in the feet. Individuals who suffer from diabetes can be more likely to develop this condition than others. If you are one of the few people that have Charcot foot, then you are likely to experience any number of symptoms. You may, for instance, develop bone fractures. However, since this condition is characterized by damaged nerves, this loss of feeling may prevent you from ever feeling any sensations from the bone fracture. To learn more about this condition or other rare foot conditions, consult a podiatrist today.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.
 

The pain that is associated with the foot condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma is generally found in the ball of the foot. It happens as a result of a compressed or irritated nerve between the third and fourth toes, and it occurs more frequently in women. Wearing high heels may be a common cause for Morton’s neuroma to develop. More often than not, the toes may have limited room to move freely in, and the nerve may become inflamed. Common symptoms of this ailment include a burning sensation in the ball of the foot, and some patients describe the feeling as similar to standing on a marble or pebble. Additionally, the toes may be affected as the pain radiates through the foot, and can be uncomfortable. A proper diagnosis is needed to rule out arthritis or a fracture, and this is accomplished by having an X-ray taken. If you have pain in this part of your foot, a podiatrist can provide you with answers to questions you may have, and guide you toward the treatment that is best for you.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Care Specialists. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

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.

Just like any other medical disease or condition, foot pain is associated with several risk factors. This is to say that carrying a certain attribute makes one more likely to suffer from foot pain. For instance, pregnant women and arthritic individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing foot pain. One often overlooked high risk group is obese individuals. Once one’s body mass index has increased, the incidence of plantar heel pain increased. Likewise, fat mass is positively correlated with foot pain. Obese individuals are also more likely to have flat feet as well. This is likely the case because obese people place more weight and force down onto their feet, pushing down any natural arch so that the entire foot lays flush against the ground. If you are obese, you can reach out to a podiatrist to assist you with any foot pain you might have.

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

Heel pain is a common complaint among many patients visiting a podiatrist. Although there are several possible causes of this heel pain, plantar fasciitis is the likeliest. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue on the sole of the foot. This tissue connects the heel with the forefoot and can suffer damage from overuse, complications due to abnormal foot structure, improper footwear, and more. Plantar fasciitis can affect all people from athletes to ordinary people leading fairly sedentary lives. Older or obese individuals, those who stand while working, or who have flat feet or a shortened Achilles tendon, have a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis. There are many treatment modalities that your podiatrist may discuss with you if it's determined that plantar fasciitis is the cause of your heel pain. If it's chronic and does not respond to more conservative treatments, your podiatrist may suggest corticosteroid injections. This type of anti-inflammatory medicinal treatment is believed to help reduce pain and inflammation in many patients. If you are suffering from heel pain, have a podiatrist examine you. If you are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, consider all of the treatment options your podiatrist suggests and ask for information about whether corticosteroid injections might be right for you.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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 Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.