Arthritis in the feet and ankles can make even simple steps feel difficult. Stiffness may limit motion in the joints, while swelling and tenderness can create ongoing discomfort. As the protective cartilage wears down, bones may rub together and lead to further pain. The changes often affect balance and endurance, making long walks or standing for extended periods of time challenging. Shoes that once felt comfortable may no longer provide enough support, and uneven pressure on the foot can increase fatigue. Walking aids or custom orthotics are sometimes needed to reduce strain and improve stability. Gentle activity, however, often helps keep joints moving and prevents further stiffness. Since arthritis affects each person differently, professional guidance from a podiatrist can make a significant difference. If walking is becoming painful due to arthritis, it is suggested that you visit this type of doctor for effective relief and management tips. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from North Penn Podiatry. 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 Lansdale, and King of Prussia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A plantar wart is a small, rough growth that appears on the bottom of the foot, caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, infecting the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions. Common causes include walking barefoot in public areas, such as near pools, or in locker rooms or showers, where the virus thrives. Symptoms may include a small, thickened area of skin, extreme pain while walking or standing, and sometimes black dots within the wart. Preventing plantar warts involves keeping feet clean and dry, avoiding direct contact with contaminated surfaces, and wearing protective footwear in public spaces. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar warts, provide safe treatment options, and offer guidance to prevent recurrence. If you have concentrated foot pain while standing or walking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from North Penn Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Risk factors include wearing tight or narrow shoes, improper toenail trimming, genetic predisposition, and injury to the nail. Causes often involve repeated pressure, trauma, or abnormal nail shape. In severe or recurring cases, a podiatrist may perform a minor surgical procedure to remove part or all of the affected nail and prevent regrowth in the problem area. This type of doctor can also provide guidance on proper nail care, footwear, and preventive measures. If you are struggling with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include minor surgery for removal. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of North Penn Podiatry. 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 Lansdale, and King of Prussia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.