Items filtered by date: March 2023

Tuesday, 28 March 2023 00:00

Indications of Morton’s Neuroma

The pain from the foot condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma is generally felt between the third and fourth toes. It affects the nerve in this area and can happen from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room in the toe area. High heels fall  into this category, and Morton’s neuroma may develop when they are frequently worn. A neuroma occurs when the nerve becomes pressed or irritated, and if left untreated, it may begin to swell and enlarge. Common symptoms that are experienced can consist of pain, burning, or a numbing sensation. Some people describe the feeling as having a pebble or marble in their shoe, and the discomfort may increase if tightly laced shoes are worn. Relief may be found when shoes are worn that have enough room in the toe area to move freely  in, and the affected foot is elevated. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

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 North Penn Podiatry. 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 Lansdale, and King of Prussia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 21 March 2023 00:00

Facts About Flat Feet

Flat feet is a fairly common foot condition. The foot appears to be flatter on the sole than it should be, as a result of a dropped arch. Many people experience discomfort from having flat feet, and other areas of the body may become affected. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch generally develops in the teenage years. This may occur in some adults, which may be for genetic reasons. Additionally, existing medical conditions may lead to developing flat feet. These can include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain types of arthritis. It is beneficial for adults who have flat feet to rest after exercising, and it may help to wear custom made orthotics that can mimic the arch of the foot. There may be specific stretches to perform that may help the achiness of having flat feet. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you with possible remedies for this ailment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from North Penn Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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 and ankle needs.

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Do you work on your feet all day and find your feet in pain? Don't go to work in pain each day. Your foot pain can be treated, and we can help.

Tuesday, 14 March 2023 00:00

Toe Pain and Capsulitis

No one likes toe pain. Even though the toes are small parts of the body, experiencing toe pain is no joke. There are many different potential sources of toe pain. Capsulitis is one interesting type of foot condition that almost exclusively affects the foot's second toe. The condition occurs when the ligament structure at the joint of the second toe becomes significantly inflamed. As a result of this condition, an individual might experience any number of symptoms. Most importantly, a patient with capsulitis can experience pain in the ball of the foot under the affected toe, usually the second toe. It is important to note that capsulitis can sometimes, although rarely, impact the third toe. If you struggle with toe pain, it is highly recommended that you contact a podiatrist today for treatment.  


 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of North Penn Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.

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Many people will continue to walk and stand if they have a stress fracture in their foot, despite the pain it may bring. Stress fractures generally happen from overuse and are a common injury among runners. They are small or hairline cracks in the foot bones that bear the weight of the body. The repetitive force that comes from running and jumping activities may result in a stress fracture and will become worse if not promptly treated. A stress fracture can cause the bones to become weak, and a boot or cast may be worn for stability as the affected foot heals. The parts of the foot that are most affected are the heel bone, the second and third metatarsal bones in the midfoot, or one or more of the bones in the ankle joint. The symptoms that can accompany this type of injury can include pain, bruising, tenderness, and swelling. If you have endured a stress fracture in your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and suggested treatment options. 

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from North Penn Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                  
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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 and ankle needs.

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