Items filtered by date: September 2023

Finding the perfect pair of running shoes is the first step for any beginner embarking on their running journey. Your choice of footwear can significantly impact your comfort, performance, and overall running experience. It may help to have a podiatrist analyze your gait, arch type, and foot shape in order to guide your purchase. Consider where you plan to run most frequently. Different shoes are designed for specific terrains, such as road running, trail running, or even treadmill running. Comfort should be a top priority when trying on running shoes. They should feel snug but not too tight. Make sure there's ample room for your toes to wiggle and breathe. Take your time to try on several pairs and jog around the store to get a real feel for how they perform. Also, remember that running shoes have a limited lifespan, typically ranging from 350 to 500 miles, depending on terrain, running style, and body weight. Keep track of your mileage and be prepared to replace your shoes when they show signs of wear and tear. For more information on finding the right running shoe for you, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our 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.

Heel pain can be debilitating, and one common cause is bursitis. This condition occurs when the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions and lubricates the joints, becomes inflamed. In the case of heel bursitis, the bursa located at the back of the heel becomes irritated and swollen. The bursa is typically aggravated by activities that put pressure on the affected area, such as walking or wearing tight shoes. Inflammation can also be caused by repetitive overuse or direct trauma to the heel. Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination, and sometimes imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasound are used to rule out other conditions. Treatment options range from rest and ice to reduce inflammation, to physical therapy and orthotic shoe inserts for support. In some cases, a podiatrist may recommend corticosteroid injections to alleviate pain and inflammation. If you're experiencing persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. With the right care, heel bursitis can be managed effectively, allowing you to get back on your feet pain-free.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please 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.

A foot bath offers a myriad of health benefits that can enhance your overall well being. This ancient practice of immersing your feet in warm water has gained popularity in modern times. Foot baths have direct benefits for your feet. They soften and exfoliate the skin, preventing development of thick calluses. They also discourage bacterial buildup under toenails, cuts, and blisters, reducing the risk of infection. This is why pedicures often include a foot bath. Foot baths also aid in detoxification in the body and are beneficial for various medical conditions. Incorporating Epsom salt into your foot baths can help to manage muscle cramps, boost blood circulation, and reduce inflammation. Additionally, foot baths can also help to treat fungal infections, remove splinters, and provide foot pain relief. Essential oil foot baths add aroma therapeutic benefits to your soak. This can be beneficial in smoothing and moisturizing your skin, easing tired muscles, and reducing stiff joints. Soaking your feet in apple cider vinegar offers various health benefits as well, including treating fungal infections, soothing sore feet, and healing dry skin. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of foot therapy, such as foot baths, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with 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.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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.

Our toes, those often overlooked companions on our daily journeys, play a more significant role in our lives than we realize, until they ache. Toe pain, a distressing sensation that can impede our daily activities, can arise from various sources. Wearing uncomfortable footwear, such as tight or ill-fitting shoes, may lead to blisters and calluses caused by excess friction. Stubbing a toe, seemingly harmless but potent in its impact, can result in acute pain and potential fractures. Ingrown toenails, a product of improper trimming or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, can also trigger sharp, localized pain. Athlete's foot, a fungal infection, often targets the spaces between our toes, bringing about itchiness and discomfort. Arthritis can also affect the toes, leading to persistent toe pain. Acknowledging these common culprits empowers us to take better care of our toes, ensuring they continue to walk us through life's adventures without unnecessary pain. If you are experiencing toe pain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist for proper 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.