Items filtered by date: April 2024

Ankle sprains occur when ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, often due to sudden twisting movements. Common causes include sports injuries, walking or running on uneven surfaces, or accidents. Prevention involves maintaining strength and flexibility through regular exercise, wearing supportive footwear, and using caution during physical activities. Immediate treatment for ankle sprains includes rest, compression, and elevation. Gentle exercises to restore range of motion and strength may aid in recovery. However, severe sprains may require medical attention, including immobilization with a brace or splint, or, in rare cases, surgery. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from North Penn Podiatry. 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
• 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 Lansdale, and King of Prussia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot and ankle stress fractures encompass various types, commonly occurring among athletes due to repetitive impact activities like running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction. These fractures result from the accumulation of microtrauma, leading to small cracks in the bones. Athletes often describe the sensation as a gradual onset of localized pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Stress fractures can occur in different areas of the foot and ankle, including the metatarsals, navicular, calcaneus, and fibula. Prompt diagnosis is important to prevent further damage and facilitate proper healing. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. A podiatrist can employ techniques like imaging studies, biomechanical assessments, and customized treatment plans. By providing targeted interventions and guidance on activity modification, podiatrists help shorten your time away from sports and expedite your return to activity with reduced risk of complications.

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.

Athletes often experience heel pain due to the intense and repetitive stress placed on their feet during training. One common heel pain problem is plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. Another is Achilles tendonitis, which involves inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. These conditions can result from overuse, inadequate footwear, or improper training techniques. While most athletes respond well to conservative treatments like rest, stretches, and orthotics, there are times when these measures do not provide sufficient relief. In such cases, a podiatrist may suggest surgery as a last resort. Many factors go into deciding whether surgery is the best option, such as weighing the athlete's condition severity, pain levels, and impact on their performance and quality of life. If you are an athlete struggling with heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a personalized treatment plan. 

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.

Regular walking, with many people aiming for 10,000 steps a day, is beneficial for foot health, joint function, and overall mobility. Walking strengthens foot and ankle muscles, improves circulation, and enhances joint flexibility, reducing the risk of foot problems and arthritis. It also helps maintain a healthy weight, alleviating pressure on the feet, and preventing conditions like plantar fasciitis. Podiatrists play a vital role in guiding individuals toward safe walking routines. They assess foot biomechanics, recommend suitable footwear, and provide tailored exercise plans. Additionally, podiatrists detect early signs of foot issues and intervene promptly, ensuring optimal foot health. Incorporating regular walking, under a podiatrist's guidance, promotes healthy feet, joints, and overall mobility, whether reaching for 10,000 steps or simply embracing a more active lifestyle. If you want healthier feet and joints through a regular walking routine, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

Flat feet, or pes planus, is a common condition where the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. It affects approximately 20 to 30 percent of the population and can occur in both children and adults. Flat feet may develop due to specific factors, including genetics, weak foot muscles, injury, or certain medical conditions. People at higher risk include those with family history, obesity, diabetes, or who stand for long periods of time. There are different types of flat feet. Flexible flat feet are where the arches only flatten when weight is applied. Tight Achilles tendon limits foot movement. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is when the tendon supporting the arch becomes weakened. Treatment by a podiatrist aims to relieve painful symptoms and improve foot function. This may involve custom orthotic devices, stretching exercises, supportive footwear, or in severe cases, surgery to reconstruct the arch. If you have problematic flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper management and relief.

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.