A small, thickened area of skin on the foot may be a corn. It can cause severe pain, despite its small size. A corn develops as a result of excess friction that generally comes from wearing socks or shoes that are too tight. Frequent rubbing against the shoe can cause a corn to form on the pinky toe or top of the toes. Many people who have a corn notice their walking style shifts to accommodate for the discomfort felt. In addition to wearing shoes and socks that do not fit well, a corn can happen if the toe is deformed or if there is poor bone alignment. Mild relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water as this may help to soften the corn. At this point, a pumice stone may be used to gently file the corn down, although this is a temporary solution. If you have a corn on your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can remove it and provide methods to prevent future corns from developing.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of North Penn Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

A common congenital foot condition is known as clubfoot. It is noticeable as the foot twists downward and inward, and will cause difficulty in walking if not promptly corrected. Research has shown it develops in the later stage of pregnancy, as the baby has limited room to move freely in. The feet may become squashed, which may cause this condition to occur. An effective treatment technique is referred to as the Ponseti method, which can begin soon after birth. It consists of wearing a cast for four to eight weeks and may be replaced during this time as the child grows. Minor surgery may be performed that can lengthen the Achilles tendon. This is followed by wearing a specific type of brace daily for three months until the age of five when the time can be gradually reduced. If your child has been born with clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can educate and guide you toward correct treatment methods.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome 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.

An injury can cause toe pain, making it difficult to complete daily activities. Toe pain may also occur due to an abnormal foot structure or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Existing medical conditions like hammertoe, bunions, or gout can also play a role. The big toe is affected by gout, and the pinky toe can hurt if a corn develops. Some people endure a broken toe, and buddy taping may be used as an effective healing method. The foot condition known as athlete’s foot can cause the toes and bottom of the foot to itch, which can be uncomfortable. Many diabetic patients have nerve pain, which can develop in the feet. This may lead to getting a foot ulcer, and pain relief is generally sought. An ingrown toenail is defined as a nail that grows into the skin instead of over it, and pus may ooze from it if it becomes infected. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer effective treatment methods.

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.

A plantar fibroma is a ball of fibrous tissue that develops in the arch of the foot. Though plantar fibromas are benign, they can cause a great deal of pain and interfere with walking and standing. Interestingly, these happen in males more often than females and in middle aged versus older people. When several fibromas develop in the feet, it is called plantar fibromatosis. Pain can worsen as fibromas become larger, from wearing shoes that are too tight, from walking barefoot, or from standing too long. These lumps have no known cause, but may be genetic. They are more common in those of Northern European heritage and less common in Asians. Some experts think trauma and repetitive injuries to the feet may be involved in the development of plantar fibromas. Medical conditions, such as liver disease and diabetes, and lifestyle factors, including alcohol abuse, might also contribute to, but not cause, formation of plantar fibromas. Also, certain medications and supplements are associated with this condition. If you think you have a plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

A plantar fibroma may 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.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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.

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.

Many people suffer from poor circulation as the aging process occurs. It may also happen from specific health conditions including diabetes, obesity, and hardened arteries. Additionally, having a sedentary lifestyle and smoking can contribute to developing poor circulation. Common symptoms can consist of pain, numbness, or a tingling sensation in the feet. Some patients have cold feet, and may notice they have become discolored. This condition can show moderate improvement by incorporating exercise and stretches into the daily routine. Walking is an effective form of exercise, and it is beneficial to drink plenty of water. It is advised to include foods such as fatty fish, leafy greens, and cinnamon into daily eating habits, which is thought to be linked to possibly improving poor circulation. If you are experiencing the above symptoms, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to manage and treat poor circulation.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of North Penn Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

Toe pain can make every single step excruciating. Toe pain can have many different sources, including injuries, arthritis, and hammertoe. Some of these things can be treated with home care, and some need additional medical intervention. Gout is a form of arthritis that commonly affects the big toe. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, and crystals form, which settle in certain joints. It causes severe pain at the base of the big toe, redness, and swelling. Hammertoe is a deformity where toes bend abnormally in the middle joint. The downward flex of the joint looks like a hammer, thus its name. It is most common in the second, third, and fourth toes. A hammertoe can make it difficult to walk, and stretching and moving the toes can be impossible. If you have toe pain, see a podiatrist for medical 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.

You don’t need to be an athlete to sprain an ankle. It can happen to anyone, simply by landing wrong when stepping down on a curb or staircase. However, those who play court games or team sports are far more likely to incur this type of injury. The majority of ankle sprains occur when the foot rolls inward, thereby overstretching the ligament on the outer side of the ankle. There are three main grades of an ankle sprain, which is caused by the overstretching or tearing of the lateral ligament that helps hold the ankle in place. In a Grade 1 sprain, only a few tissue fibers are torn. With a Grade 2 sprain, a far larger amount of tissue is torn. A Grade 3 sprain is a complete tear, or rupture, of the ligament. With a mild sprain, home treatment for a period of time may reduce the pain and allow the ligament to heal. However, if a sprain makes bearing weight difficult or impossible, it is wise to visit a podiatrist for a full diagnosis and suggested treatment plan.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.