Bunions are bony, painful bumps that form inside the foot at the joint of the big toe. They grow slowly, over time, and with repetitive pressure put on the big toe joint the toe leans inward towards the second toe. The leaning eventually leads to a change in the bone structure which causes the bump or deformity to develop. As the bump gets bigger it becomes painful to wear shoes and walk. Bunions develop for several reasons including stress and injury of the foot. Narrow shoes, with insufficient room for the toes, are often the culprit as well. Bunions are said to be more common in women, those with congenital deformities, and people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment for bunions starts with wearing wider shoes to accommodate the bump. Cool compresses, bunion pads, orthotics, pain medications, cortisone shots, and physical therapy can also help the soreness. Surgery is a last resort when the bunion pain starts interfering with one’s daily functioning. Due to possible complications, pain, and since bunions may masquerade as something else, seeing a podiatrist is suggested for an examination and treatment suggestions.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Barbara Davis of Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Symptoms
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Obesity poses risks to your health, as well as extra pressure put on your feet. With each step you take, your feet must hold one and a half times your total body weight. Painful conditions such as heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, sprains, and fractures can be triggered by excess pounds. Diabetes and peripheral artery disease resulting from being overweight can also contribute to poor circulation and foot ulcers. Symptoms can become severe enough that amputation of a limb is possible. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight can help your general health and the health of your feet. An exercise plan will help in this endeavor. If your feet hurt badly, exercise is still possible with low impact regiments like water aerobics or swimming. It is suggested to consult with a podiatrist before you embark on any new exercise routine to make sure it is safe and will not make foot problems worse.
Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Obesity and Your Feet
Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.
Problems & Complications
Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.
Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.
Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
According to the CDC, one out of four seniors over 65 experiences a fall, and the odds are that once you have fallen, it will happen again. This often occurs as the result of diminishing balance, mobility and coordination as you age. Five simple ways to help prevent falls, and the injuries that may follow, include removing tripping hazards around the home, making stairs and bathrooms safer, wearing proper shoes and slippers, using a cane or walker, and doing exercises that both strengthen legs and feet and improve balance and coordination. First, it is suggested that you remove area rugs or mats that can be tripped over or that slide too easily, and clear hallways and walkways of clutter or other objects. Second, have railings installed on all stairways, including those on porches or home entry areas. Also, add grab bars to bathroom tubs and showers and make sure to use non-slip mats. Third, find shoes that provide support and fit well. Avoid going barefoot and walking around in socks at home. Instead get shoes and slippers with non-skid soles for safety both inside and out of the house. Fourth, it is amazing how many seniors refuse to use a walking aid out of vanity, but using a cane or walker is one of the best ways to avoid falls. Finally, see your podiatrist for information on how to strengthen your ankles and feet with exercises you can do at home. A podiatrist can answer any questions you may have on ways to prevent falling.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Ankle pain can be sharp or dull depending on the type of injury that has occurred. While some patients have pain from ankle sprains or strains, ankle pain can come from arthritis as well. An Achilles tendon injury can cause severe ankle pain and can happen from an injury that overstretches this strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Symptoms of a fractured ankle can include swelling surrounding the ankle, and it is often difficult to walk. Soft tissue damage can come from an ankle sprain or strain and can cause significant pain. Additionally, the medical condition that is known as gout can cause ankle pain, and it is necessary to have immediate treatment. If you have ankle pain for any reason, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so the correct treatment can begin.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor 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:
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 office located in Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A hammertoe affects one of the three middle toes of the foot, causing the toe to bend upward at its middle joint. Wearing shoes with larger foot beds, using shoe inserts or padding, toe stretching and strengthening exercises, and other lifestyle changes might be enough to manage a hammertoe. However, if those kinds of things do not help, surgery may be called for. Those with other foot problems like bunions, corns, or heel spurs may have surgery to take care of all problems at once. However, if one has poor blood circulation in their feet, any kind of foot infection, or health problems that make surgery a risky option, they are unlikely to be a good candidates. If you think you have a hammertoe and cannot find relief, consult a podiatrist for a customized treatment plan.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
Causes
Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
People who have feet that sweat excessively may have a condition that is known as plantar hyperhidrosis. It may be the result of a neurological or endocrine disorder and can be quite uncomfortable. There are several treatment options, and this can depend on the severity of this ailment. Surgery may be a viable option for successfully removing the sweat glands. Patients who are afflicted with this condition often keep an extra pair of shoes and socks close by. It can be professionally and socially disabling, and many patients who have this condition are often embarrassed. If you think you may have hyperhidrosis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment solutions.
If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Barbara Davis of Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.
Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.
In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.
A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.
If you sometimes experience redness and burning in your feet, as well as other body parts, you may have a disorder known as erythromelalgia. Flare-ups, which can last for days, usually start out as itching, which then becomes burning pain, redness and mottled skin. Erythromelalgia can affect your ability to stand, exercise and sleep. Its symptoms may be triggered by an increase in body temperature after exercising, wearing warm socks, being dehydrated, or even eating spicy food. The cause for most people is unknown, but erythromelalgia has been linked to several underlying conditions, including peripheral neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. It also may be triggered by taking certain medications. Self-treatment is not recommended, as it may lead to more serious problems. Instead, if you think this condition is affecting your feet, as well as limiting your daily activities, it is wise to seek the counsel of a podiatrist for analysis and possible treatment options.
When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.
Systemic Diseases of the Feet
Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.
Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.
Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.
Diabetes of the Feet
Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.
Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Approximately one quarter of the bones in the body are located in the feet. Because of this, the importance of practicing everyday foot care is essential in maintaining healthy feet. The muscles and joints act like levers and pulleys, and are responsible for moving the feet side to side, and up and down. It is common for our feet to become worn out as the aging process occurs, and this can lead to developing specific foot conditions. There are several methods of practicing good foot hygiene. These can include washing and drying the feet daily, having gentle foot massages, and wearing shoes that fit correctly. Additionally, stretching the feet after sitting for a long period of time may help circulation. If you would like more information about methods and tips on everyday foot care, please speak with a podiatrist.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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