Items filtered by date: February 2022

There are 26 bones in the foot along with a complex network of joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles. A doctor who specializes in conditions and ailments that affect these structures, as well as the ankle, are known as podiatrists. Podiatrists can have a variety of focuses, such as surgery, wound care, sports injuries and diabetic conditions. Common issues that they often treat include heel pain (ex. plantar fasciitis or heel spurs), flat feet, sprained ankles, plantar warts, nail conditions (ingrown toenails and fungal nail infections), and corns/calluses. Conditions in the foot that cause severe pain, an inability to bear weight, swelling, numbness, an open sore, or sign of an infection should be looked at by a podiatrist. 

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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.

Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) is a very contagious, even sneaky, fungus. It can travel from an infected person’s foot onto a locker room floor, public shower or swimming pool area, and linger until it comes in contact with an unsuspecting pair of bare feet. Athlete’s foot can also transfer directly from person to person, or through contact with contaminated socks, towels and shoes. That is why it is very important to wear flip-flops in warm, moist communal areas and never share personal items with others. Tinea pedis loves to live in the dark, moist webbing between toes, causing a very itchy, scaly rash that can spread to other parts of the feet. These symptoms are often exacerbated by wearing tight shoes or sweaty socks for an extended period of time. A certain form of athlete’s foot can even produce painful blisters on the sole of the feet. As uncomfortable and itchy as these symptoms are, it is important to refrain from scratching, as the infection can spread to the hands and possibly lead to a bacterial infection. In some cases, this nasty infection will attack the toenails, causing them to thicken, crumble, become discolored and disintegrate. If your feet have been attacked by tinea pedis, it’s a good idea to seek the professional care of a podiatrist. They will provide prompt relief and help avoid the condition from worsening.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best 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.

While heel pain is predominantly caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, flat feet, or by wearing shoes with inadequate cushioning, in rare cases it may be linked to a heel bone tumor. There are several types of heel bone tumors, which are mostly benign. Although some benign tumors in the heel bone are asymptomatic, there may be pain in the heel (which often occurs in the evening), and localized swelling in the ankle. Symptoms may also include heat and redness. Any type of heel pain should be assessed by a podiatrist as soon as possible. They will examine you and may perform an X-ray or other diagnostic imaging to make a proper diagnosis. Early detection and management are essential in yielding the best outcomes in the treatment of any type of heel pain, and particularly in the case of a heel bone tumor.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Barbara Davis of Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot injury that occurs when the plantar fascia ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot is inflamed. This causes stabbing heel pain. Plantar fasciitis may be confused for a bruised heel, an injury to the fat pad surrounding the heel bone, as well as nearby tissues. Both conditions share several symptoms, such as heel pain with a gradual onset, pain directly under the heel, and pain that worsens with pressure. However, unlike a bruised heel, plantar fasciitis causes pain that is worse first thing in the morning or after a long period of rest. Plantar fasciitis pain may also radiate outwards to the arch of the foot, which doesn’t happen with a bruised heel. If you are suffering from heel pain, you can find out what is causing it and get the proper treatment by visiting a podiatrist. 

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best 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 care needs.