Items filtered by date: March 2022

Tuesday, 29 March 2022 00:00

What Causes Metatarsal Fractures?

The metatarsals, which run from the base of the toes along the bottom of your foot, are the most commonly injured bones in the foot. The 1st, 2nd, and 5th metatarsals are frequently fractured during sports activities. Some breaks can be caused by sudden impact, like dropping something heavy on the foot or hitting a hard object. Other common causes are twisting the ankle and landing improperly from a jump. These injuries are termed acute and can be extremely painful. Further, if the bone breaks through the skin, the injury is even more serious because it may also affect the soft tissues of the foot and be more prone to infection. Other metatarsal breaks take a longer time, usually a result of repetitive action, such as running for long distances or jumping, which gradually cracks the bones. These are known as stress fractures: hairline cracks that damage only a portion of the bone. Conditions such as osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause stress fractures. If you have injured your midfoot area, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible for a complete exam and diagnosis.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 22 March 2022 00:00

When Do I Need Orthotics?

Orthotics, or inserts that fit into your shoes, come in all shapes and sizes. Some are available over the counter, and others may need to be prescribed and made specifically for your foot. Leading indicators that orthotics may be a necessity in your life include corns or calluses, tendonitis, recurring ankle sprains, heel pain, and even knee, hip and lower back pain. The type of orthotic you use depends on the part, or parts, of your body that are affected. Some orthotics work to correct your posture, others to cushion pressure spots, and others to correct a specific problem with your gait or weight distribution. If you think you may need help with choosing an orthotic device, it’s a good idea to consult a podiatrist who can examine your feet, gait, and posture in order to suggest the appropriate treatment for your feet.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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 Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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.

Read more about Ankle Foot Orthotics for Athletes
Published in Blog
Wednesday, 16 March 2022 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 15 March 2022 00:00

Can I Run After Foot or Ankle Surgery?

Runners, especially those who run long distances regularly, often get injured. Serious injuries can lead to surgery, either on the foot or the ankle. The question of when you can safely resume running depends on the type of injury and the site of the surgery. For anyone who has had a total ankle joint replacement, for instance, running will most likely be prohibited. As for other injuries, you may not be able to reach the previous levels or length or frequency of running you once enjoyed. As a rule, it takes about one year to fully recover from major foot surgery, because of swelling, gait asymmetry, and reduced muscle strength. Eventually, you may be able to ease back into activity, if you run only on soft surfaces and wear shoes that adequately cushion your feet. To be on the safe side, it is a good idea to check in frequently with a podiatrist who can evaluate your healing progress and guide you on how far and how often you can safely run again.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Barbara Davis of Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 08 March 2022 00:00

Preventing Injuries with Stretches

Stretching keeps your feet strong and flexible, helping to prevent injuries from exercising and just going about your day. Foot stretches are generally simple, fast, and don’t require any special equipment. For example, a toe stretch can be done by just sitting in a chair with your feet on the floor and spreading your toes apart for a few seconds at a time. A towel stretch, which requires a towel, involves sitting in a chair and using just your toes to scrunch up the towel and pull it towards you. For more information about foot stretches, please consult with a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

  • Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
  • Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
  • Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
  • Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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.

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 01 March 2022 00:00

How to Care For Your Feet if You Have PAD

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition that reduces blood flow to the limbs. It can lead to leg pain and cramping when walking, coldness in the feet and lower legs, no or weak pulse in the legs, non-healing sores, and more. If you have PAD, you are more at risk of developing ulcers and infections, so it is important to take good care of your feet with the following tips. Keep your feet clean, dry, and moisturized. Your toenails should be trimmed straight across, but not so short that the nail grows into the surrounding skin and causes an ingrown toenail. Keep your feet protected from extreme heat or cold, always wear shoes and socks, and never go barefoot. You should inspect your feet entirely every day. Look for any cuts, bruises, bumps, swelling or red spots in the skin that may develop into a wound. Because of your condition, you should seek the care of a podiatrist if you detect any cuts or possible infections in order to receive proper treatment, and to avoid making the situation worse.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

  • Claudication (leg pain from walking)
  • Numbness in legs
  • Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
  • Paleness of the skin
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
  • Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

Read more about Peripheral Artery Disease
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