Items filtered by date: March 2023

Tuesday, 28 March 2023 00:00

Facts About Hammertoes

A hammertoe is a deformity that usually develops on the second or third toe. It is caused by an imbalance between the muscles and tendons in the toe joint. This results in the middle joint rising up to form a peak. In and of itself, a hammertoe is not generally painful. The problem of pain arises when wearing shoes that may cause the raised knuckle of the toe to rub against the top of a shoe. Wearing shoes that do not fit properly along with genetics are the main contributors in the formation of a hammertoe. Shoes with a narrow toe box can force the toes into a flexed position. And the higher the heel, the more the toes are subject to increased pressure. After a while, the toes can no longer extend and they become rigid. This can result in painful corns or calluses. Besides changing your footwear, many patients with hammertoe deformities use orthotics to counteract the toe joint imbalance. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to correct the problem. It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and suggested treatment options.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Barbara Davis of Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

  • Painful and/or difficult toe movement
  • Swelling
  • Joint stiffness
  • Calluses/Corns
  • Physical deformity

Risk Factors

  • Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
  • Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
  • Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
  • Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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.

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The growth plate in the heel can grow faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons in children and young teenagers. This can indicate a condition called Sever’s disease, which may cause severe heel pain. It occurs in people in this age bracket who frequently participate in sporting activities, and additional symptoms can include walking on tiptoes or limping. Relief may be found when the activity that caused the condition is temporarily stopped, and the affected foot is elevated. Some patients find that performing specific stretches can be helpful in reducing pain and discomfort. These can include placing a rolled towel under the ball of the foot while sitting down, and pulling the towel forward until a gentle stretch is felt. If your child is active and has heel pain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their 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 injuries.

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Tuesday, 14 March 2023 00:00

Prevent Running Injuries

There are many positive things that running can provide. People who enjoy running find it is simple and inexpensive, and the endorphins that are produced can have an energetic effect. Preventing running injuries is important, especially to avoid gaps in your running routine. Running can be demanding on the body yet rewarding to the mind, and having a strong body may help to avoid painful running injuries. It is beneficial to warm up and cool down before running, in addition to gradually increasing speed and mileage. Performing exercises that target the glutes may help to strengthen the legs, and these can include squats and lunges. The feet land on the ground with an excessive amount of force, so it is important to choose shoes that fit your feet and running style correctly. If you have questions about how to prevent running injuries, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you with effective prevention methods.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. 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

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause 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.

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Sunday, 12 March 2023 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 07 March 2023 00:00

Heel Pain Caused by Overuse

Among the numerous causes of heel pain, plantar fasciitis is at the top of the list. This common complaint is the result of overuse that inflames the band of tissue that runs beneath the foot. Wearing shoes that offer ample support and proper cushioning is a good way of preventing plantar fasciitis. Adding low-impact sports, such as swimming, is also recommended to give the plantar fascia a rest between high-impact activities. Another type of heel pain caused by overuse is Achilles tendonitis. This occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel, becomes inflamed. In the most severe cases, the tendon can be ruptured, for which immediate medical attention is required. Noninsertional Achilles tendonitis involves small tears in the fibers of the middle part of the tendon. Insertional Achilles tendonitis affects the lower part of the tendon, where it attaches to the heel bone. Stretching the calf muscles and warming up before embarking on an exercise activity or sport can help to prevent this injury. If your heel pain is severe or is inhibiting your ability to carry out daily activities, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment. 

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.

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