Monday, 14 February 2022 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Tuesday, 08 February 2022 00:00

Can My Heel Pain Be Caused by a Tumor?

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.

Read more about Heel Pain
Tuesday, 01 February 2022 00:00

Is It Plantar Fasciitis or a Bruised Heel?

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.

 

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Tuesday, 25 January 2022 00:00

When Ankle Pain is Severe

While severe ankle pain is most typically caused by fractures and sprains, it may also be the result of a ruptured Achilles tendon. An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the three bones of the ankle. Along with intense and immediate pain, a severe ankle fracture may be accompanied by bruising, swelling, tenderness, difficulty bearing weight or walking, and an obvious deformity. An ankle sprain occurs when one or more ligament that supports the ankle becomes overly stretched, or partially/fully torn. When you severely sprain your ankle, you may experience many of the same symptoms as an ankle fracture, and you may even hear a popping sound at the moment of injury. An Achilles tendon rupture occurs when this large tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone tears partially or is fully torn away from the heel bone. This condition typically causes severe pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, bruising, tenderness and an inability to stand your toes. If you have suffered one of these injuries or are experiencing any pain in your ankle, it is suggested that you seek immediate treatment from a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be 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:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

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.

 

Read more about Ankle Pain

Being overweight can cause discomfort and damage to your feet. The excess fat you are carrying around redistributes itself throughout your body, and your feet are no exception. Extra fat can deposit in your feet and the fat pads on the bottom of your feet can get worn down. Your feet may even become flat. Being obese may make you more susceptible to developing plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoe, and more. While losing weight will not change the structure of your feet, it can help to take pressure off your feet and ankles and help you avoid osteoarthritis, gout, and joint pain. It can also relieve foot pain and inflammation due to circulatory issues. Contact a podiatrist to get relief from your foot pain and to learn various solutions about taking better care of your feet.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. 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

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

  • When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
  • Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
  • Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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 Obesity and the Feet
Saturday, 15 January 2022 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

If you are a woman who loves to run, but also has bunions, it’s a good idea to reevaluate the type of shoes you are wearing. Tight shoes, especially pointed ones, can put pressure on the big toe joint and cause painful swelling. Qualities to look for in a running or workout shoe include, lightweight mesh uppers that provide comfort and allow the feet to breathe, a wide toe box that helps to accommodate the shape of a bunion, and a snug fit with proper cushioning. Preventative measures include stopping wearing high heels and pointed toe shoes, finding a bunion pad or sleeve to protect the area, and avoiding walking barefoot. In more serious cases, you may need to consult with a podiatrist who can help make custom orthotics and discuss other treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • 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.

Read more about Bunions
Tuesday, 04 January 2022 00:00

Can I Run With a Broken Toe?

A broken toe is a painful injury that may keep you off your feet for quite some time. This can be a difficult reality for an avid runner or athlete to accept. If you have broken your toe, it is strongly suggested that you rest it for several weeks to ensure a full recovery. Whether or not you can run, exercise, or even bear weight on a broken toe will depend on which toe is broken and the severity of the fracture. If the big toe is broken, then running will likely be impossible, as the big toe is responsible for pushing off the ground when you run and keeping the foot stable. If you have broken one of the three middle toes, it may be possible to exercise if the fracture is not severe, has not altered your gait, and you can still fit your foot comfortably in your running shoes. You should always follow the advice of a podiatrist prior to attempting any exercise with a foot or ankle injury. If you have broken your toe, please consult with a podiatrist.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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 What to Know About a Broken Toe
Tuesday, 28 December 2021 00:00

5 Possible Causes of Heel Pain

As the foundation of the body, the foot and ankle are complex, amazing structures made up of many ligaments, nerves, tendons, joints, and bones—including the largest bone in the foot, the heel. The heel helps form the arch and manages stress during walking and running. All of this use and stress can lead to painful conditions of the heel and its surrounding tendons and ligaments. Plantar fasciitis, the most common form of heel pain, is an inflammation of the connective tissue that spans the bottom of the foot (plantar fascia). Another common form of heel pain occurs with Achilles tendonitis, which causes inflammation and pain in the (Achilles) tendon that attaches the heel with the calf muscles. A loss of cushioning in the plantar fat pad can cause the heel to become bruised, and the heel bone can also fracture, causing intense pain. Retrocalcaneal Bursitis is an inflammation of the fluid-filled bursa sac that cushions the back of the heel bone. Any type of heel pain should be diagnosed by a podiatrist. who can assess the situation and create an appropriate treatment plan based on their findings.

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.

Read more about Heel Pain

Dermatophytes are the most common types of fungi that grow on the top layer of skin (epidermis) and enter it through small cracks. This condition, known as athlete’s foot, can cause scaly, itchy, and red skin. Severe cases of athlete’s foot can include very bad scaling and cracking in the skin, as well as blisters and a thickening of skin on the bottom of the feet. This may be particularly serious if you have diabetes. Athlete’s foot is highly contagious and can be transmitted by direct contact with someone who has it, as well as by sharing their clothes, shoes, linens, mats or rugs. Warm, moist areas such as public pools, showers, saunas and locker rooms are a perfect breeding ground for dermatophytes, so walking barefoot in these areas should be avoided. In order to properly diagnose athlete’s foot, a podiatrist may need to take a sample of the fungi from your skin for testing. If you believe you have athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you seek treatment from your podiatrist, who may recommend prescription antifungal medicines and topical creams to get rid of your athlete’s foot and avoid a bacterial infection from setting in.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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 How to Deal with Athlete's Foot
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