Many patients will experience swollen ankles or swollen feet periodically throughout their lives. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including a possible injury, arthritic conditions, or medical issues that may involve the kidneys. The foot will swell immediately if it is sprained or broken, which may cause pain and discomfort. Swollen feet may be a common condition among patients who have heart ailments. When this occurs, fluid may collect in the feet and ankles. Gravity can cause this to become worse during the day, so it may help to elevate the feet as often as possible. The arthritic condition that is known as gout can cause extreme foot pain. It typically affects the big toe, and may cause pain that is so extreme, it can be difficult to touch the toe. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly advised that you speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so they can help you to feel better.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from PA Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Allentown, Easton, Northampton, and Chew Street in Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Poor circulation occurs when there is a lack of blood flow to a certain area of your body. Your feet may experience poor circulation for a number of different reasons. These reasons may include diabetes, obesity, or blood clots. One condition that results from a lack of poor circulation is known as peripheral artery disease, or PAD for short. Common symptoms that are associated with poor circulation may include muscle cramps, recurring pain, and a numbing, tingling, or stinging sensation towards the affected area. To help ease these symptoms, it’s recommended that you regularly engage in physical activity to help boost your body’s blood flow. Having a healthy diet may also be beneficial in treating poor circulation as it may reduce high blood pressure. For more advice on treating poor circulation, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of PA Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Allentown, Easton, Northampton, and Chew Street in Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The joints in the big toe can typically become affected by a medical condition known as gout. This happens as a result of crystals that form surrounding the affected joint,  and can occur from having elevated purine levels in the blood. Symptoms of the ailment generally include extreme pain and discomfort in the joints of the big toe, as well as redness and swelling. There are a variety of reasons why gout may develop. These can consist of genetic factors, having existing cholesterol or kidney conditions, or being overweight. There are measures that can be implemented which may help to prevent gout attacks. These can include avoiding foods such as red meat, shellfish, and drinks that are made with excess sugar. If you have become afflicted with gout, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide the correct treatment methods.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from PA Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Allentown, Easton, Northampton, and Chew Street in Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A treatment option that may be effective in treating foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, is referred to as shockwave therapy. There are typically two ways to administer this type of treatment, and these are known as high or low energy. The latter is generally given in three or more doses, and there is little to no pain that is felt. The former is given in one session, and may require the patient to be under anesthesia. The purpose of shockwave therapy is to initiate a healing response in the body, which may cause a faster delivery of nutrients to the damaged area. If you have a foot condition that may benefit from the use of shockwave therapy, it is strongly advised that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist.

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists from PA Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Allentown, Easton, Northampton, and Chew Street in Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.