Sesamoiditis is a foot condition in which the sesamoid bones, which are located beneath the big toe joint, are injured, leading to symptoms such as foot pain, stiffness, redness, swelling, and difficulty walking. This injury is usually caused by increased pressure on the ball of the foot from sporting activities like running, basketball, football, golf, tennis, and ballet. People who have feet with high or low arches and those with prominent big toe joints may be at an increased risk of developing sesamoiditis. Another potential cause for this condition is wearing high heeled shoes, which put the balls of the feet under increased stress. If you are experiencing the symptoms of sesamoiditis, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of PA Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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 study of the movement and structure of living organisms is known as biomechanics. Podiatrists have long been interested in biomechanics not only in regard to the treatment of certain foot, ankle, and gait disorders, but also in the biomechanic effects of certain footwear. Shoes—as the line of defense between the body and the ground—are integral to how people control the movement of their bodies and lower limbs in particular. Along with offering the feet support and protection, wearing shoes when walking allows for better muscle movement and longer strides. Footwear that is designed for optimal foot biomechanics is believed by some to be particularly beneficial to those with chronic ankle instability by reducing the extension of the ankle and improving gait. If you are interested in learning more about how different shoes change the biomechanics of your feet, or are experiencing any weakness in your ankles, contact a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 and ankle needs.

A corn on the foot is often the result of increased pressure in a small area. They can gradually develop from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, and typically appear in different areas of the foot. A soft corn is found between the toes, and can develop from the toes rubbing together from pressure that is exerted on them. This type of corn can cause severe pain and discomfort, and may affect the way you walk. Hard corns are found on the outer edge of the pinky toe, or on the bottom of the foot. Mild relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water, and the corn may begin to diminish when the correct size and style shoes are worn. If you have a corn, and would like to learn about proper treatment methods, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of PA Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Repeated ankle sprains that have not healed nor been properly rehabilitated can cause chronic ankle instability—a condition where the ankle becomes weakened, uncomfortable, swollen, unstable, and is prone to roll outward. While this occurrence typically happens during activities or walking, it can also happen just by standing. A podiatrist can determine the proper treatment of a chronically unstable ankle depending upon what an examination reveals and the level of activity of the patient. Treatments may include exercises to strengthen muscles, increase range of motion and improve balance, as well as bracing, medication, and even surgery if the patient does not respond to non-surgical methods.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.