The type of shoes that are worn is important to consider while working out. An exercise routine may be hindered if shoes do not fit correctly, and potential foot problems may develop. There are different types of shoes that can be purchased for various sporting activities. Runners will benefit by knowing the amount of shock absorption that is needed, in addition to observing how the feet make contact with the ground. This can be identified by looking at old shoes, and noticing wear and tear patterns. For people that enjoy hiking, boots may be a better option than running shoes. It is beneficial if they are made of waterproof materials, and have adequate cushioning. If you have any questions about what type of shoes to purchase for preferred sporting activities, please consult with a podiatrist who can help you to make the right choices. 

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from PA Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions please 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.

The sesamoids are bones that are embedded in a tendon. They are found in several joints in the body. Within the feet, sesamoid bones are located in the ball of the foot, beneath the big toe joint. Injuries to the sesamoids can involve the bones, tendons, or surrounding tissues in the joint. There are three main types of sesamoid injuries. Turf toe is an injury of the soft tissue surrounding the big toe joint. A sesamoid fracture is a break in the sesamoid bone, and can be acute or chronic. Sesamoiditis is an overuse injury caused by chronic inflammation of the sesamoid bones and the surrounding tendons. If you have a sesamoid injury, it is recommended that you seek the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat your condition.

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.

Gout is a type of arthritis that typically affects the big toe joints. This condition is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, which forms crystals in the joints. This typically causes pain, and hot, stiff, swollen joints. Men are more likely to get gout than women. Sometimes, gout can be caused by genetic factors, so if you have a family member with gout, you may be more at risk of developing it yourself. Your chances of getting gout can also increase because of certain lifestyle factors, such as being overweight, drinking alcohol, or eating too many foods that are rich in purines. If you are suffering from gout, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist, who can diagnose and treat your condition.

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.

Orthotics are inserts placed into shoes that are used to treat a variety of conditions including arthritis, bunions, bursitis, diabetes, flat feet, hammertoes, heel spurs, high arches, plantar fasciitis, and much more. Orthotics provide the feet with additional cushioning and support. There are several different types of orthotics, varying by style and material, but the custom orthotic you receive will depend on your specific needs. For example, a podiatrist might prescribe a soft custom molded orthotic if you have a mild to moderate toe or foot deformity, or a loss of protective sensation in the foot. Having a proper fitting for your orthotics is very important. Once you are given your inserts, you and your podiatrist should monitor your foot carefully to ensure the orthotics fit correctly and continue to benefit your foot health. For more information about orthotics, consult with a podiatrist.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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.

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 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.