Items filtered by date: July 2022

Two conditions that involve the growth of bone spurs in the heel are heel spur syndrome and insertional Achilles tendonitis. Calcaneal (heel) spurs commonly develop in people who have plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. Bone spurs sprout as a way of protecting the bottom of the heel. Common causes are strained foot muscles and ligaments, and over-stretching the plantar fascia. Other factors in heel spur development are age, obesity, and osteoarthritis. Fortunately, most heel spurs are not painful. Insertional Achilles tendonitis affects the part of the heel that connects to the leg bone. The spur develops around the tendon and irritates it, causing pain. The inflamed portion of the tendon can then calcify. Insertional Achilles tendonitis usually develops gradually, aided by repetitive running and jumping and the aging process. If you have heel pain, it may be a good idea to consult a podiatrist to conduct an exam and provide treatment based on the diagnosis.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from PA Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices located in Allentown, Easton, Northampton, and Chew Street in Allentown, PA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Injuries to runners are common and to be expected. It is thought that there are four main causes of injuries to runners: repetitive stress and muscle imbalance, poor running technique, poor foot strength and function, and overdoing the training. First, to help prevent muscle imbalance, experts recommend running even a third of the time on varied terrain, rather than on a treadmill, track, or other flat surface. This allows the stabilizing muscles to get involved and become stronger. Second, in terms of form, many runners over stride with a high impact technique. In addition, their shoes often have elevated heels. Instead, it is believed that forward momentum posture, keeping the arms tight to the body, landing with a bent knee, and taking more steps per minute can reduce injury. Third, proper footwear both on and off the trail is important, as is exercising the feet to build up strength. Running shoes without an elevated heel can be safer. At home, shoes that are flat, flexible, and roomy are recommended. Finally, plan ahead for a long run and train over a period of weeks, rather than pushing yourself too hard, too fast. If you frequently experience running injuries, please see a podiatrist on a regular basis for guidance on ways to run more safely.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of PA Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.

To maintain healthy, strong feet, it is imperative to be familiar with common foot conditions, their causes, and how to prevent them. One troubling foot affliction that could threaten the vitality of your feet is called hammertoe, which has a notable causal relationship with certain kinds of footwear. Hammertoe affects the second, third, or fourth toe, occurring when an imbalance in the muscles around the toe’s middle joint causes the toe to stick up at the affected joint. This causes the toe to resemble a hammer. The condition, if left untreated, can make it especially difficult or painful to walk. Importantly, your choice of footwear can impact your likelihood of developing hammertoe. For example, shoes with small toe boxes that leave little room for the toes to sit comfortably in the shoe can force the toes into tight, twisted contortions. These contortions tighten the muscles in your toes, making hammertoe more likely. Additionally, high-heeled shoes can force your toes into tight, uncomfortable positions that might also tighten your muscles in the toes. To decrease your chances of developing a hammertoe, you might choose lower-heeled shoes with spacious toe boxes. If you think you have hammertoe or want to learn more about ways to prevent this condition, reach out to a podiatrist.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from PA Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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.

Fungus causes athlete’s foot which is contagious and can be an uncomfortable and unsightly foot condition. Many people get athlete’s foot from warm and moist environments including public swimming pools, shower room floors, and locker rooms. The fungus can enter the feet through small cracks in the skin and can produce red and itchy areas on the feet. It may be more prevalent among people who sweat profusely or those who wear shoes and socks consistently causing the feet to lack air. A common location of athlete’s foot is between the toes and on the bottom of the feet. Additional symptoms include dry, scaly skin and blisters may develop in severe cases. The toenails are often affected causing toenail fungus. The chances of full recovery can improve when this foot condition is immediately treated. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from PA Foot & Ankle Associates.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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.