Items filtered by date: May 2016

Also known as “the disease of kings,” gout is a “centuries-old disease that was frequently associated with overindulgences only a king could afford: food and wine.” Gout is characterized as the buildup of uric acid in the body, which leads to the forming of crystal deposits in the body’s joints, causing inflammation and pain. Research conducted and published by the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent gout symptoms, although further information about the study is still required.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, see one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your growing feet in addition to other podiatric-related 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 our offices in Media and Glen Mills, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Visiting your podiatrist is especially important if you’ve experienced foot pain that may be chronic. “According to a 2014 survey from the American Podiatric Medical Association, 77 percent of U.S. adults over age 18 have experienced foot pain.” Heel pain, in particular, can be caused by many different reasons, including plantar fasciitis, athletic injury, or achilles tendinopathy. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed, whereas achilles tendinopathy occurs when the Achilles tendon becomes overworked and stressed.

Anyone can wind up suffering from heel pain. For more information, see one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your growing feet in addition to other podiatric-related needs.

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 thing of the past.

With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices in Media and Glen Mills, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Barefoot running has long been debated to be either beneficial or detrimental to our feet, with arguments that barefoot running is natural, or that it can lead to extensive injury because our feet are conditioned to wear cushioned shoes. Research from Harvard anthropologist Daniel Lieberman and his fellow researchers suggested that minimalist running helped “deliver greater running economy and [led to] fewer injuries.” Barefoot running can offer an alternative lifestyle change for those interested in starting. When proper procedures are followed, the risk of injuries occurring from barefoot running decreases.

Barefoot running has its own share of benefits and disadvantages. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, see one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your growing feet in addition to other podiatric-related needs.

Barefoot Running

The Impact of Barefoot Running
-Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
-Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.

The Advantages of Barefoot Running
-When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced, this can reduce stress injuries.
-It strengthens muscles in the feet and ankles and the lower legs.
-Balance of the body is improved and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running
-No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
-Blisters may form.
-Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
-Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.

So what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices in Media and Glen Mills, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Osteoarthritis, a debilitating disease that affects your body’s tissue and cartilage, can affect people of all ages. Although osteoarthritis symptoms usually flare up around the age of 65, it can also affect younger individuals. Many different factors can contribute to osteoarthritis, including obesity, genes, and injuries, which can promote the early onset of symptoms. Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis, which affects “1 in 5 adults in the United States,” which amounts to “at least 27 million Americans.”

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment,see one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your growing feet in addition to other podiatric-related needs.

Arthritic Foot Care

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices in Media and Glen Mills, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Cryotherapy is one potential treatment option for soothing the feet, especially if you have arthritis. First developed by the Japanese during the 1970s, cryotherapy is a “non-invasive, whole-body hyper-cooling treatment” that is often used for professional athletes. The method is said to reduce inflammation in the body through the rapid cooling of your body in -160 to -260 Fahrenheit temperatures.

Foot therapy is necessary for those recovering from both foot deformities and foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, see one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your growing feet in addition to other podiatric-related needs.

Most common injuries

People who are constantly on their feet are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is important to take part in physical therapy in order to get back on the right track quickly.

What to do when injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. This is important for those wanting to get back into the game quickly. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. These are some steps physical therapy often involves:

1. Basic stretching & twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
2. Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
3. Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices in Media and Glen Mills, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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