Items filtered by date: September 2020

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of foot pain. It is caused by an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. Getting a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis begins with a trip to the podiatrist. The doctor will typically conduct a patient interview and ask you to talk about your medical history, your current symptoms, and how your foot pain is affecting your daily activities. The doctor will then complete a physical examination of your foot, taking note of issues like swelling, tenderness, pain points, and range of motion. The doctor may also ask you to walk around the room to examine your gait. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, can help confirm a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis and rule out other conditions, such as a heel fracture. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is recommended that you seek the care of a podiatrist.   

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

The sesamoid bones are located inside specific tendons in the foot. They can be found under the joint in the big toe and can help to absorb the weight of the body. If these bones become fractured or irritated, the medical condition that is known as sesamoiditis can occur. This may happen as a result of excess pressure on the ball of the foot and is a common injury among dancers and football players. The symptoms that patients can experience often include pain and discomfort under the big toe, and it may be difficult to walk and to move the affected joint. It is beneficial to stop the activity that caused this condition to develop, in addition to putting a cushion in the shoe that may help to ease the pain. If you have this type of pain in your foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose sesamoiditis and offer the correct treatment options.

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 Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. 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 Media and Glen Mills, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Did you know that approximately half of all people with diabetes have some type of nerve damage? One of the most common types is peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy typically starts in the nerves of the feet, and can affect both feet at once. The typical symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are tingling or a “pins and needles” sensation in the feet, foot pain or increased sensitivity, numbness and weakness in the feet, changes in the shape of the foot muscles and bones, and the appearance of open sores on the feet. Often, the symptoms are worse at night than they are during the day. If you are experiencing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, don’t ignore them. Schedule a visit with a podiatrist, who can help you maintain the health of your feet.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Being overweight or obese can put you at risk for a variety of health conditions, but did you know that it can also increase your risk of foot pain? Being overweight or obese puts extra pressure on your feet, potentially leading to strains, sprains, fallen arches, and a host of other foot and ankle problems. Furthermore, being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and peripheral artery disease, which are all associated with foot health problems, such as diabetic foot ulcers, loss of sensation, and poor circulation. Eating a balanced diet and regularly exercising can improve your overall health. Maintain your daily foot health by wearing padded socks and shoes to avoid injury to the feet, practicing good foot hygiene, and checking your feet regularly for cuts and bruises. Regular visits to a podiatrist can also help spot potential problems and prevent future ones. If you are experiencing foot pain, or want to learn more about what you can do to keep your feet healthy, consult with a podiatrist today.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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