Items filtered by date: August 2023

Running, a pursuit of both fitness and freedom, can sometimes lead us down a path of unexpected injuries. These common setbacks can put a temporary halt to our stride. Plantar fasciitis, which is characterized by stabbing heel pain, can result from overpronation and wearing inadequate footwear. Achilles tendonitis, an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, can occur due to overuse or tight calf muscles. Preventing running injuries involves a balanced approach consisting of a proper warm up, cross-training to avoid overuse, and a gradual increase in training. Additionally, it is beneficial to maintain strong core muscles, and invest in quality footwear. Acknowledging these risks empowers runners to take proactive steps towards injury-free and enjoyable runs. If you would like more information about how running injuries can affect the feet and how to prevent them, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

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 Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. 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 our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels, those uncomfortable and unsightly fissures in the skin, often catch us off guard. Cracked heels can occur for a variety of factors, with dry skin being a prominent contributor. Excessive exposure to harsh weather, improper footwear, and prolonged standing can exacerbate the issue. Prevention starts with consistent moisturization that consists of regular application of a thick, emollient foot cream that can help to keep the skin supple. Exfoliating gently removes dead skin cells, allowing better absorption of moisturizers. Additionally, wearing well-fitting shoes with proper cushioning minimizes pressure on the heels. In cases of severe cracking, medical attention from a podiatrist may be necessary. Prescription creams and ointments, along with professional treatment, can help to provide relief. Embracing a routine of foot care and protective measures is key to healing those cracks and restoring smooth, comfortable feet. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist. 

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spurs are common, yet often misunderstood, foot conditions that can cause significant discomfort and hinder daily activities. These bony growths develop on the underside of the heel bone and are often associated with plantar fasciitis. The most prevalent symptom of a heel spur is a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, particularly when taking the first steps after periods of rest. Additionally, prolonged standing or walking can exacerbate the pain. A known cause of heel spurs is the repetitive strain on the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. Over time, this strain can lead to inflammation causing the formation of a heel spur. Contributing factors may include wearing improper footwear, obesity, excessive physical activity, or an abnormal foot structure. Early detection and proper treatment are essential for managing the symptoms and preventing further complications associated with heel spurs. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist sooner rather than later for proper treatment techniques.

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 Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. 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 our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

A foot stress fracture is a hairline crack in a bone caused by repetitive stress or overuse. This common injury primarily affects the weight-bearing bones of the foot, such as the metatarsals. Athletes, runners, and those who engage in high-impact activities are particularly susceptible. Common symptoms of a stress fracture of the foot can include a gradual onset of pain that worsens during activities and eases with rest. Swelling surrounding the affected area often accompanies a stress fracture, it may be tender when touched. Some people that develop stress fractures may notice bruising near the fracture site, and it can be difficult to walk. The pain often subsides with rest but can return when activities resume. Early diagnosis is crucial in preventing further damage. Treatment typically involves rest, immobilization with a cast or brace, and modified activity. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist if you have developed a stress fracture.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The biomechanics of the feet are interesting to learn about. The ankle is a complex part of the body, and each part of the ankle joint is responsible for different functions. The 26 bones in each foot are categorized into three sections, consisting of the tarsal and metatarsal bones, in addition to the phalanges. There are joints that are located between the tarsal bones and various areas of the metatarsal bones. There are two groups of muscles that are found in each foot, and the toes can be extended by using the dorsal foot muscles. The muscles in the sole of the foot are referred to as the plantar muscles and are divided into groups. The lateral plantar muscles are connected to the fifth toe, and the other four toes are linked to the central plantar muscles. If you would like additional information about the workings of the foot bones and muscles, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. 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 our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.