Items filtered by date: July 2024

Dance is an activity enjoyed by many for fun, recreation, and health benefits. It can be social, performed for an audience, ceremonial, or competitive. However, the diverse range of movements and techniques involved in different dance styles, ranging from ballroom to jazz, ballet to hip-hop and belly dancing, can lead to injuries if not approached with care. Beginners are particularly vulnerable due to inexperience and lack of technique. Additionally, poor fitness, improper posture, and fatigue contribute to the risk of sustaining a dance injury. Over-training and not allowing injuries to heal properly can also lead to chronic issues. To minimize these risks, dancers should warm up thoroughly, stay hydrated, wear appropriate footwear, and not push beyond their limits. Consulting a podiatrist can be beneficial for preventing and managing dance injuries, especially those involving the foot and ankle. If you have sustained a dance injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Ingrown toenails in children often result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, or injury. When nails are cut too short or rounded at the edges, they can grow into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Tight shoes or socks can put pressure on the toes, encouraging the nails to grow inward. Additionally, stubbing a toe or repeated trauma from activities like running can contribute to the problem. To prevent ingrown toenails, ensure that children wear properly fitting shoes and socks that provide enough room for their toes. Trim their nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short. Encouraging children to be cautious during physical activities can also help reduce the risk of injury to their toenails. If you suspect your child has an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.

In the intricate world of dance, understanding the biomechanics and anatomy of the foot is paramount. The foot is a complex structure comprising bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, all working together to support movement and balance. Dancers rely heavily on their feet to execute precise movements, requiring a deep understanding of foot mechanics. The arches of the foot act as shock absorbers, absorbing impact and providing stability during jumps and landings. Muscles in the foot and lower leg work in harmony to create intricate footwork and maintain proper alignment. Ligaments and tendons provide support and allow for fluid movement, while the toes play a vital role in balance and propulsion. By comprehending the biomechanics and anatomy of the foot, dancers can optimize their technique, prevent injuries, and enhance their performance on stage. It is essential for dancers to understand how their feet move for their desired style of dancing. If you have suffered a foot injury while dancing, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat your foot condition.

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.

Osteoarthritis progresses through four stages, each affecting the feet differently. In the early stage, the cartilage in the joints begins to wear down, causing mild pain and stiffness in the feet, often after physical activity. As the condition advances to the moderate stage, the cartilage damage worsens, leading to increased discomfort, swelling, and difficulty in moving the toes and ankles. The severe stage of osteoarthritis is characterized by significant cartilage loss, resulting in constant pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. In the final stage, the cartilage is almost completely worn away, causing intense pain, deformities, and a drastic decrease in function. This progression impacts daily activities, emphasizing the need for early intervention. If your feet are affected by this type of arthritis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to 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 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 located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by sudden, intense pain, often in the big toe, but it can affect other joints as well. The pain is typically described as sharp, throbbing, or excruciating, making even the lightest touch unbearable. In addition to the pain, affected joints often become swollen, red, and warm to the touch. These symptoms can come on suddenly, often at night, and can last for several days or even weeks. During a gout attack, movement of the affected joint is extremely painful, and the skin around the joint can appear shiny and stretched. Some individuals might also experience a lingering discomfort even after the severe pain subsides, along with decreased mobility in the joint. Chronic gout can lead to persistent pain and can cause damage to the joints over time. If you have pain in your big toe, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. 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 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.