Items filtered by date: December 2022

A bunion is identified as a bony protrusion that gradually forms on the side of the big toe. It affects women more than men, and this may be a result of the type of shoes that are frequently worn. High heels fall into this category, because they have little room for the toes to move freely in. Limiting the time wearing high heels is suggested. If medical attention is not sought, the growing bunion can cause the other toes to shift toward each other, and larger shoes may need to be purchased. Research has shown that men are also affected by bunions, most commonly due to genetic reasons. Foot structure and bunions tend to run in families, and it is beneficial for men to be aware of the type of shoes they choose to wear. Effective prevention methods include buying shoes that can adequately accommodate the width of the toes. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the right course of treatment is for you.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact David A. Edmonds, DPM of Advanced Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Charcot foot is a condition that affects the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the feet and ankles. It is caused mainly by nerve damage to the feet, usually as the result of peripheral neuropathy. Charcot foot is common to many diabetics because sustained high blood sugar levels cause both nerve and blood vessel damage in the feet. Because the feeling in the feet is lost, injuries to the bones in the feet are common. As the bones weaken, the joints can collapse, resulting in changes to the shape of the feet. The arch of the foot may collapse, causing the bottom of the foot to become rounded, which is known as rocker bottom foot. In addition, the toes may begin to curl under the feet and the ankle joints may become unstable. Charcot foot can be difficult to diagnose, as it can be masked by inflammation, swelling, and redness. But these symptoms may not be felt because of numbness. It is important to get treatment for Charcot foot early. If you believe you may have this condition, please consult a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact David A. Edmonds, DPM of Advanced Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Northampton and Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Stone bruises are also known as metatarsalgia, and they may affect a wide variety of individuals. Stone bruises can effectively develop on the feet causing significant pain. Stone bruises are defined not so much by what they look like, but by how they feel or what sensation they trigger in the feet. Specifically, people with a stone bruise might feel as though they are stepping on a stone or rock of some kind, or that the stone is somehow trapped in their shoe when they walk. Stone bruises can be treated in a variety of ways. For example, applying ice to the affected area may help to temporarily relieve pain in the feet.  Also, wearing shoes that are properly fitted can help combat the detrimental effects of stone bruises. Contact a podiatrist today if you suspect you may have a stone bruise.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with David A. Edmonds, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

People who get frequent gout attacks often look for ways that can help to prevent them. The pain can be debilitating from gout, and completing daily activities may be difficult to do. It is a condition that affects the joints in the big toe, and common symptoms can include redness and swelling, in addition to severe pain and discomfort. Gout is a condition that is caused by excess uric acid in the blood, and may happen from the foods that are eaten. Foods that contain a high level of purines often need to be reduced, which may help to control episodes of gout. These foods include shellfish, red meat, and drinks made with large amounts of sugar. High-purine foods may be substituted for foods that have a lower purine level, such as chicken, pork, and ham. It is beneficial to lose extra weight if applicable, and incorporating a gentle exercise regime into the daily routine may help to reduce gout attacks. If you are afflicted with gout, please confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective treatment and prevention methods. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact David A. Edmonds, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Associates. Our doctor 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 Northampton and Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.