Items filtered by date: June 2022

Tuesday, 28 June 2022 00:00

What to Do About Corns on the Feet

Corns can develop on the feet below the toenail bed, between toes, on the sides of feet, or on the bottom of the feet. These can develop from wearing shoes that are too tight, from standing or walking for prolonged periods, or from a heavy body weight that constantly puts pressure on the bottom of the feet. It is important to wear properly fitting shoes and socks that do not restrict the feet. Soaking the affected foot, making sure to dry it completely and moisturize it when done can help soften the corn. One can try corn pads to pad the corn and relieve the pressure on it for a better chance of healing. If a corn does not heal with these home treatments, or if it worsens, it is suggested to see a podiatrist who can better and more safely treat a corn by scraping it, shaving it, or cutting away layers, as well as lay out a plan for required treatment and prevention.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact David A. Edmonds, DPM of Advanced Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Read more about Corns and Calluses
Tuesday, 21 June 2022 00:00

Flat Feet and Muscle Pain

Many people are born with flat feet. Some live a healthy, active lifestyle with little to no pain from this condition while others are subject to chronic foot and leg pain. With normal walking, the foot flattens slightly to absorb force and to help accommodate the surface being walked on. A flat foot allows flexibility compared to a foot that has a higher arch, it is locked and rigid and does not absorb the force or mold to the ground. However, because a flat foot is looser, it can be prone to chronic muscle strain because the muscles work harder to keep the foot in a stable position. While the body can adapt to flat feet, when there is an increase or change in intensity or duration of an activity, pain may result. A flat foot can also trigger the inward rotation of the lower leg bone (the tibia), which causes the knees to point inward. Since the upper leg bone will generally follow this movement along, the leg, hip, and lower back may become affected. It is important to know whether you were born with flat feet or if they are caused by something else. A podiatrist can help you figure this out and if you are in pain, provide suggestions and treatment on what can be done to increase your comfort.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact David A. Edmonds, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

Read more about Flat Feet

Basketball can be tough on a player’s feet. In addition to physical contact between players, there is a lot of running, jumping, landing, and quick changes of direction in the sport. Basketball players may sustain foot or ankle conditions like ankle sprains, tendon injuries, and blisters. Overusing their feet and excessive training can also lead to plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. A Jones fracture is an injury to the area between the fifth metatarsal and the bone running from the smallest toe to the ankle. This is common among basketball players due to repetitive stress to the bone. It is difficult for someone involved in a sport like basketball to stay off their feet until their injury is fully healed, but the damage can worsen and lead to chronic foot and ankle problems. If you are a basketball player that develops a foot sports injury, consult a podiatrist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, as well as advice on possible prevention techniques.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Plantar Fasciosis
  • Achilles Tendinitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

Read more about Sports Related Foot And Ankle Injuries
Tuesday, 07 June 2022 00:00

Rigid Versus Soft Orthotics

Custom orthotics are shoe or heel inserts prescribed by a doctor to help with various foot problems. Orthotics are used to correct foot deformities, help feet or ankles function better, and reduce risk of injury. Podiatrists can recommend custom orthotics as part of treatment plans for patients suffering from arthritis, bunions, flat feet or high arches, hammertoes, heel spurs, and plantar fasciitis. The type of material used for the orthotic determines how stiff it is. Rigid orthotics are usually made of a hard plastic or carbon fiber and provide more stability and support but may be less comfortable than softer orthotics. Softer orthotics are more flexible because they bend with your feet. Each type is appropriate for different foot conditions. Rigid orthotics are good for those who have plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. This type of orthotic takes more time to adjust to but over time becomes more comfortable. Soft orthotics are usually made of EVA (a more rubber-like material) and fit more closely against the foot than rigid orthotics. They are used for those who have heel pain as they mold to hurt areas and cushion sore spots. Soft orthotics are good for those who participate in high impact sports where the feet move quickly. Consulting with a podiatrist takes the decision of which type of orthotic is best for you out of your hands as they are experts in diagnosing foot problems and offering treatment options that fit your unique needs.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact David A. Edmonds, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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

Read more about Ankle Foot Orthotics for Athletes

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