Items filtered by date: March 2023

As an individual ages and becomes a senior citizen, they could be at risk of experiencing a stroke of some sort. Suffering from a stroke can have many different effects to be aware of. For example, one common symptom of having a stroke involves foot drop. Stroke survivors with foot drop essentially have a difficult time raising their foot because of the weakness in the muscles that are normally responsible for lifting it. As a result of living with foot drop, a senior might experience slowness when walking or even potentially pain. After walking a short distance, an individual with foot drop can also experience fatigue. If you are someone who has endured a stroke, then it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This foot specialist can help you address any issues you might be having with your feet. You can schedule an appointment with a trusted podiatrist today to address your foot problems.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

Pain in the ball of the foot is known as metatarsalgia. This type of pain is often the result of over-exercising, wearing shoes that are too tight or having arthritis. Some individuals might also have a natural foot shape that places more pressure on the ball of the foot. Other common conditions that lead to pain in the ball of the foot include sprains, Morton’s neuroma, and bunions. A Morton’s neuroma involves a compression of nerves in this area of the foot, and one might feel like they have a small pebble underfoot. A bunion is a hard, bony lump on the joint of the big toe. If you have pain in or near the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and recommended treatment.

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.

The feet and ankles are likely areas where excess fluid in the body can accumulate. The medical term for this is called edema, and swelling of the feet is a common condition. This swelling can occur for various reasons, including obesity, eating foods that are salty, and taking certain medications. Additionally, many pregnant women suffer from swollen feet and ankles, and this is a normal part of pregnancy. Swollen feet may also happen due to an allergic reaction, such as an insect bite or sting, or from an ankle injury. It is possible that swollen feet can be reduced by limiting sodium intake, gently stretching and exercising, and frequently elevating the feet. It can be beneficial to sit for short periods of time with the feet elevated and to wear shoes that fit correctly. If you have swollen feet or ankles, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine what the reason is and provide treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.

Having a sprained ankle can cause difficulty in completing daily activities. It happens when the ankle is suddenly twisted from falling, or from unexpectedly stepping off of a curb. Patients who have had a previous ankle injury may be prone to incurring another one, and wearing shoes that lack adequate support may lead to getting a sprained ankle. This type of injury can be classified into three categories that are referred to as grades. Swelling, soreness, and bruising can indicate a Grade 1 sprain, and recovery time can take up to four weeks. A Grade 2 sprain happens when a ligament in the ankle becomes partially torn, and it is often difficult to walk. A boot may be worn to stabilize the ankle as it heals, which can take up to eight weeks. A Grade 3 sprain is the most serious type of sprain, and happens when the ligament is completely torn. Surgery may be necessary if healing does not gradually occur. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can properly diagnose and treat ankle sprains.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen 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.