Experiencing heel pain can significantly impact your daily life, making even simple tasks like walking or standing uncomfortable. Podiatrists, medical professionals specializing in foot and ankle health, can diagnose and treat heel pain. These types of doctors understand the complex structure of the foot and can identify the underlying causes of heel pain. Included are overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, or Achilles tendonitis. Targeting the underlying cause of heel pain is important for appropriate care. It is especially important to seek the advice of a podiatrist if you have persistent pain, and if the pain comes suddenly or after an injury. A podiatrist can offer a personalized treatment plan that may include specialized exercises, custom orthotics, medication, or advanced therapies designed to alleviate pain and promote healing. Podiatrists can also provide valuable guidance on footwear choices and lifestyle modifications to prevent future pain. If you are suffering from heel pain, it is suggested you seek the help of a podiatrist for diagnosis and care. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, Port Richmond, Philadelphia, and Hamilton, New Jersey . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout, long considered to affect mostly men, is increasingly recognized as a concern for women as well. In fact, gout can affect anyone, regardless of gender. This painful form of arthritis occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, leading to inflammation and intense discomfort. Women may experience gout during menopause, due to hormonal changes that affect uric acid levels. Additionally, lifestyle factors, such as diet, obesity, alcohol consumption, and certain medications, can contribute to gout risk in women. Although women are less likely to develop gout than men, their risk increases with age and other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease. Recognizing that gout can affect women is essential for timely diagnosis and management. With proper lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and medication, women can effectively manage gout and minimize its impact on their quality of life. If you suffer from gout flare-ups, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can assess the situation and help manage the condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, Port Richmond, Philadelphia, and Hamilton, New Jersey . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Addressing the nutritional needs of individuals with diabetic foot ulcers is a critical part of promoting healing and preventing more serious problems. Stable blood sugar levels, achieved through monitoring carbohydrate intake on a regular basis, are vital for managing diabetes and promoting optimal healing of foot ulcers. A well-balanced diet is also essential in supporting the body's natural wound healing processes. Protein-rich foods like poultry, fish, eggs, and legumes aid in tissue repair and wound healing. Additionally, vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin E enhance immune function and collagen synthesis, facilitating wound healing. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds to support overall health and reduce infection risk. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to discuss optimal healing methods, including important nutritional needs, tailored to your specific condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, Port Richmond, Philadelphia, and Hamilton, New Jersey . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Congenital foot conditions often have unique signs, aiding in the diagnosis of underlying systemic issues. Conditions such as Ellis–van Creveld syndrome, fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, and Marfan syndrome show distinct foot abnormalities. For example, Ellis–van Creveld syndrome may feature extra toes, while fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva can cause deformities in the big toe. Similarly, conditions such as Kniest dysplasia may lead to short and deformed toes, and pseudo- and pseudo-pseudohypoparathyroidism can result in shortened metatarsal bones. Additionally, acromegaly can cause swelling and softness in the feet, while nail-patella syndrome may affect the toenails. Mucopolysaccharidoses often result in widened toe bones and thickened skin on the feet. If your child was born with a foot abnormality, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as early as possible. 

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, Port Richmond, Philadelphia, and Hamilton, New Jersey . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Wound healing is a complex process that can be significantly delayed in diabetic patients due to various physiological factors. High blood sugar levels characteristic of diabetes can impair the body's ability to repair damaged tissue by disrupting the function of immune cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, responsible for combating infections and initiating the healing process. Additionally, diabetes often leads to poor circulation, reducing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the site of the wound, which is essential for tissue regeneration. Peripheral neuropathy, another common complication of diabetes, causes nerve damage and diminishes sensation in the extremities, making it difficult for patients to detect injuries and ulcers in their early stages. Furthermore, compromised immune function and increased susceptibility to infections further hinder the healing process. Managing blood sugar levels, maintaining proper foot care, and seeking prompt medical attention for wounds are crucial steps in minimizing the risk of complications and promoting effective wound healing in diabetic individuals. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide you with effective wound prevention tips, in addition to helping you manage this serious condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, Port Richmond, Philadelphia, and Hamilton, New Jersey . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.