Items filtered by date: October 2024

Tuesday, 15 October 2024 00:00

Managing Foot Arch Pain

Foot arch pain can affect daily activities and reduce the overall quality of life. Symptoms typically include sharp or aching discomfort along the arch of the foot, especially after prolonged standing, walking, or engaging in physical activity. You might also experience swelling or tenderness, which can make finding comfortable footwear a challenge. Treatment options for foot arch pain often begin with stretching exercises for the calf muscles and plantar fascia which can improve flexibility and alleviate pain. Supportive footwear, along with custom orthotics, can provide arch support and cushioning. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend specific treatments tailored to your condition. If you are experiencing persistent foot arch pain, it is important to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This type of doctor can evaluate your symptoms and recommend an effective treatment plan to help you get back on your feet comfortably.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors 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 Duryea and Bangor, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 08 October 2024 00:00

How to Diagnosis a Foot Stress Fracture

A foot stress fracture occurs due to repetitive stress or overuse, often from activities like running or jumping. This type of fracture develops when the foot’s bones are subjected to excessive force, leading to tiny cracks that gradually worsen. Common symptoms include localized pain that intensifies with activity, swelling, and tenderness at the site of the fracture. The affected area might also become bruised or stiff. Diagnosing a foot stress fracture involves a thorough physical examination and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans which can reveal the extent of the injury and rule out other conditions. If you have endured a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist  who can accurately diagnose and treat foot stress fractures.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                  
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

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Tuesday, 01 October 2024 00:00

How to Manage Bunions

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, where it meets the long bone of the foot. Bunions develop when the big toe pushes towards the second toe, causing the joint at the base of the big toe to protrude. This misalignment is often made worse by wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, particularly those with high heels or a narrow toe box. Symptoms of bunions include pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the affected joint, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear. Over time, the misalignment can worsen, making daily activities uncomfortable. Treatment for bunions focuses on alleviating pain and preventing further progression. A podiatrist can discuss options that may include wearing wider, more supportive shoes, using orthotic devices to correct foot alignment, and performing exercises to improve joint mobility. In persistent cases, surgery may be considered. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a treatment plan.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • Surgery

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

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