Items filtered by date: April 2015

Running is an important daily routine for many people; however, runners should keep in mind the biomechanics of the foot to prevent running injuries .

The metatarsal bones are often regularly injured during the foot to ground impact when running with metatarsalgia, inflammation on the bottom of the foot.

The metatarsal bones are located in the forefoot and there are five, connecting to the mid-foot to the toes. The heaviness of the body and the impact on the foot result in symptoms such as sharp, stabbing, burning pain. Injury to the metatarsals can be reduced with smart training practices, proper fitting shoes, orthotics, and using recovery days to rest the feet.

Biomechanics of the feet can help you understand how to prevent injury and help doctors treat your foot and ankle ailments. If you have any concerns contact podiatrist Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body causing an interference with the biological structure and focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics
- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974 biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination to the area.

Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, moments and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured.

Advances in materials and more awareness of biomechanics have developed enhanced corrective methods, offering further options for foot-related injuries. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

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The standing desk has recently taken office culture by storm for those that work regular nine to five hours and do not have the time to go to the gym every day. Experts say that this drastic change can have positive effects on overall health, but new pains in the feet may appear. Foot health professionals suggest that those making the change alternate between sitting and standing each day to balance the body and avoid any injuries.

It is also important to adjust office footwear; wearing comfortable flat shoes will be a better idea than wearing high heels all day.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – choosing this shoe places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – our feet were not designed to be enclosed for hours, or all day. Try allowing yourself to expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and stretches is beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – stretching the foot out flat on the floor, will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
Keep your feet healthy and your body will thank you for it.

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

Read More About Wokring on Your Feet

Michigan State’s Denzel Valentine suffered an ankle injury in the first half against North Carolina’s Duke University. Valentine returned to the second half of the game after receiving treatment from the medical staff when the opposing team took the lead 36-25.

Valentine’s injury was something to watch during the second half of the game being that he is the second most important player on the offensive line. According to CBS the junior guard gutted it out and continued to play without limitation through the second half.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries need proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact podiatrist Dr. Joshua David Scoll from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Sport 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 Philadelphia and Bensalem, PA. We offer the newest technologies and diagnostic tools for your foot and ankle needs.

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When runner Vicky Huber Rudawsky reinjured her stress fracture in her foot after putting too much pressure on it too soon, she learned a valuable lesson in patience. Once Huber Rudawsky was cleared by her doctor after waiting nearly a year to recover from her initial stress fracture she “hit the ground running” and immediately got back into heavy training.

The runner should have gradually got back into her routine starting with low weight-bearing activities such as swimming. Another way to prevent or reduce the probability of a stress fracture includes cross training, the alternating of activities so no one area of the body faces the same stresses every day. Wearing shoes with proper support and incorporating calcium and vitamin D in your meals can also prevent stress fractures.

Stress fractures are painful and can keep runners off of their feet for a long period of time. If you think you have a stress fracture contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
The Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  Then the feet and ankles 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. The stress on the feet causes cracks to form in the bones, thus called 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
-play tennis or basketball
-gymnastics
-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 in high impact will aggravate pain.

Treatment

The individual and the degree of injury depend on the fracture of the foot. Some fractures heal very fast while others take a long times and one would need crutches.

- Surgery with support pins around the fracture helps
- A great intake of Calcium and Vitamin-D helps for strong bones
- Set a regimen for running or other activity
- Wear supportive shoes

If you experience any discomfort or stress stop what you are doing and get rest. If symptoms persist see an orthopedic specialist right away. 

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

Read more about stress fractures.