Items filtered by date: August 2019

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage done to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. This will often cause weakness, numbness, and pain in the feet. This type of neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes and an exposure to toxins. The symptoms include muscle weakness, a lack of coordination and falling, sharp burning pain, numbness and extreme sensitivity to touch. People who have diabetes, kidney and thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies and have a history of alcohol abuse are at an increased risk to acquire peripheral neuropathy. Complications that can arise are infections, burns and skin trauma and an increased propensity to falls. The risk for peripheral neuropathy can be decreased by exercising regularly, avoiding factors that may cause nerve damage and eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and protein. If you feel that you may be at risk for peripheral neuropathy, it is advised to consult with a podiatrist.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Joshua David Scoll from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

If you have fallen, or if a heavy object dropped onto your foot, you may have broken your foot. Common symptoms of this condition often include immediate swelling and bruising. For severe fractures, the broken bone may pierce the skin, which can produce an open wound. Some patients hear a snapping sound as the break occurs and will most likely have pain while attempting to put weight on the foot. Partial relief may be found when the foot is elevated, as this may help to reduce a portion of the swelling. Ultimately, the healing process will begin when the foot is placed in a cast or boot, and this can typically take several weeks. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine the best course of treatment for you.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Research has indicated that the majority of corns that develop on the feet occur as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. They are defined as small areas of hardened skin that form on top of or between the toes, and develop from excess friction. Mild relief may be obtained when the feet are soaked in warm water, which can be helpful in softening the corn. Some patients find it helpful to use a corn pad, and this may be beneficial in reducing any pain and discomfort that the corn produces. Corns can be managed and possibly prevented when shoes that fit properly are worn, and have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. If you are afflicted with a corn, it is advised to consult with a podiatrist who can offer you the best treatment techniques.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

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

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Morton's neuroma occurs when a tissue next to a nerve that leads to one of the toes gets thicker. The pressure against the nerve irritates it and causes the pain, which will usually show up between the third and fourth toes. Women are more at risk for Morton’s than men are. This is due mainly to the pressure applied to the feet when women wear high heels. There are no visible signs of Morton’s, instead you must go by what you feel to detect it. Some symptoms can include a tingling feeling getting stronger as time goes on, shooting pains around the ball of the foot or the base of the toes, burning and numb feelings in the toes and discomfort that may get worse from walking or wearing shoes that squeeze the feet. Simple precautions to take in preventing Morton’s are buying shoes that are wide enough at the toes so they don’t squeeze, choosing athletic shoes with enough padding in the soles to cushion the feet, and refraining from wearing high heels or tight shoes for long periods of time. If you feel that you may have developed Morton’s Neuroma, consult with a podiatrist for the best treatment options. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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