Items filtered by date: October 2022

Tuesday, 25 October 2022 00:00

A Bunion May Require Larger Shoes

A bunion is a bony lump that forms on the side of the big toe. Bunions can be caused by several things like genetics or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. This condition may also develop from a toe injury that caused the bones to misalign. Eventually, a callus may form over the bunion as a result of the bunion constantly rubbing against the inside of the shoes that are worn. Some patients find it beneficial to wear a protective covering over the bunion and many will also purchase larger shoes to accommodate it. Massaging the affected area may aid in keeping the toe flexible and the surrounding tissue soft. An effective massage can be rolling the foot on a tennis ball and performing foot exercises may help to strengthen the muscles in the toes too. It is easier to find shoes that fit properly if they are tried on at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. If you see the first signs of a small bump developing on the side of the big toe, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine if it is a bunion and what the right treatment is for you.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, 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.

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Tuesday, 18 October 2022 00:00

Types of Surgery for Hammertoe

A hammertoe is noticeable by the center joint of the toe forming a mountain-like shape rather than lying flat. Hammertoes can be caused by muscle imbalance, rheumatoid arthritis, or wearing shoes that fit improperly. The raised joint becomes painful as it rubs against the top of the shoe and can cause corns or calluses to develop. If the hammertoe is in a fixed position some form of surgery may be the best remedy for eliminating the symptoms that coincide. One solution is to remove parts of the toe bones. A second option is cutting or transplanting tendons in the toe. A third plan is to straighten the toe by fusing the bones which also keeps it from bending. It is strongly urged to seek the counsel of a podiatrist to decide which alternative is best for you. 

 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the affected toes
  • Development of corns or calluses due to friction
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please 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.

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Friday, 14 October 2022 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Tuesday, 11 October 2022 00:00

Living With Flat Feet

When a person has flat feet, it means that the longitudinal arch of the foot, which runs along the sole of the foot, has failed to develop properly or has collapsed. It can affect one or both feet, depending on the cause. Children are generally born with flat feet, but the arch normally develops by the time they reach 5 years of age. Flat feet may be inherited or caused by an injury. They also may be the result of an underlying medical condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, or diabetes. Most people do not experience pain from having flat feet, but fatigue is often a symptom. Surgery is rarely necessary. A number of exercises can help to strengthen the feet. Two common treatments for flat feet are wearing shoes that offer good arch support and having orthotic devices inserted in your shoes. For help in dealing with flat feet, or to order custom orthotics, please visit with a podiatrist. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

Read more about What is Flexible Flat Foot?
Tuesday, 04 October 2022 00:00

Causes of Numbness in the Toes

Numbness in the toes can be temporary or long term. Chronic toe numbness can impede your ability to walk and increase the chances of wounds and other injuries. When the nerves in your toes are compressed, damaged, or irritated the result is often a feeling of numbness and tingling. Some people experience these symptoms after long bouts of high-impact exercise or other physical activity. In these cases, the numbness generally subsides when the activity is over. Other causes of numbness in the toes can be the result of a serious neurological event, such as a seizure or stroke. More common causes include chronic alcohol abuse, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or diabetic neuropathy. Nerve compression syndromes, like Morton’s neuroma or tarsal tunnel syndrome, may also cause toe numbness. People with chronic toe numbness would do well to practice good foot hygiene and have frequent foot examinations with a podiatrist who can best detect the underlying cause and offer treatment options. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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