Items filtered by date: October 2024

Tuesday, 29 October 2024 00:00

Why Does Pregnancy Cause Foot Pain?

Pregnancy often brings a range of physical changes, and foot pain is a common complaint among expectant mothers. As the body prepares for childbirth, hormonal fluctuations cause ligaments to loosen, which can lead to instability in the feet and ankles. Additionally, the growing uterus increases weight and pressure on the feet, contributing to discomfort and swelling. The shift in the body's center of gravity during pregnancy can alter walking patterns, placing added stress on the feet. Edema, or swelling, commonly occurs due to fluid retention, causing feelings of heaviness and pain. Changes in foot shape, often resulting in wider and flatter feet, can also lead to discomfort. If you have developed foot pain while pregnant, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to find relief during this transformative time.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Joshua David Scoll from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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 Foot Care for Pregnant Women
Tuesday, 22 October 2024 00:00

Arthritic Foot Pain

Foot pain can be a sign of arthritis, a condition that affects the joints and causes inflammation, stiffness, and discomfort. Several types of arthritis can affect the feet, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, often linked to wear and tear in the joints over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects multiple joints, usually starting in smaller joints like those in the feet. Gout typically targets the big toe with sudden, intense pain. Symptoms of arthritis in the feet include swelling, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and persistent pain that worsens with activity or at rest. Left untreated, arthritis can lead to joint damage and deformities causing other daily activities to become difficult. If you have persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis, and treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

  • Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
  • Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
  • Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
  • Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
  • Age – Risk increases with age
  • Gender –Most types are more common in women
  • Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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.

Read more about How to Care for Your Arthritic Foot
Tuesday, 15 October 2024 00:00

Black Toe and Critical Limb Ischemia

Critical limb ischemia, or CLI, is a serious condition caused by poor blood flow, often due to diabetes or hardened arteries. It leads to severe pain, wounds that will not heal, and even dead tissue. If left untreated, one might need to have their toe amputated, and many others may not survive within a year. CLI can also be linked to black toe, as both conditions result from poor circulation. In severe cases like CLI, lack of blood flow can cause the tissues, including toes, to die, leading to blackening. Treatment aims to restore blood flow to the toe through surgery or other procedures. If that is not possible, treatments like oxygen therapy or special compression can help relieve symptoms. Without any treatment, the affected area, including the black toe, may dry up and worsen. If you have a painful black or discolored toe, it is strongly suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

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.

Read more about Toe Pain
Wednesday, 09 October 2024 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Tuesday, 08 October 2024 00:00

Consulting a Podiatrist for Ankle Pain

Ankle pain can result from various causes, ranging from acute injuries to chronic conditions. Common causes include sprains, where ligaments are stretched or torn due to sudden twisting motions, and tendonitis, which occurs when tendons surrounding the ankle become inflamed from overuse. Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, can lead to ankle pain over time due to joint wear and tear. Stress fractures or broken bones may also cause severe ankle pain following trauma. In some cases, flat feet or improper foot mechanics can put strain on the ankle, leading to discomfort. If pain persists or worsens, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Joshua David Scoll from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

 

Read more about Ankle Pain
Tuesday, 01 October 2024 00:00

Risk Factors for Ankle Sprains and Strains

The ankles are remarkable joints that enable a wide range of movement, but they are also vulnerable to injuries such as sprains and strains. An ankle sprain, which is quite common, occurs when a ligament is overstretched or torn, while a strain involves overstretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon. Factors that can heighten the risk of these injuries include inadequate athletic conditioning, skipping warm-ups before exercise, pushing through muscle fatigue, carrying excess weight, and wearing unsupportive or poorly fitting shoes. These conditions can lead to significant pain and impact your mobility. To properly diagnose and treat ankle injuries, it is important to consult a professional. A podiatrist can provide expert evaluation, treatment options, and preventive advice to help you recover and reduce the risk of future injuries. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for personalized care and effective treatment.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen 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 Three Grades of Ankle Sprains

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