Items filtered by date: December 2024

Toe pain can be present for many reasons including bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and arthritis. Bunions occur when the big toe moves out of alignment causing pain and swelling. Hammertoes involve abnormal bending of the toe joints, leading to discomfort. Ingrown toenails happen when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and potential infection. Additionally, arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, can cause stiffness and swelling in the toe joints. To alleviate toe pain, exercises such as toe stretches, toe curls, and towel scrunches can help improve flexibility, strength, and circulation. Gently stretching the toes by pulling them back toward the body can relieve tension. Picking up small objects with the toes or pulling a towel with the feet can also strengthen the muscles. If you have toe pain for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

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.

Puncture wounds on the feet are injuries where sharp objects, like nails, glass, or thorns, penetrate the skin and underlying tissues. These wounds often occur while walking barefoot, especially in outdoor environments or construction areas. Individuals at higher risk include children playing outside, workers in hazardous conditions, or anyone wearing inadequate footwear. The sensation varies but often includes sharp, sudden pain at the time of injury, followed by soreness or throbbing. If debris remains embedded, discomfort may persist, and swelling or redness can develop. Without proper care, these wounds risk infection, as bacteria can enter deep tissue layers. If you have sustained a puncture wound on your foot, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist promptly. This foot doctor will assess for foreign objects, clean the wound thoroughly, and determine if antibiotics or a tetanus shot are needed.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Joshua David Scoll from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

Bunions can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but stretching offers a simple way to ease discomfort and promote foot health. Regular stretches can reduce tension surrounding the big toe joint, slowing bunion progression and relieving pressure on the metatarsophalangeal joints. Strengthening foot and toe muscles through stretches improves stability and reduces strain on the affected area. Toe pulls, where you gently pull your big toe away from the second toe to encourage alignment, and toe splays, spreading your toes wide to increase flexibility, are particularly effective. These exercises improve joint mobility and alleviate daily pain caused by bunions. While stretching can help, bunions often require individualized care. If you are having persistent bunion pain or the bunion is increasing in size, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for tailored advice and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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?

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 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.

Nighttime foot cramps can be a distressing experience, as they interrupt sleep and can cause significant pain. These involuntary muscle contractions often occur due to muscle fatigue, inadequate potassium intake, or low magnesium levels. Wearing poorly fitting shoes, particularly high heels that restrict blood flow or lack proper support, can also contribute to these painful episodes. Unlike restless leg syndrome, which creates an urge to move the legs, foot cramps involve sharp pain and tightening of the muscles. A podiatrist can identify the underlying cause of nocturnal foot cramps and recommend appropriate treatments, such as improving footwear choices, addressing muscle fatigue, or identifying potential deficiencies. They may also suggest a series of exercises designed to strengthen foot muscles or enhance flexibility to prevent future cramps. If you regularly experience painful foot cramps at night, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Joshua David Scoll from Pennsylvania. Our doctor 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 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.

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, often causing discomfort and irritation. The most common symptoms include itching, burning, and redness between the toes or on the soles of the feet. In some cases, the skin may begin to crack, peel, or blister, which can lead to pain or tenderness. The infection may also cause a foul odor, especially if it is left untreated. In severe cases, athlete's foot can spread to the toenails or the rest of the body. The fungus thrives in warm, damp environments, so people who frequent public pools, gyms, or locker rooms are at higher risk. Proper hygiene, such as keeping the feet dry and using antifungal treatments, is essential for managing and preventing athlete's foot. Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll from Pennsylvania.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are 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 and ankle needs.