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Flip-Flops and Heel Pain

Flip-flops are often worn at the beach or around pools, but they are also worn as regular summertime footwear. These sandals are often thin-soled and offer little arch and foot cushioning support. Wearing these types of shoes long-term can lead to painful plantar fasciitis, which is a condition that affects the plantar fascia. This is the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes on the bottom of the foot, and may endure small tears or become overstretched. Plantar fasciitis can cause severe foot pain, particularly with the first steps after arising from sleep, or from walking for a prolonged period. If plantar fasciitis is not treated, a heel spur can develop, further irritating the foot. Flip-flops should be left for protecting feet in locker rooms or around the water, and more supportive shoes should be worn for other activities. If you have developed plantar fasciitis from wearing flip-flops, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you with treatment options, and recommend better summertime footwear.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

  • They Slow You Down
  • May Cause Blisters and Calluses
  • Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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

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Heel Pain Causes

Having heel pain can cause difficulty in pursuing daily activities. It can happen from enduring a sprain or fracture, or there may be existing medical conditions that can lead to getting heel pain. Out of the 26 bones in each foot, the heel bone is the largest. Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may cause common heel conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, to develop. Additional forms of heel pain can be from bursitis, or if an Achilles tendon injury has occurred. Swelling and redness may accompany heel pain, and it is often difficult to walk. Mild relief may be found when the affected foot is frequently elevated, and shoes that are worn fit properly. Some patients choose to put a heel lift or a shoe insert inside the shoe, which may help to reduce existing pain. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible. This type of doctor can determine what the cause is, and offer you the treatment method that is best for you.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

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All About Gout Crystals

An arthritic condition known as gout is primarily caused by having an excess amount of uric acid in the system. This buildup produces uric crystals that form in the joints, frequently in the big toe. The result is extreme pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness to the touch. Gout crystals, also known as monosodium urate crystals, accumulate in the joints when the body is unable to remove excess uric acid through the digestive system or kidneys. People with diabetes, weakened kidneys, or metabolism issues may be more likely to experience a buildup of gout crystals. The likelihood of developing them increases if you eat foods that contain high levels of purines. These include seafood, fish, alcoholic drinks, shellfish, and red meats. Other factors that can produce gout crystals are obesity, heart disease, certain types of medication, and genetics. Men tend to be more at risk for gout, especially those between the ages of 30 and 50. In women, symptoms are more likely to develop after menopause. For help with recurring gout flare ups, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who is trained to deal with this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

  • Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
  • Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
  • Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
  • Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

  • Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
  • Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
  • Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
  • Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
  • Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
  • Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

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Toe Twitching

Learning more about the biomechanics of the feet can be incredibly helpful for the patient trying to look after the health of their feet. For example, it might be beneficial to familiarize oneself with the phenomenon known as toe twitching. Essentially, toe twitching is similar to tremors or spasms. They may occur for a variety of reasons. Toe twitches may happen to an individual when they experience interruptions in the circulatory system, joints, or muscles. Fortunately, many patients are pleased to learn that most symptoms associated with toe twitching are not long-lasting. Rather, they may be notably fleeting. However, medical attention may be sought when twitching lasts longer than usual or is accompanied by more serious symptoms. To learn more about how the feet work, it is suggested that you reach out to a podiatrist who can help teach you how to best care for the health of your feet. 

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

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 structures. It 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 in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Read more about Biomechanics in Podiatry

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

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