Items filtered by date: January 2018

The foot is comprised of several tendons and many bones, the largest being the heel bone. One of the purposes of this bone is to cushion the body from pressure the heel may endure during daily activities, such as running and walking. Heel pain is a common ailment, although some people may experience intense pain. This may be due to a condition referred to as plantar fasciitis, characterized by inflammation and irritation occurring in the tissues that support the arch of the foot. It’s generally experienced after sitting for extended periods of time or after the first few steps in the morning. People who are overweight may notice their heels hurt, often due to the additional stress the plantar fascia must withstand. Common symptoms may include numbness in the heel, throbbing pain, or lasting discomfort. A consultation with a podiatrist is advised for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Peter C. Smith of Lancaster Podiatry. 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 contact our office located in Lancaster, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An abnormality in which a bony bump forms on the big toe of your foot can be referred to as a bunion. The bone in your big toe is typically deformed and generally causes pain and discomfort. Choosing shoes with enough room in the toe area may prevent bunions from worsening, allowing the toes to feel less restricted. Wide shoes with a low heel are often recommended. Ways to ease the pain a bunion produces can include putting ice on it for a few minutes and placing a soft pad in your shoe. This can help decrease or completely remove friction that frequently occurs as the bunion rubs against the shoe. If daily activities are being affected by the pain a bunion causes, see a podiatrist for treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Peter C. Smith of Lancaster Podiatry. 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 our office located in Lancaster, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Standing on your feet all or most of the day often triggers foot pain. An effective way to treat this type of pain may be to incorporate foot exercises into your daily routine. There are a few optimal stretches that can be performed, such as pointing and flexing the toes. If heel pain is present, possibly rolling a ball under the foot while applying light pressure may be helpful. Relaxing the feet in a warm bath and foot massages can be useful in helping the feet feel better. Cramps in the toes may cause foot pain, and an effective stretch may be to raise the heels, repeating this a few times. Strengthening the toes is important to do if you have hammertoe, and a practical way to accomplish this is to squeeze the toes using toe separators. Before you establish a routine, consult with a podiatrist for proper foot exercises.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people who suffer from arthritis know that it not only occurs in the hands or knees, but is commonly present in the feet. The cushioning between the joints breaks down over time due to wear and tear and may cause severe pain. The joints become swollen and inflamed, causing the many people experiencing this condition to seek pain relief. There are several ways to prevent this ailment, including eliminating any excess weight placed upon the feet, which is accomplished by shedding unwanted pounds. If most of your day consists of standing, wearing shoes that fit correctly will help in finding moderate relief in addition to taking over-the-counter pain medications. If these remedies are not effective and the pain becomes severe, please consider a consultation with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A gradual onset of pain in the heel, which feels worse in the morning, is a good indication that you may have plantar fasciitis. While resting, the plantar fascia often becomes shorter, and upon rising the pain will lessen as the tissues warm up from walking. Typically, plantar fasciitis affects the tendon under the foot that forms the arch. Additionally, tenderness on the inside of the heel or beneath the sole of the foot are common symptoms. Plantar fasciitis is typically caused by the overuse of the plantar fascia, which results in inflammation and the thickening of the tendon. Running and jumping activities are usual causes of plantar fasciitis, in addition to wearing poor footwear or having flat feet and tight calf muscles. There are several ways to treat plantar fasciitis, including stretching the lower leg muscles and elevating or taping the foot for relief. Wearing proper shoes can protect the heel, allowing the foot to rest while healing. A consultation with a podiatrist may be advised for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Podiatrists can offer a number of treatment options, such as orthotic inserts, immobilization devices, or a therapy regimen.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Peter C. Smith  from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.