Finding the Right Shoe Size for Healthy Feet

Wearing shoes that fit correctly is essential for comfort and long-term foot health. To measure your foot, place it on a flat surface and use a ruler or measuring tape from the heel to the longest toe, then compare with a shoe size chart. Be sure to measure both feet since one is often slightly larger. Shoes that are too small or too large can cause issues such as blisters, bunions, hammertoes, corns, and even chronic foot pain. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend proper footwear, and address any damage caused by ill-fitting shoes. If you have foot pain from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on how to choose shoes that fit properly.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

  • When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
  • Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
  • Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
  • Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
  • If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Why Feet Change During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes that affect the feet. Increased body mass places extra pressure on the arches, while hormonal shifts, particularly the influx of relaxin, loosen ligaments and joints. The center of gravity is displaced, altering posture and gait. These changes can cause feet to become longer, flatter, and broader, which may lead to discomfort, swelling, or difficulty finding proper footwear. A podiatrist can help by assessing foot structure, recommending supportive shoes or custom orthotics, and providing guidance on exercises to maintain strength and flexibility. If pregnancy related foot changes are causing discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for personalized care and support.

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 one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Why Feet May Ache More After Dark

Pain that sets in during the evening or overnight can have many triggers. Irritated nerves may create tingling or burning once the feet are still. Circulation changes in a reclined position can lead to throbbing or heaviness. Inflammation from arthritis may stiffen joints during hours of rest, while strain in the plantar fascia can cause lingering soreness from the day’s activity. Muscle cramps, often linked to dehydration or low mineral levels, may jolt you awake. Even blankets pressing on the toes can aggravate tender spots. Because these sensations can stem from multiple causes, finding lasting relief depends on identifying the source. Solutions might include specific exercises, wearing better footwear, or podiatric treatment. If foot pain regularly interferes with rest, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a full evaluation and targeted care.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Ankle Fracture? Don’t Wait for Treatment

If you're suffering from an ankle fracture, professional attention shouldn't wait. Fractures may worsen over time and can make completing everyday activities incredibly difficult. See your specialist for treatment and guidance through the healing process. 

Care Options for Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a firm growth that develops within the arch of the foot along the plantar fascia. While typically noncancerous, it can cause discomfort, especially when walking or standing for long periods of time. Podiatrists can evaluate the size, location, and impact of the fibroma before recommending treatment. Non-surgical care may involve custom orthotic inserts to redistribute pressure, padding to reduce irritation, and targeted exercises to ease tension in the surrounding tissues. In some cases, steroid injections or other therapies may be used to lessen inflammation and pain. When the fibroma continues to grow or causes significant discomfort, surgical removal might be considered. Addressing the condition early can help improve comfort and prevent worsening symptoms. If you notice a persistent lump in your foot or pain in your arch, it is suggested you have it examined by a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer relief tips for a plantar fibroma.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

  • Steroid injections
  • Orthotics
  • Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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