Pickleball is a popular sport, but when it is played too often, it may lead to the development of plantar fasciitis. This painful foot condition affects the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. When the plantar fascia is inflamed, irritated, or partially torn, the pain is typically felt in the heel.  The discomfort may be worse in the morning upon arising. For that reason, it may be helpful to wear night splints to help keep the plantar fascia in a lengthened position. It is also beneficial to refrain from playing pickleball until the foot has completely healed. However, if pain from plantar fasciitis persists or worsens, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can suggest targeted exercises and other forms of relief to get you back in the game.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please 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 and ankle needs.

Properly fitting shoes have a larger impact on foot health than many people realize. The shape and size of your foot change over time because ligaments and soft tissues relax and stretch as you age. Having foot measurements done annually or even twice a year can help you keep track of the right shoe size for you. Making sure your toes can move freely inside your shoe is important. If your toes don’t have enough room, this could lead to corns, calluses, or deformed toes. Ill-fitting shoes can also cause complications such as bunions, Morton’s neuroma, or plantar fasciitis. Wearing high heels also increases the risk of painful foot conditions because of the pressure that is put on the forefoot. If you would like to learn more about how to find your proper shoe size, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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.

Patients who have bunions may notice their daily activities can be interrupted as a result of the pain and discomfort they may cause. It appears as a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe, and it may make it difficult to wear shoes. A bunion can gradually form from genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Patients have found mild relief when a protective pad is worn on top of the bunion, in addition to soaking the affected foot in warm water. If the bunion is prominent, surgery may be an option  which is referred to as a bunionectomy. There are toe exercises that can be performed which can be helpful in strengthening the overall foot. If you notice the beginning signs of a bunion, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment technique.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Foot wounds can be challenging, especially when they do not heal as expected. The reconstructive ladder is a step-by-step approach that podiatrists use to manage these wounds, starting with the simplest treatments and progressing to more advanced techniques if necessary. The goal is to restore both function and appearance of the foot. Initial treatments may include basic wound care, such as dressings and reducing pressure on the area. If healing slows or stops, options like skin grafts or flap surgery may be recommended. Each step on the ladder involves careful decisions to promote proper healing while maintaining mobility. Foot wounds caused by diabetes, injury, or other conditions require early and expert care. If you have a foot wound that is not improving, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 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 and ankle needs.