Items filtered by date: December 2023

Heel spurs, a common foot condition, are bony outgrowths that form on the underside of the heel bone. They often develop in response to long-term strain on the foot's ligaments and muscles. While many individuals have heel spurs, not all experience pain. When pain does occur, it is generally due to the inflammation of the surrounding tissues, a condition known as plantar fasciitis. The symptoms of heel spurs can include sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially while walking or standing after periods of rest. The pain tends to improve as the foot warms up but may return after prolonged activity. Risk factors for heel spurs include obesity, wearing poor-fitting or worn-out shoes, and activities that place excessive strain on the feet, such as running and prolonged standing. Diagnosis and treatment may involve having X-rays taken to confirm the presence of a heel spur. Understanding heel spurs and their management options is vital for individuals seeking relief from this often painful condition. If you have developed a heel spur, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if it is mild or severe, and offer treatment options that are right for you.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Gilbert, PA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Children often experience foot and ankle injuries due to sports, games, or falls. These injuries can range in severity, requiring different levels of medical attention. Ankle sprains happen when ligaments in the ankle stretch or tear due to rapid movements, often occurring during sports or high-energy activities. This can lead to swelling, pain, and bruising. Ankle strains involve muscle overstretching or tearing, which can be acute or chronic. Severe strains need immediate medical attention. Sever's disease causes heel pain in growing children, worsening with high-impact activities. It generally resolves over time. Ankle fractures are common in sports, and may involve any ankle bone. Complex fractures may necessitate surgery. Other injuries like puncture wounds, compartment syndrome, and ankle dislocations can occur and should be promptly treated by a podiatrist. If your child has a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and proper treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Barbara Davis of Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, is a vascular condition characterized by narrowed arteries in the legs, limiting blood flow to the feet. Several risk factors contribute to the development and progression of PAD. Smoking is a primary risk factor, as it damages blood vessels and promotes plaque buildup. Diabetes is another significant factor, as high blood sugar levels can damage arteries. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, places constant stress on arteries and can lead to their narrowing over time. Age is also a non-modifiable risk factor, as PAD becomes more common with advancing age. Genetics can play a role, with a family history of vascular diseases increasing one's susceptibility. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle contribute by promoting the accumulation of fatty deposits in arteries. Additionally, high cholesterol levels can lead to plaque formation in blood vessels. Lastly, individuals with a history of heart disease are at higher risk for PAD. If you have risk factors for PAD or suffer from its effects on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and necessary treatment.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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

Overpronation, a common foot condition involving excessive inward rolling, requires careful attention to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. The primary approach to overpronation involves adopting supportive footwear, which may include specialized shoes to minimize excessive movement and provide stability in the heel and midfoot. For those with moderate to severe overpronation, custom orthotics, tailored to the individual's foot shape, provide personalized assistance in reducing overpronation. Targeted exercises are believed to help in correcting overpronation. The short-foot exercise, involving lifting the arch of the foot off the ground, is particularly beneficial in addressing overpronation. In rare cases of severe overpronation, surgical intervention may be necessary. Reconstruction surgery aims to realign bones, providing better arch support, and may involve the use of stabilizing metal implants. If overpronation affects your well-being, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a gait analysis, examination, and a treatment plan targeted to your particular condition.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. 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 our office located in Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.