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Three Common Foot Disorders

Bunions, plantar fasciitis, and Morton’s neuroma are common foot disorders that cause pain and difficulty walking. A bunion occurs when the big toe deviates from  the smaller toes, creating a bony bump at the base of the joint. A podiatrist can recommend modifying footwear, using orthotic devices, or, in persistent cases, performing surgery to correct the deformity. Plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the connective tissue along the bottom of the foot, often causes heel pain, especially after periods of rest. Treatment includes stretching, wearing supportive footwear, orthotic inserts, or surgery, if symptoms remain after more conservative care. Morton’s neuroma involves thickening of nerve tissue between the toes, often leading to burning pain or numbness in the ball of the foot. A podiatrist may suggest shoe modifications, metatarsal pads, or carefully considered injections. If necessary, surgery may be needed to remove the affected nerve. If you regularly experience foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in Bensalem, Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Yardley, PA, and Hamilton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Understanding Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, most commonly affecting the big toe. This condition can be caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, injury, or genetic factors. People with curved or thick nails may be more prone to developing ingrown toenails. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain along the nail edge, and sometimes infection with pus or drainage. The area can feel tender, sore, or even throb, making walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the condition and provide relief. Treatment options include gently lifting the nail, removing part of the nail, or, in recurrent cases, performing a minor procedure to prevent the nail from growing back improperly. They may also recommend proper foot care techniques and footwear changes to prevent future issues. If you have an ingrown toenail, is suggested that you schedule an appointment to see a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

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Understanding Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity in which one or more of the smaller toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, creating a curled or hammer-like appearance. This condition often develops gradually and can become rigid over time if not treated. Common causes include an imbalance in the muscles or tendons that control toe movement, often triggered by wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes that crowd the toes. Repeated pressure and friction can worsen the deformity. Risk factors include having a longer second toe, certain inherited foot structures, or conditions such as arthritis and diabetes. Wearing high heels or shoes with narrow toe boxes may also increase the likelihood of developing hammertoe. If you have signs of hammertoe, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment methods.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the affected toes
  • Development of corns or calluses due to friction
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Read more about Hammertoe

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Types of Toe Fractures

Toe fractures usually result from direct trauma, such as stubbing the toe or dropping something on the foot. The most frequently affected areas are the lesser toes, especially the part of the toe closest to the rest of the foot. Types of toe fractures include simple fractures, where the bone remains intact under the skin, and compound fractures, where the bone breaks through the skin and may lead to infection. Avulsion fractures occur when a tendon or ligament pulls a piece of bone away, while comminuted fractures involve the bone shattering into multiple fragments. Intra-articular fractures extend into the joint and may affect long-term toe mobility, and dislocation fractures combine a bone break with joint misalignment. A podiatrist can assess the injury using imaging such as X-rays to determine the type of fracture and the degree of bone displacement. Treatment may involve immobilization with a cast or walking boot, or in more severe cases, surgery to realign and secure the bones. If you have broken or severely bruised your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Throbbing pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising on the skin and toenail
  • The inability to move the toe
  • Toe appears crooked or disfigured
  • Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe

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