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6650 Frankford Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19135

September 2019

Monday, 30 September 2019 00:00

Is Hammertoe A Deformity?

There are noticeable signs you may have a hammertoe. These can include the second toe bending in a downward direction, often resembling a hammer. Additionally, it may bend over the third toe, and it may be difficult to walk. This condition may be caused by genetic traits, or can come from wearing shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in. It is considered to be a deformity of the bones in the toes, and in severe cases, surgery may be required to permanently straighten the toes. In the beginning stages of hammertoe, mild relief may be found when larger shoes are worn that can accommodate the bent toes. Some patients find it beneficial to wear pads on the top of the affected toes, and this may help to prevent corns from developing. If you are afflicted with hammertoe, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact John M. Fanelly, DPM from Northeast Philadelphia. Our doctor 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 contact our office located in Philadelphia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What Are Hammertoes?
Monday, 23 September 2019 00:00

Is Gout Caused By Specific Foods?

The medical condition that is referred to as gout is often accompanied by severe pain and discomfort. The joint in the big toe is typically affected, and common symptoms include redness, tenderness, and difficulty in moving the toe. Many patients experience signs of gout suddenly without warning, and it frequently happens at night. This condition is caused by excess uric levels that are in the bloodstream, and may occur from specific foods that are eaten. These can include foods that have elevated levels of purines which may produce crystals that lodge in the joints of the big toe. Mild relief may be found from this debilitating pain by taking anti-inflammatory medication. Additionally, it is helpful to incorporate healthy eating habits into your daily routine, and this may prevent severe gout attacks from occurring in the future. If you are afflicted with gout, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to manage these attacks.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact John M. Fanelly, DPM from Northeast Philadelphia. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Gout
Tuesday, 17 September 2019 00:00

Is Gout Caused By Specific Foods?

The medical condition that is referred to as gout is often accompanied by severe pain and discomfort. The joint in the big toe is typically affected, and common symptoms include redness, tenderness, and difficulty in moving the toe. Many patients experience signs of gout suddenly without warning, and it frequently happens at night. This condition is caused by excess uric levels that are in the bloodstream, and may occur from specific foods that are eaten. These can include foods that have elevated levels of purines which may produce crystals that lodge in the joints of the big toe. Mild relief may be found from this debilitating pain by taking anti-inflammatory medication. Additionally, it is helpful to incorporate healthy eating habits into your daily routine, and this may prevent severe gout attacks from occurring in the future. If you are afflicted with gout, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to manage these attacks.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact John M. Fanelly, DPM from Northeast Philadelphia. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

  • Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
  • Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
  • Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
  • Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

  • Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
  • Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
  • Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
  • Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
  • Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
  • Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

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Saturday, 14 September 2019 00:00

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!

Tuesday, 10 September 2019 00:00

Types of Foot Pain

Many people experience foot pain at some point in their lives. This can range from having chronic foot pain, to enduring a sudden injury. Additionally, there are medical conditions that can cause pain and discomfort in the feet. These can consist of bunions, athlete’s foot, and plantar fasciitis. A bunion produces a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe. This can develop from genetic traits, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. It may appear red, and pain may come from the pressure that is exerted on it. Itching between the toes and on the bottom of the feet may be indicative of athlete’s foot, which is caused by a fungus. In severe cases, medication may be prescribed. The latter is caused by inflammation of the tendon that is located on the sole of the foot. It connects the heel to the toes, and will typically produce pain and discomfort in the heel. If you are having any type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can guide you towards the proper treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with John M. Fanelly, DPM from Northeast Philadelphia. Our doctor 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 office located in Philadelphia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Monday, 02 September 2019 00:00

When to Purchase Shoes

The feet are considered to be the foundation of the body, and it is important to maintain proper foot care. This includes washing and drying your feet completely, which may be beneficial in preventing athlete’s foot from developing. Foot odor may be avoided when the socks are changed daily. The overall feeling of the feet may improve when proper size shoes are worn. Research has indicated it is beneficial to purchase shoes in the afternoon, when the feet are at their largest. Additionally, it is helpful to wear high heels and flip flops for limited amounts of time because of the inadequate support these shoes typically provide. If you would like additional information about how to care for you feet, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can provide you with the correct knowledge.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact John M. Fanelly, DPM from Northeast Philadelphia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Read more about Every Day Foot Care
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