March 2020

Research has indicated the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, as it may help to protect the feet and ankles. Obese people may experience a larger foot size, in addition to the possibility of developing flat feet. There may also be medical conditions that can affect the feet as a result of obesity. These can include specific types of arthritis such as gout, and osteoarthritis. Additionally, type 2 diabetes can be a common ailment among obese patients, which may produce foot ulcers. Many patients experience general foot pain that can develop from carrying excess weight. Other conditions, such as plantar fasciitis and posterior tibial tendonitis, can cause foot pain due to being overweight. If you would like more information about how obesity can affect the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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.

The purpose of the peripheral nervous system is to link the nerves from the central nervous system to the arms, legs, internal organs, and the rest of the body. These nerves transmit physical sensations to the brain, and peripheral neuropathy may occur if they malfunction. This can happen as a result of a genetic disorder, an infection, or if an injury has occurred. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition can include a tingling or numbing sensation in the feet, a drop in blood pressure, and patients may feel a stabbing pain. Common reasons why neuropathy can develop may include diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. If you are suffering from neuropathy, and are having difficulty walking, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with John M. Fanelly, DPM from Northeast Philadelphia. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Patients who enjoy running and jogging typically know what it is like to develop a blister on the foot. Blisters are often painful and uncomfortable, and can inhibit daily activities. A blister may form as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from beginning a new sport. It is caused by excessive friction, and is defined as a small sac that is filled with fluid which protects the damaged skin. After several days, it generally drains naturally after the new skin has formed. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to prevent blisters from developing. These can include wearing shoes and socks that fit properly, as well as lubricating your feet before running. If you have a blister that becomes infected, or would like additional information about how to prevent blisters, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact John M. Fanelly, DPM of Northeast Philadelphia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

Bunions, otherwise recognized as a deformity of the big toe, can be incredibly painful when left untreated. They may easily be diagnosed by looking for a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe, and are typically more common among women and elderly patients. However, there are many reasons why someone may develop a bunion, one of those reasons being genetics. Another contributing factor may have to do with your shoes. Those who commonly wear constraining footwear, such as high heels, or cowboy boots, for extended periods of time may be more likely to develop a bunion. Injuries to the foot, as well as arthritis, can both increase your risk of developing a bunion. To help find relief from the pain bunions typically cause, it is suggested that you wear custom orthotics. For more information on treating bunions and how orthotics may help, please consult with a podiatrist for professional care.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact John M. Fanelly, DPM of Northeast Philadelphia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.