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Many people go through life with flat feet and don’t realize it. In fact, most children are born with flat feet, until their arches develop naturally by around the age of 10. If you have flat feet, that simply means the arch, or instep, is low or nonexistent when you step on the foot. The foot is actually flat on the ground, also called having a fallen arch. This condition can cause pain at the inside of the ankle, as well as the calves, knees and hips. Flat feet can also affect your posture by putting more weight on the inside of the foot, known as overpronation. This may cause damage to the ankle and Achilles tendon. Flat feet may be a matter of heredity or derived from other conditions that develop later in life, such as arthritis, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. If you or your child are experiencing foot pain, your shoes seem to wear out quickly, your feet are weak, numb, or stiff, or your feet suddenly appear to be flatter, it is a good idea to consult with a podiatrist for a complete examination and diagnosis.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact John M. Fanelly, DPM from Northeast Philadelphia. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
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.
When you sprain an ankle, it means that a ligament that connects the ankle bone to the foot and provides joint stability, has been over-stretched and torn. Depending on the severity of the injury, your ankle will swell and become inflamed, and bruising and discoloration will follow. Also, it hurts when you move the foot or put weight on it. The three grades of sprains are 1) mild stretching of the ligament with no joint instability, 2) partial tear with little or no instability, and 3) rupture of ligament with loss of stability. Lateral sprains are the most common, caused when the outside of the foot rolls over, thereby stretching the ligament. Less common is a sprain along the inner side of the ankle (known as a high-ankle or syndesmotic sprain). This type of sprain involves ligaments that attach to the tibia and fibula bones of the lower leg. It occurs when the foot is twisted, usually during a sports activity, such as football, hockey or skiing. If you think you have sprained an ankle, it is a good idea to stay off it for 72 hours, while also applying ice, wrapping it to keep down the swelling, and elevating it while sitting. If symptoms worsen, it is suggested that you seek professional help from a podiatrist for a complete diagnosis and treatment plan.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. 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.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
Preventing a Sprain
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
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.
One of the main side effects of diabetes is the problems it can cause to your extremities, as nerves become damaged and circulation of blood to the feet and toes is blocked. The result is often peripheral neuropathy (numbness to the toes and feet), and ischemia (reduced blood flow), which can lead to peripheral artery disease (PAD). Both conditions are serious and can severely threaten the health of your toes, feet, and possibly legs. One of the most important ways to prevent or control this ailment is to regularly maintain proper foot health. Some of the actions you or a health-care worker can take is to thoroughly inspect your legs, ankles, feet, and toes for sores, blisters, redness, or swelling. Also, it’s a good idea to wear shoes that fit correctly, keep your feet clean and moisturized, change socks frequently, and avoid tight elastic that further cuts off circulation. At the first sign of swelling, redness, discoloration, or unexplained pain in your feet, it’s strongly suggested that you set up an appointment with a podiatrist who can monitor your condition.
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 John M. Fanelly, DPM from Northeast Philadelphia. Our doctor 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 feel free to contact our office located in Philadelphia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
The most common type of athlete’s foot is referred to as chronic interdigital. Symptoms that are associated with this condition often include itchiness between the toes and on the bottom of the foot. It can develop as a result of wearing shoes that are too small, and this can create a warm environment that is perfect for fungus to grow in. The least common type of athlete’s foot is known as vesicular, and this can produce blisters that are painful on the bottom or top of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and may be prevented by wearing appropriate shoes in public showers. If you have developed this uncomfortable foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can begin the correct treatment for you.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact John M. Fanelly, DPM from Northeast Philadelphia. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best 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 and ankle needs.
A bunion is a bumpy outgrowth that develops at the joint of the big toe as a result of a deformity known as hallux valgus. The most common symptom is the big toe pushing inward toward the second toe, thereby pushing the joint out of alignment and causing the bump. The main cause is wearing shoes that are pointy or too tight in the toe box. Tight shoes strain the MTP (metatarsophalangeal) joint where the big toe meets the foot. Women are more likely to develop bunions because they often wear high heels. A bunion can also be the result of heredity or arthritis. If you have developed a bunion, it is wise to consult with a podiatrist earlier rather than later. The podiatrist can examine the area and help you decide the correct measures to take. Treatment ranges from elastic bunion pads or shoe inserts in minor cases to surgery in the most severe.
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?
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.
