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The plantar fascia is a rubber band-like tissue that helps form the heel and connect the toes with the heel. When this tissue gets damaged, it can become inflamed and torn. This injury can be very painful, especially in the morning. There are many possible causes of plantar fasciitis, such as having to stand while working, being obese, having diabetes, putting undue pressure on your heels, having tightened calf muscles or arches, or impacting your heels repeatedly in the same spot. Your podiatrist may first suggest cutting back on any activity that is impacting your heels, or losing weight if your plantar fasciitis is linked to your weight. They may also prescribe custom orthotics to cushion the heels, taping to ease pain, night splints to keep your plantar fascia slightly stretched overnight, or specific plantar fascia stretches. Certain anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain and inflammation as well. Contact a podiatrist to discuss these plantar fasciitis treatment options and more.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Your feet are a critical component of your overall physical health, and keeping them healthy requires taking deliberate steps to prevent common foot afflictions. One such affliction that can pose a significant threat to the health of your feet is athlete’s foot. This fungal infection usually affects the skin in between the toes and on the bottoms of the feet, resulting in flaking and itching sensations. This troublesome condition is typically acquired when someone walks barefoot on wet surfaces used by other people in locker rooms, gyms, and public pools. There are a number of steps you can take to decrease your chances of developing athlete’s foot. First and foremost, you can consider wearing flip-flops or shower shoes whenever using public showers or walking on moist, public surfaces. Additionally, since athlete’s foot thrives in wet environments, you might change your socks and alternate shoes everyday to ensure that your socks and shoes are completely dry and free of any harmful bacteria. Lastly, you could consider washing your feet everyday with soap and drying them completely with a towel to keep them clean and dry. Making an appointment with a podiatrist might help you learn of other ways to prevent athlete’s foot. 

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 Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania.  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

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

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 Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you are researching running shoes online you may have encountered some confusing footwear terminology. The basic components of a running shoe include the upper, the midsole, the outsole, the tongue, the heel counter, the toe box, and the last. Let’s start with the LAST, first. The LAST is the 3D model which forms the shape of the shoe. It can be straight, curved, or semi-curved. The UPPER covers the foot and holds the shoe together. The TONGUE is part of the UPPER and is a strip of material that sits under the laces. It helps put on and remove the shoe. The HEEL COUNTER is a sturdy form at the back of the shoe which surrounds and secures the heel. The TOE BOX provides the space where the toes reside and is the widest part of the shoe. The OUTSOLE is the bottom part of the shoe. It makes contact with the ground while providing traction and durability. The MIDSOLE sits on top of the outsole and provides cushioning and shock absorption. The INNERSOLE is above that and makes contact with the feet and attaches to the upper. Consult with your podiatrist for advice on the best type of running shoe and features for your particular feet and running stride.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

There is a medical condition that is known as dyshidrotic eczema which can produce blisters on the feet. They are generally itchy and can last several weeks. The blisters may appear on the soles of the feet or between the toes and are often uncomfortable. The first signs this ailment may be developing consist of a burning or prickly sensation on the skin of the feet. It is a long-term condition that can disappear over time and then reappear. The skin often becomes dry and using a good moisturizer may help the skin to feel better. It is beneficial to wear socks or stockings that are made from cotton or silk and to refrain from wearing any type of nylon. Additionally, it can help to wear shoes that are made from leather materials and to refrain from using harsh detergents while washing the socks. If you have a chronic condition where blisters appear on your feet, it is strongly suggested that you consult the expertise of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment techniques.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. 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 Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.