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Reasons to Visit a Podiatrist

Many people experience foot, toe, or ankle problems, either due to chronic health conditions like diabetes and arthritis, or from everyday factors such as wearing ill-fitting shoes or participating in strenuous activities like running. Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot, toe, and ankle conditions, providing relief through medication, specialized footwear recommendations, or surgery, when needed. Athletes frequently encounter injuries like sprains or shin splints, and a podiatrist can identify underlying issues and suggest preventive measures. Painful conditions like heel spurs, bunions, or ingrown toenails require professional intervention, as podiatrists can effectively manage these issues through targeted treatments or surgical correction. Diabetic patients benefit significantly from regular podiatric care, as it reduces the risk of severe complications, including infections that could lead to loss of limb. Conditions like persistent athlete’s foot, corns, or calluses also require expert care to achieve lasting relief. When you have foot, toe, or ankle problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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 a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

Read more about What is a Podiatrist?

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Exercises and Advice for Tiptoe Walking in Children

Walking on tiptoes is a common behavior in young children, but if it persists, it may indicate underlying issues that require attention. For children who continue to walk on tiptoes, a combination of stretching and strengthening exercises can help address the condition. Stretching the calf muscles and Achilles tendon is particularly important, as tightness in these areas often contributes to tiptoe walking. Simple calf stretches, such as having the child stand with their feet flat and gently leaning forward, can improve flexibility. Strengthening exercises like toe raises or walking with heels down can help build the muscles necessary for proper walking form. It is also essential to encourage activities that promote balance and coordination, such as barefoot walking on different surfaces. Additionally, wearing shoes that offer adequate support and avoiding flat shoes can help reduce the tendency to walk on tiptoes. If your child’s tiptoe walking continues, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer additional advice.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

Read more about How to Care for Your Child's Feet

Causes of Ball of Foot Pain While Running

Ball of foot pain, also known as metatarsalgia, is a common issue for runners. It typically occurs when excessive pressure is placed on the metatarsal bones, causing inflammation and discomfort in the area. Several factors can contribute to this condition, including improper footwear, running on hard surfaces, or poor running form. Tight calf muscles or an imbalance in foot mechanics can also increase the strain on the forefoot. The most common symptoms of metatarsalgia include burning pain, numbness, and a feeling of discomfort under the ball of the foot. This pain may worsen during or after running, especially when pushing off or bearing weight on the toes. If you have foot pain from running, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on how to possibly prevent this issue.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. 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 Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain

Orthotic Support for Healthier Feet

Orthotics are specialized shoe inserts designed to provide support, improve alignment, and relieve foot pain. They can be custom-made or over-the-counter, depending on individual needs. While many people assume orthotics are only for seniors or those with severe foot problems, they benefit a wide range of individuals, from athletes to people who stand for long hours. Conditions like flat feet, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and even knee or back pain can be influenced by foot mechanics. Orthotics help distribute pressure evenly, reducing strain on joints and muscles. They can also prevent further complications by improving posture and gait. Choosing the right orthotics depends on factors such as foot structure, lifestyle, and existing conditions. A podiatrist can assess whether orthotics are necessary and recommend the best option to keep you moving comfortably. If you have foot pain or a specific foot condition, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can determine if orthotics are right for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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.

Read more about Ankle Foot Orthotics for Athletes
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