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Lansdowne, PA
(610) 626-3338

 

July 2019

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Published in Blog
Monday, 29 July 2019 00:00

Can Heel Pain Be Caused By Obesity?

Patients who are overweight may experience chronic heel pain. This may be a result of the additional weight the heels endure while standing and walking. A common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, and this affects the portion of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. Patients can experience a moderate level of relief when excess weight is reduced, and this can be accomplished by performing a frequent exercise program. Additionally, it is beneficial to change dietary habits that can include healthy foods, in addition to drinking plenty of water. If you are overweight and experience any type of heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist, who can provide you with the correct treatment options.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

  • When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
  • Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
  • Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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.

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Your circulation system is responsible for sending blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. The most common causes of poor circulation are obesity, diabetes, heart conditions and arterial issues. Symptoms of poor circulation include tingling, numbness, pain and muscle cramps. Blood clots and varicose veins are two internal issues that lead to poor circulation. Blood clots block the flow of blood either partially or entirely. If discovered too late, blood clots can prove to be deadly, as they can lead to stroke and even death in severe cases. Varicose veins are enlarged veins caused by valve failure. This causes the veins to be unable to move blood as efficiently which will make it very hard for the blood to circulate. Luckily, there are some ways that poor circulation can be treated and diagnosed. It can be diagnosed through a physical exam, blood sugar test for diabetes, ultrasound or CT scan, blood pressure test or antibody blood test. Some treatments include compression socks for painful, swollen feet and ankles, special exercise programs to increase circulation, medications such as blood thinners, and different clot-dissolving drugs. It is recommended to go see your podiatrist if you are experiencing any of the symptoms or have a condition that is known to be associated with poor circulation.


 

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

  • Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
  • Numbness or cramping in the legs 
  • Skin discoloration
  • Slower nail & hair growth
  • Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Poor Blood Circulation in the Feet
Published in Blog
Monday, 15 July 2019 00:00

Types of Foot Pain

The feet are comprised of numerous bones, ligaments, and tendons, in addition to 250,000 sweat glands. They endure the weight of the body, so it is important to properly care for your feet to prevent painful foot conditions. Many patients suffer from athlete’s foot. This affects the skin on the feet, and typically causes pain and discomfort. This is a foot ailment caused by a fungus that attacks the skin on the bottom of the feet and in between the toes. Blisters can develop as a result of wearing poorly fitting shoes, in addition to bunions and hammertoes. If you experience heel pain, it can be indicative of plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Heel pain can also be a result of a heel spur. It is important to consult with a podiatrist who can perform a correct diagnosis and treat any foot condition.

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
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 09 July 2019 00:00

What Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space that is on the inside of the ankle next to the ankle bones. It is covered with a thick ligament that protects structures within the tunnel such as arteries, veins, tendons and nerves. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a compression or squeezing on the posterior tibial nerve that produces symptoms from the inside of the foot into the ankle. Some symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome include numbness, a shooting pain, and tingling or burning sensations that are similar to an electric shock. Some causes are diabetes which can cause swelling on the nerve, an injury like an ankle sprain that can produce swelling in or near the tunnel, and flat feet due to the outward tilting of the heel. It is important to go see your local podiatrist if you feel you exhibit any of these symptoms. 

 

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
  • Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  • At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
  • The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
  • If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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.

Read more about Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Published in Blog
Monday, 01 July 2019 00:00

Common Types of Foot Pain

If you have pain in the foot or ankle area, some conditions are likely to be expected. Seven specific ailments are very common among patients. The first is plantar fasciitis. Signs of this include soreness in the arch or heel that is severe in the morning, and fades throughout the day. Another infliction is a stress fracture, which consists of tiny cracks in the bones that cause pain and tenderness. Additionally, if you twisted your ankle, and then it swells, you may have a sprained ankle. For pain near the toes, a bump at the base of the big toe could indicate the presence of a bunion. If you are an athlete, you may have “turf toe,” which occurs when the big toe is pulled back too far. For suffering near the heel and calf, Achilles tendonitis could be the source. Finally, a heel spur could be creating extra discomfort. These seven conditions may be the cause of your foot or ankle issue. Please consult with a podiatrist to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

  • Broken bones
  • Muscle strains
  • Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
  • Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

  • Bruising
  • Inflammation/ Swelling
  • Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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 and Ankle Trauma
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