A bunion is a hard, bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe joint. The bump can be unsightly and cause pain while walking or wearing shoes. It may also push the big toe out of alignment, causing it to lean towards the smaller toes. Bunions tend to become progressively worse over time if they are not treated. Fortunately, bunions can be easily treated. Wearing roomy, comfortable shoes, using orthotic inserts or padding the bunion, and taking over-the-counter pain medications can all help manage bunion pain. For more severe bunions, surgery may be recommended. If you have bunions and would like to learn more about potential treatment options, please consult with a podiatrist.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. 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 Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space located along the inside of the ankle, next to the ankle bones. This space contains many important structures, including the posterior tibial nerve. When this nerve is squeezed or compressed, it leads to symptoms that can affect the ankle and foot. These symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning, or electrical shock sensations, and shooting pain. Symptoms can appear suddenly or gradually over time, and tend to worsen with physical activity such as walking or prolonged standing. If you are experiencing the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.
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
The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel 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.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Avid runners may be familiar with the many foot and ankle injuries that can occur while running. Some of these include Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints. Achilles tendinitis can occur when too much stress is placed on the Achilles tendon. This injury can be prevented by strengthening the calf muscles and increasing workout intensity slowly, and pain can be decreased by reducing the stress placed on the tendon. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, and typically causes heel pain. This can be prevented by stretching and strengthening the feet and making sure that you are wearing the right size and fit of shoe, with proper arch support. If you have plantar fasciitis, taking a break from running and resting the feet is recommended. A shin splint is characterized by pain along the sides of your shin bone. This can be avoided by increasing the intensity and duration of your runs gradually, and can be treated by resting and icing the area. If you are experiencing any foot or ankle pain as a result of running, please seek the care of a podiatrist who can offer the right treatment and prevention options for you.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.
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 How to Prevent Running Injuries
Stretching and exercising your feet is an often overlooked step in health and fitness routines. However, keeping the feet strong and flexible is important, as this can help prevent foot and ankle pain, improve your foot health, and keep you active. Though it may seem like an added burden to have to take time to stretch your feet, it can actually be quick, easy, and fun to incorporate foot exercises into your daily routine. One simple exercise that you can do to strengthen the muscles on the top of your feet and toes is towel scrunches. Set a towel down on the floor, then sit in a chair with your feet directly on top of the towel. Using only your toes, scrunch up the towel, pulling it toward you. Do this five times with each foot. For more information about exercising your feet, please consult with a podiatrist.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.
It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.
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.
A corn on the foot is a small area of hardened skin that typically develops as a result of excess friction. They can develop from wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. Soft corns can form between the toes and can remain moist as they rub against the neighboring toes. This type of corn can cause severe pain and can alter the gait to compensate for the discomfort. Hard corns can form on the outside of the pinky toe, or on the sole of the foot. These can develop from standing for the majority of the day, in addition to having aging feet. One potential treatment option is wearing the correct shoes in order to eliminate a portion of the friction on the corn. Corns can be quite painful, and it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist about how to prevent and treat corns on the feet.
Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:
Treating Corns
Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
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.
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