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April 2023

Tuesday, 25 April 2023 00:00

Some Serious Reasons for Swollen Feet

Swollen feet, also called edema of the feet, can occur from prolonged standing or walking and can be relieved by resting and elevating the legs.  However, sometimes, swollen feet can result from a more serious underlying issue. These conditions often affect the movement of fluids within the body. As aging happens, valves within the veins of the legs that keep blood from being pulled down by gravity and pooling in leg veins may function less efficiently and cause swollen feet. Inflammation of the veins causes leg pain, as well as swollen feet. Deep-vein thrombosis is when blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs and block blood from the legs from returning to the heart, which will also cause swollen feet. When one experiences heart failure, the heart is not pumping as it should, and again, blood in the leg veins pools there instead of being pumped back to the heart. Since these and other contributing health conditions can be serious, it is suggested that if your feet are chronically swollen, you see a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and get treatment underway.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

  • Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
  • Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
  • Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
  • Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
  • Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.


 

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Running as a physical activity can be extremely beneficial to overall health. It can also be a source of injury and pain. For that reason, beginning runners are wise to learn how to protect themselves from harm. First, it may be a good idea to check in with a medical professional before undertaking this strenuous activity. Next, establishing a running routine for maximum safety is encouraged. Starting out slowly with a walk-run is wise, including warming up and cooling down exercises before and after a run. Probably the most important element of safety in running is investing in proper footwear. Wearing shoes especially built for running is not only practical, it is necessary for the health of your toes, feet, and ankles. Further, the type of surface you choose to run on factors into the choice of footwear. Existing foot or ankle ailments may also play a role in shoe selection, and experts suggest having two or more pairs of shoes that can be alternated.  Cross-training with activities, such as swimming, is a good way to give the feet and legs a rest between runs and help ward off injury. For more information on preventing injury from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. 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

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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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Wednesday, 12 April 2023 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

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
Tuesday, 11 April 2023 00:00

Women Are More at Risk for Heel Pain

Studies show that women experience heel pain more frequently than men. Wearing high heels is thought to be the number one cause of heel pain in women. This leaves them more at risk for developing plantar fasciitis, the main complaint of which is heel pain. The band of tissue that runs beneath the foot, called the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed resulting in pain. However, other types of footwear common among women can also contribute to heel pain. Among them are shoes of any type that have a narrow toe box and pointy toes. Changing to footwear that properly supports the foot is one sure way to lower the risk of heel pain. Try to limit the height of heels to 1.5 inches, and check footwear for ample cushioning, arch support, and flexibility in the sole. In addition, starting a regular routine of foot stretches can help relieve tightness in the arch and heel. In some cases, special orthotic inserts for the shoes can diminish pain in the heels. For any type of heel pain that impedes your daily activities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam to determine the cause and prescribe custom orthotics if needed.  

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please 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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Tuesday, 04 April 2023 00:00

Various Causes of Ankle Pain

The ankle joint is a complex structure involving bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves that work together to help you walk, stand, run, and jump. When any one of these elements becomes injured, you may experience mild, moderate, or severe ankle pain, depending on the cause. When the ankle becomes stiff, making it difficult to walk, the pain usually involves a sprain, a strain, or an inflamed tendon. Such stiffness may also be caused by arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis. A swollen ankle can be caused by several conditions, including arthritis, blood clots, or pregnancy. Heart and kidney disease can also result in a buildup of fluid in the ankles. A crunching or grinding sound in the ankle, termed crepitus, is most commonly caused by a bone spur or by hardened or brittle ligaments. This is often the result of arthritis and is more common among seniors. General weakness or instability in the ankles may be caused by overuse or from a previous injury. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer treatment options. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and 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 care needs.

 

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