![](/templates/atlantafootandankle/images/toplogo.png)
Lansdowne, PA
(610) 626-3338
Lansdowne, PA
(610) 626-3338
Plantar warts are growths that typically appear on the heels or other weight-bearing areas of the feet. These warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the body through breaks in the skin, such as cuts, that are on the bottom of the feet. Plantar warts are more likely to affect children and teenagers, people with weakened immune systems, people who have a history with plantar warts, and people who walk barefoot in environments exposed to a wart-causing virus.
If you suspect you have plantar warts, you may have the following symptoms: pain or tenderness while walking, a lesion that interrupts the ridges in the skin of your foot, small fleshy lesions on the bottom of the foot, or a callus where a wart has grown inward over a well-defined spot on the skin.
HPV causes plantar warts to form and is very common. There are more than 100 kinds of the virus in existence. However, only a few of them cause warts on the feet. The other types of HPV are likely to cause warts on other parts of the body.
If you have plantar warts, your podiatrist may try different treatment methods depending on your specific case. Some treatments for plantar warts are peeling medicines (salicylic acid), freezing medicines (cryotherapy), or surgical procedures. Laser treatments and vaccines are also used to treat plantar warts.
Plantar warts, though benign, are contagious and can be a source of discomfort for many individuals. These small, grainy growths typically develop on the soles of the feet, particularly in areas that bear weight such as the heel or ball of the feet. Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, specifically strains that thrive in warm, moist environments. Plantar warts often enter the body through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin. Walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms, swimming pools, or communal showers can increase the risk of exposure to the virus. Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems or compromised skin integrity are more susceptible to developing plantar warts. The pressure and friction exerted on the feet during walking can flatten plantar warts, causing them to grow inward and become painful. While plantar warts may resolve on their own over time, seeking treatment from a podiatrist can help alleviate discomfort and prevent them from spreading to other areas of the feet or to other individuals. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
Treatment
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
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.
The feet, being the foundation of the body, carry all of the body’s weight and are therefore prone to experiencing pain and discomfort. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is important to determine where in the foot you are experiencing this pain to help discover the cause of it. While pain can be experienced virtually anywhere in the foot, the most common sites of foot pain are in the heel and ankle.
Heel pain can be due to a multitude of conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and heel spurs. Pain experienced in the ankle can be a sign of an ankle sprain, arthritis, gout, ankle instability, ankle fracture, or nerve compression. In more serious cases, pain in the foot can be a sign of improper alignment or an infection.
Foot pain can be accompanied by symptoms including redness, swelling, stiffness and warmth in the affected area. Whether the pain can be described as sharp or dull depends on the foot condition behind it. It is important to visit your local podiatrist if your foot pain and its accompanying symptoms persist and do not improve over time.
Depending on the location and condition of your foot pain, your podiatrist may prescribe certain treatments. These treatments can include but are not limited to prescription or over-the-counter drugs and medications, certain therapies, cortisone injections, or surgery.
If you are experiencing persistent foot pain, it is important to consult with your foot and ankle doctor to determine the cause and location. He or she will then prescribe the best treatment for you. While milder cases of foot pain may respond well to rest and at-home treatments, more serious cases may take some time to fully recover.
Extensor tendonitis, characterized by inflammation of the tendons in the feet, often arises from overuse or repetitive strain. These tendons, situated just beneath the skin, lack substantial protection which makes them susceptible to injury. In the feet, extensor tendonitis commonly stems from prolonged standing or wearing improperly fitting shoes. Symptoms typically include localized pain, swelling, and stiffness, often accompanied by difficulty with movement. Diagnosis by a podiatrist generally involves a physical examination and may require imaging tests to assess the extent of the damage. While surgery is rarely necessary, it may be considered for severe or persistent cases. Overall, early intervention and proper management can help alleviate symptoms of extensor tendonitis and promote full recovery, enabling you to resume your daily activities without discomfort. If you are experiencing symptoms of extensor tendonitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.
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:
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.
Stress fractures are small breaks in the bone that are caused by repetitive stress. They typically occur due to overuse, forcing the bones of the foot or ankle to continually absorb the full impact of each step taken. Stress fractures can also be caused by abnormal foot structure, osteoporosis, bone deformities, or wearing improper footwear during exercise.
Stress fractures are common for individuals whose daily activities cause high levels of impact on their feet and ankles. Those who run, play tennis or basketball, or practice gymnastics tend to experience these fractures more frequently. Anyone is susceptible to this problem, though. Individuals who are normally sedentary and suddenly begin an intense, high impact workout may sustain stress fractures. This is because their muscles are not yet strong enough to handle and cushion the intensity of their activity. Osteoporosis may also cause someone to get stress fractures, because the disease weakens an afflicted person's bones and makes it easier for them to break down.
Pain from stress fractures typically occurs in the general area of the fracture. Pain can also manifest as “pinpoint pain” or pain that is felt when the site of the injury is touched, and can be accompanied by swelling. It may occur during or after activity, and it may disappear while resting and return when standing or moving. Engaging in any kind of activity, high impact or otherwise, will aggravate the pain. If the intensity of the activity increases before the stress fracture has properly healed, it can cause a full fracture.
Treatment can vary depending on the individual and the degree of injury. The primary way to treat a stress fracture is to rest the hurt foot. Some fractures will heal quickly with only a little bit of rest, while others may require a long rest period and the use of crutches, immobilization, or physical therapy. Under certain circumstances, surgery may be required to install support pins around the fracture to assist in healing.
If you are undergoing a new exercise regimen in running or some other kind of high impact activity, set incremental goals on a weekly basis so you can build up muscle strength. Make sure to wear supportive shoes to better protect you feet.
If you begin to experience any symptoms of stress fractures, you should stop exercising and rest. If the symptoms persist, consult with your podiatrist. Remembering these tips can help you prevent stress fractures to your foot and ankle, and allow you to continue living normally.
Foot injuries are common among athletes and individuals engaged in high-impact activities, but understanding the difference between a stress reaction and a fracture is critical for proper diagnosis and treatment. A stress reaction, also known as a stress response, occurs when the bones of the foot undergo repetitive stress without adequate time for recovery, resulting in microscopic damage to the bone. Symptoms include localized pain and swelling, particularly during activity, which typically improves with rest. In contrast, a fracture involves a complete or partial break in the bone due to sudden trauma or excessive force. Fractures often present with more severe pain, swelling, bruising, and sometimes deformity at the site of injury. While stress reactions may not always be visible on imaging tests like X-rays, fractures typically show up clearly. If you have foot pain, and feel it may be a stress fracture, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can guide you toward appropriate treatment options.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate 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 and ankle needs.
Cracked heels can make life very frustrating and embarrassing when displaying the bare feet. Aside from being unpleasing to the eye, they can also tear stockings and socks and wear out shoes at a faster rate. When severe, cracked heels may cause pain or infection.
Cracked heels are a problem for those who are athletic, those who may walk a lot, and those who have especially dry skin. Those who use medication that dry the skin, those who swim often, wearing certain types of shoes, and those who are diabetic may have trouble with cracked heels. Seniors whose skin produces less oil may also have trouble with cracked feet. There is no one way to develop cracked feet, and there is no cure.
Today, the market consists of numerous products that have a variety of ingredients to promote healing. Some of these are over-the-counter. Others are prescribed by a doctor, especially for those who have chronic dry feet and heels.
Some doctors recommend wearing socks at night for those with rough skin. This helps further healing, and helps creams stay on longer and better absorb into the skin.
One way to alleviate dryness that causes cracked heels is by using moisturizers both day and night. Another way is to make sure the skin is clean and dry at all times. Using a pumice stone to buff away dead skin before putting on moisturizer can also help. Cracked heels will not respond to the cream unless the outer layer of skin is first removed through exfoliation. After exfoliation, lotion or ointment will be absorbed by the skin more easily.
Foods that produce healing and balance can also help the skin from within. Everything that is put into the body can either help it or hurt it. Taking supplements of omega-3 fatty acids and zinc can also be very beneficial.
Nevertheless, not all products are guaranteed to help treat cracked feet. Seeing a professional is best if other treatments options were unsuccessful. A podiatrist should be able to give the best advice to help with this problem.
Cracked heels, a common foot ailment, can be traced back to various factors that contribute to their unsightly appearance and discomfort. Inadequate moisturization emerges as a primary culprit, as neglecting to keep the skin hydrated can lead to dryness and fissures. Prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces exerts excessive pressure on the heels, causing them to crack. Wearing ill-fitting shoes exacerbates the issue, rubbing against the skin and creating friction that weakens the natural barrier. Additionally, exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, can strip the skin of its moisture, making it prone to cracking. Poor foot hygiene and improper foot care practices may further contribute to the development of cracked heels. Cracked heels can be painful, and if you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can prescribe medication for effective relief.
If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.
Ways to Help Heal Them
Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels
If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need.
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.