Morton's neuroma, a painful foot condition, is a thickening of the tissue surrounding the nerves leading to the toes. The area most commonly affected is between the third and fourth toes. Morton’s neuroma can cause discomfort and a sensation of standing on a pebble or having a fold in your sock. It is primarily attributed to repeated pressure and irritation of the nerve, often stemming from wearing tight or high-heeled shoes. Activities that involve repetitive stress on the forefoot, such as running or certain sports, can also contribute to its development. Treatment for Morton's neuroma typically begins conservatively, focusing on alleviating symptoms. This may include wearing wider, more comfortable shoes, or using shoe inserts or orthotics that may provide better arch support and cushioning. Additionally, taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and inflammation may be helpful. In more severe cases, cortico-steroid injections or surgical intervention to remove the affected nerve may be considered. If you suspect you have Morton's neuroma, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different 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 care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a common condition that many people will develop at some point in their lives. It can be uncomfortable and causes itchiness and redness. The affected areas are the bottom of the foot and between the toes. The itching can become so severe that people often seek medical treatment for relief. It is caused by a fungus that can enter the body through tiny cracks in the skin. This fungus thrives in warm and moist environments, including public swimming pools, shower room floors, and similar areas. It is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes in these areas, such as flip-flops or water shoes, which are sufficient to protect the soles of the feet. People who have sweaty feet, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system may be prone to getting athlete’s foot. Temporary relief may be found by applying over-the-counter creams. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can prescribe medication as a permanent treatment method.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Hammertoe is a deformity that affects the toes and can be uncomfortable. It can happen from genetic reasons, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. This ailment affects the second and third toes, and pushes the end of the toe downward, causing the middle joint to point up. Many people who have this condition often have corns and calluses that develop on top of the joints. This can happen as a result of the toe hitting the top of the shoe. People who are born with long toes may develop hammertoe, in addition to people who have bunions. Specific stretches for hammertoe can be done that can help to keep the joints flexible. Some people find it helpful to stretch the toe joints with their hands, or by picking up marbles with their toes. If you have hammertoe, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective treatment methods.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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 majority of minor foot wounds are easily treated. It can begin with stopping any bleeding, and by applying pressure to it. The next step is cleaning it thoroughly by using tap water, followed by covering it with a sterile dressing. It is beneficial to use waterproof dressings so people can easily bathe or shower. Diabetic patients often develop wounds they cannot feel, generally as a result of nerve damage diabetes can cause. Wounds on these types of patients can become severe quickly, and the urgency of maintaining proper wound care is crucial in protecting the foot. There are some wounds that can be painful, and it may be helpful to take over-the-counter pain medicine, which can provide temporary relief. If you would like more information about how to care for wounds on the feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful tips.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

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.

Anyone who runs a lot knows the pain of having blisters. Simply wearing a new pair of shoes or adding distance to your run too quickly can be enough for a blister to form. A blister is a sac of fluid beneath the first layer of skin that forms to protect the skin beneath it from friction. Blisters are nature’s way of taking care of your feet. Constant rubbing against the inside of a shoe can create a blister, but preventive measures can be taken. The three main reasons for blisters are friction, moisture, and shoes that do not fit properly. It follows that the first way to prevent the skin is to toughen it by building up running distances gradually. Wear socks that wick moisture instead of retaining it. Covering a problem spot with a gel bandage or special patch can keep a blister from forming. Check your footwear to see if your shoes have ample cushioning. If you have a blister that has become infected, it is suggested you see a podiatrist as soon as possible for the appropriate safe and sterile treatment.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

Recognizing an ingrown toenail can be tricky. One symptom many people ignore is the redness surrounding the big toe, which is often the first indication that an ingrown toenail has developed. Severe pain often follows, and the ingrown toenail can become infected. At this point, a podiatrist who can effectively treat this foot condition should be consulted. An ingrown toenail is defined as a nail that grows into the skin instead of over it. It may result from improperly trimming the toenails, sustaining a toe injury, or wearing shoes that are too tight. For mild cases, the foot may feel better when it is soaked in warm water. This may temporarily provide relief, but it may become worse if medical attention is not sought. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly advised that you consult a podiatrist who can treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.

There are medical conditions that can arise from being obese. Plantar fasciitis is one such ailment that affects the heel and arch of the foot. The band of tissue that runs along the soles is called the plantar fascia and can become strained from enduring additional weight. The feet are the foundation of the body, and it is wise to lose weight to help reduce stress on the plantar fascia. Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that can happen when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed which may cause severe pain and discomfort. People who are obese may find it helpful to spend extra time in choosing shoes that can accommodate their feet. Shoes that have a good arch support and a slightly raised heel are best to help prevent plantar fasciitis from developing. Wearing custom-made orthotics may be an option to further reduce existing tension on the plantar fascia. If you are overweight and would like to know how to protect your feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer you weight management advice in addition to tips on how to protect your feet.

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.