Bunions are bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe, often causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. While bunions are primarily structural issues, targeted exercises can help manage discomfort, improve flexibility, and slow progression. Toe stretches, big-toe circles, and towel scrunches are effective for maintaining joint mobility. Resistance exercises with a band around the big toe can also strengthen the surrounding muscles, helping stabilize the foot. However, if pain from a bunion persists or limits your daily activities, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include custom orthotics, footwear advice, and in severe cases, surgical options.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact the podiatrists of Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development
Symptoms
Redness and inflammation
Pain and tenderness
Callus or corns on the bump
Restricted motion in the big toe
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Drexel Hill and West Chester, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Athlete's foot, a common fungal infection, primarily affects the skin between the toes and on the soles of the feet. It thrives in warm and moist environments, making communal areas like pools and locker rooms prime breeding grounds. The main causes include direct contact with the fungus, damp socks, and poor foot hygiene. Symptoms typically include itching, burning, and peeling skin, in additon to redness and cracking, which can lead to more severe complications if untreated. Individuals may also experience blisters and a persistent odor. A podiatrist can effectively diagnose and treat athlete's foot. They may prescribe antifungal medications, recommend proper foot care routines, and provide advice on footwear to prevent future infections. In some cases, they might suggest lifestyle changes to minimize exposure to the fungus. If you are experiencing symptoms of athlete's foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for tailored advice and treatment.
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 the podiatrists from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Drexel Hill and West Chester, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout is a form of arthritis resulting in sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling that often affects the big toe. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream, forming crystals in the joints. Common causes include a diet high in purines, which are found in red meat, seafood, and alcohol. Obesity, and certain medical conditions, like hypertension, may also be factors. Symptoms of gout typically appear suddenly, often at night, and can last for days. While the intense pain can subside, recurrent attacks may occur, leading to chronic discomfort. Treatment options include medications to manage pain and inflammation, lifestyle changes such as dietary adjustments, and maintaining a healthy weight. A podiatrist can play a key role in managing gout by providing a personalized care plan, advising on footwear choices to reduce joint stress, and recommending targeted exercises to improve mobility. If you are experiencing symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert guidance and support.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact the podiatrists from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility
Risk Factors
Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Drexel Hill and West Chester, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Chronic ankle instability, or CAI, is a condition where the ankle frequently gives way, often following repeated sprains. It affects those who have had previous ankle injuries, particularly athletes or individuals engaging in high-impact activities. Women, people with hypermobile joints, and those with improper rehabilitation after an initial injury are at higher risk. The causes of CAI are complex and difficult to pinpoint, involving a combination of mechanical instability from loosened ligaments and neuromuscular factors, like impaired balance and body awareness. Repeated injuries can lead to muscle weakness and poor joint control, further contributing to instability. While strength training is often recommended, research on its effectiveness in preventing or treating CAI remains inconclusive. If you have chronic ankle instability, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a comprehensive treatment plan.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with the podiatrists from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors 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
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 one of our offices located in Drexel Hill and West Chester, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
