October 2019

Each foot consists of several bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons, and is considered to be one of the most complex parts of the body. When foot pain occurs, it may be a result of improper foot function that can be caused for a variety of reasons. These can consist of wearing shoes that do not fit properly, which can affect the mechanics of the feet. Additionally, genetic factors may play a significant role in existing foot pain. Heel pain can be indicative of a condition that is known as heel spurs. It is defined as a bony growth that develops underneath the heel and can cause pain and discomfort. A bunion will typically form on the bottom of the big toe and appears as a large growth. Another form of foot pain can be the result of an ankle sprain, which may occur from falling, or from stepping off of a curb unexpectedly. If you are experiencing any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can properly treat any foot conditions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with the podiatrists  from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors 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:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

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 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.

People who enjoy the sport of running and jogging are generally aware of the importance of properly stretching before starting their practice. Pointing and flexing the toes may help the feet to remain flexible, and this can be beneficial in preventing foot and ankle injuries. It is important to choose running shoes that fit properly, ensuring there is adequate room for the toes to move freely in. The muscles can become strong by incorporating strength training into your gym practice, and this can positively affect the overall health of the body. When beginning to run, it is helpful to start slowly, while gradually increasing the speed and distance. If you would like additional information about how to prevent running injuries that can affect the feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

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 the podiatrists of Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Drexel Hill and West Chester, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are ligaments and tendons that surround the ankle which connect the bones to the feet. If an injury should occur that stretches or tears the tendons, the result may be an ankle sprain. A common reason ankle sprains occur may come from twisting the ankle by suddenly stepping off a curb. The typical symptoms that many patients experience can be severe pain and discomfort, swelling, and it may be difficult to walk. After a proper diagnosis is performed, which generally includes having an X-ray taken, the proper treatment can begin. The affected foot may feel better when it is wrapped with an elastic bandage, and this may help to provide adequate support. For severe sprains, it may be impossible to put any weight on the foot, and crutches may be needed for mobility. There are measures that can be taken which may reduce the risk of enduring a sprained ankle. These may include wearing shoes that fit properly, performing exercises that can strengthen the ankles, and being aware when walking on uneven surfaces. If you have sprained your ankle, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can discuss the best treatment options for you.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact the podiatrists from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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 and ankle needs.

If you are experiencing any type of foot problem, you will most likely seek the counsel of a podiatrist. These types of doctors treat conditions that are related to the feet, and are referred to as doctors of podiatric medicine. People who are interested in pursuing a career in this field of medicine are required to complete four years of undergraduate work, in addition to three years of training in clinics and hospitals. There are several branches of podiatric medicine. These can include specializing in foot care for children, performing surgery to correct foot deformities, or practicing sports medicine. Many people seek the services of a podiatrist to treat common foot conditions that can include ingrown toenails, flat feet, or the painful arthritic condition known as gout. If you are interested in pursuing a career in podiatry, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can properly answer any questions you may have about the field of podiatry.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact the podiatrists from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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 and ankle needs.