Items filtered by date: February 2017

Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy was recently fined for being overweight, and it wasn’t the first time.  The pro running back’s contract is coming to an end, and if the Packers don’t offer him a new one he will become a free agent in March.  Lacy has battled weight issues and ankle injuries in his career, and in the NFL maintaining target weights is extremely important to the teams.  But for the rest of us, those of us that aren’t professional athletes, keeping our bodies at manageable weights is vital for our health.  While we won’t get fined for packing on the pounds, there are other non-pecuniary effects of being overweight.  Foot problems are rampant in obese people, whether due to increased pressure or as a result of other diseases and disorders.  

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Wednesday, 15 February 2017 00:00

ISU Sophomore Returns After Stress Fracture

Illinois State sophomore David Ndiaye is ready to return to the basketball court after suffering a stress fracture in his right foot. The injury caused him to miss the first nine games the season. According to Illinois State University coach Dan Muller, great expectations ride on the 7-foot tall athlete. "He was, by far, our best performer and competitor for what is expected of him," said Muller. "I thought he battled, rebounded and guarded. He was really good defensively. He missed a couple shots around the rim after he rolled. That's a little bit of inexperience, but he's playing better."

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart 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:

  • Runners                                  
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

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 Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Pharmaceutical company Centrexion Therapeutics recently announced the positive trial results of its latest injectable therapy, CNTX-4975.  The therapy is a non-opioid that draws from the painkilling capacity of capsaicin, a constituent of chili peppers. CNTX-4975 is in late-stage development for the treatment of pain from Morton’s neuroma and osteoarthritis. Morton’s neuroma is a condition that develops due to the swelling of the tissue surrounding one of the nerves leading to the toes. It often manifests into a sharp pain in the ball of the foot. Pain relief from a single injection of CNTX-4975 has been shown to last for six months.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart 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 Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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