pregnancy6As a woman’s body is changing rapidly during her pregnancy, her feet become one of the most affected areas. “Roughly 75 percent of pregnant women experience edema,” described as the swelling of the feet due to fluid retention. As the pregnancy progresses along, blood circulation in the legs is decelerated, leading to fluid being retained in the tissues of the ankles and feet. Edema can lead to the woman’s feet increasing in shoe size, the feeling of swollenness, and pain. It’s important for women to see their doctor if necessary, stay hydrated, maintain a healthy diet, avoid standing or sitting for long periods, wear comfortable shoes and pants, and to keep the feet elevated.

Pregnant women are susceptible to aching and swollen feet and should be treated with care. If you are seeking treatment, see Dr. Edwin S. Hart of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your heel pain symptoms in addition to other podiatric-related needs.

What foot problems can arise during pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is over-pronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy, but tends to occur in the later stages.

How can I keep my feet healthy during pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bethelehem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read the more about Pregnancy and Foot Health

ankle injury4Tyler Seguin, center for the Dallas Stars, had to miss another playoff game due to the Achilles tendon injury that had him sidelined for a month. Seguin was unable to travel to Minnesota for Game 3 and was required to do more rehab for his injury in April. The status of his injury was day to day, described as a cut on his tendon. Seguin had missed the last 10 games of the regular season and the series opener due to the injury.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns,see Dr. Edwin S. Hart of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your heel pain symptoms in addition to other podiatric-related needs.

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

- Inflammation

- Dull to Severe Pain

- Increased blood flow to the tendon

- Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot

- Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise

- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bethelehem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Achilles tendon injuries.

broken foot6Singer Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses was seen at a Los Angeles airport using a scooter to support his broken foot, which was wrapped in a cast. Rose had played for Coachella while sporting his broken foot, which he had sustained during his band’s first show in Las Vegas earlier in April. Rose is hopeful he will be able to walk unaided in a “in a couple of weeks.”

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. To learn more, see Dr. Edwin S. Hart of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your heel pain symptoms in addition to other podiatric-related needs.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue (foot)
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bethelehem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Broken Feet

slower walkingAs we get older, our feet become more prone to damage over time. “With every step you take over the years, your body [and your feet] absorbs two to three times its weight due to gravity.” This can lead to changes in your feet such as your increase in foot size in width and length and the development of foot conditions over time such as bunions or hammertoes. We also become more prone to diabetes and arthritis as we age, conditions which can greatly impact our feet. See your podiatrist often to have proper assessments done.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles see Dr. Edwin S. Hart of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your heel pain symptoms in addition to other podiatric-related needs.

The Elderly and their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions

Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet, and can hide many life threating medical conditions.

Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.

Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:

Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe

Shoes that don’t fit properly

Pressure sores

Loss of circulation in legs & feet

Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bethelehem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Elderly and Feet

toenail fungus7As feet contain ¼ of our body’s bones, they are no doubt essential in our everyday activities. According to Dr. Kurt Rode from Saint Francis Hospital, “75% of Americans will experience foot health problems at one time or another in their lives,” and your feet support up to three or four times your body’s weight when you run. Women are also 4 times more likely to have foot problems than men. To prepare for the summer, Dr. Rode recommends protecting your feet when going to places like the pool, beach, public areas, and to include your feet when applying sunscreen. Exercise often, stay hydrated, and limit barefoot walking in hot weather.

Every day foot care is very important, especially for those that are lacking the proper foot care resources. For more information about everyday foot care, see Dr. Edwin S. Hart of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your heel pain symptoms in addition to other podiatric-related needs.

Every Day Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. After all, without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks. It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before, for example.

For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops.

Also, wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bethelehem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Everyday Foot Care

ankle surgeryMichigan wide receiver Maurice Ways had to have surgery in late March and posted a photo of himself post-operation on Instagram. According to Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, “Moe caught a touchdown pass (in an earlier practice), and a freak thing happened. (He) fell on his foot and looks like he’s going to need a surgery for the fifth metacarpal in his foot,” he said. “Probably be out 3-4 months.” Ways tweeted that the surgery was successful and that he had begun recovery in late March.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:

  • Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bethelehem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about foot surgery.

orthotics5According to plasticstoday.com, “orthotic products are defined as passive devices worn by people to support an injured or weakened body part.” Orthotic inserts are known especially for treating and supporting your feet to address issues such as flat feet. It is predicted that the demand for orthotic devices will grow to over 7 million by 2020. Orthotic inserts are created through a 3D process in which technicians take impressions of your feet or lower leg, then use the results to create a plaster model.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain, but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct over arched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you, or if you have a more severe foot issue, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and more severe heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses, and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist on the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain free.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bethelehem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Orthotics

running shoe9According to popsugar.com, there are areas of the body that you can exercise to help in the prevention of running injuries. Training the glutes area “is a runner’s strongest asset,” says trainer Caroline Jordan. The gluteus medius, “located on the sides of the pelvis,” balances the body and prevents us from swaying too much from side to side as we run. The gluteus medius also takes any extra pressure off of the hip and knee joints.

Runners can still be prone to running injuries even with proper precautions. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart of Pennsylvania. Our doctor 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 our office located in Bethelehem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about How to Prevent Running Injuries

high heel14Victoria Beckham says that she won’t be wearing heels anymore when she’s working, and she’s not the only one. Sarah Jessica Parker, from “Sex and the City,” resorted to wearing flats in 2013. According to podiatrist Andrew Gladstone, wearing high heels for long periods of time can result in various problems for the feet. Corns, damaged toenails, bunions, calluses, and pain in the back, knees, and hips can all be caused by continued high heel wear. Avoid wearing heels that are 3 ½ inches or higher to avoid straining your joints, and always give your feet a break.

High heels have a history for causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because their style and societal appeal. Despite this, they can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

What parts my body will be affected by high heels?

  • Ankle Joints
  • Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
  • Balls of the Feet
  • Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
  • Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?

  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Plantar Fasciitis

How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bethelehem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about the effects of high heels.

gout3Researchers have found that steroid pills may offer respite for those who suffer from gout. Research suggests that steroid pills may be one potential alternative treatment for gout sufferers, in addition to other treatments such as NSAIDs. Gout occurs as as a “common form of inflammatory arthritis,” going on to affect “about 3 percent of adults in the United States.” Uric acid buildup is the primary cause behind painful gout symptoms.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bethelehem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Gout

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