toenail-fungus7According to a study featured in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 65 percent of patients living with plantar fasciitis saw relief with shockwave therapy. The study used 246 plantar fasciitis patients from all over the United States randomly receiving placebo, or extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) sessions three times a week reaching 2,000 impulses. Compared to the placebo group at 34.5 percent reduction of pain, the ESWT group saw a 69.2 percent reduction. Study author Dr. Hans Gollwitzer states, “Our study demonstrates that ESWT is effective in the treatment of chronic, recalcitrant cases of plantar fasciitis.”

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with podiatrist Dr. Edwin S. Hart III of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will provide you with quality foot and ankle information and treatment.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, attacking the source of the problem so treatment lasts for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

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

Read more about Shockwave Therapy

highhealsA company has recently come under fire for trying to sell an infant version of high heels. The company called Pee Wee Pumps refers to the shoes as baby girl’s first fashion statement. Unfortunately many mothers are completely horrified by the shoes calling them inappropriate and “utterly hideous.” According to Martin Haines, Biomechanics Coach and Chartered Physiotherapist states that poor footwear can have a negative impact on their adult foot health.

“A shoe is needed to adapt to the child’s foot and so needs to be flat and flexible,” Haines stated, marking the heel as inappropriate for a child’s foot growth.

High heels can cause a ton of foot problems, especially on young developing feet. If you have any concerns about your feet contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart III 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 they are associated with femininity.  Despite their appeal, they can 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; you can buy either full inserts or metatarsal pads.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bethlehem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about the effects of high heels.

childrenAccording to J.T. Miller, children and younger relatives of the elderly should help them understand the importance of keeping their feet stable and healthy to prevent falls and other injuries. With age adults can become unsteady on their feet, so it is important to start with light exercising to make the legs and feet stronger for stability. Safe footwear with rubber soles and low heels is the safest type of shoe for the elderly with the addition for proper fit and foot support.

Canes and walkers are also available to aid in stability as well as a hand held grabber tool so they do not have to reach too high or low for certain items.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. For more information, consult with podiatrist Dr. Edwin S. Hart III from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

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

Read more about Elderly and Feet

marthonThose who regularly participate in marathons are well aware of the mental and physical stress long distance running places on the body. At least 26.2 kinds of strains can occur.

The feet, in particular, are susceptible to blisters, chafing, calluses and lost toenails. The feet often become sweaty, and the constant pounding on the pavement can even cause trauma or the breakdown of red blood cells.

More serious issues, such as musculoskeletal problems and tendon injuries, can also result. Regardless of the strain, the feet should always be rewarded with rest after a race.

Blisters on the feet can be very inconvenient and especially painful whether you are a marathon runner or not. If you have any concerns about your foot and ankle needs, contact podiatrist Dr. Edwin S. Hart III of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot Blisters
Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How do Blisters Form?
Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment
It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a band-aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister seek attention from a doctor.

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

Read more about blisters on the feet.

childrenfootinjurysNonprofit company Shoes That Fit has been partnering with schools across the country to ensure that students are wearing shoes that properly fit.  Recently twenty-five members of Sole Fit Club visited Greenwood Elementary School where more than 100 students were fitted with the proper fitting shoe. The goal of the event was to improve their self-esteem while simultaneously allowing them to obtain better focus on their school work because of they now have shoes that fit correctly.

“ We can tell kids to wash their feet to avoid infection and change their socks every day, but when they don’t have proper shoes, their foot health is still not going to be good,” said event organizer Kathy Grigoropoulos.

Making sure that your child has the proper foot health is important as they grow up. If you have any questions contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart III of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Having healthy feet in childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care from birth to school-age.

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

  • Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet
  • Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.  Be sure the child wears comfortable and protective shoes so that they can grow into their feet properly.
As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet

  • Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus
  • Be watchful of any pain or injury
  • Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible
  • Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play

Children of all ages are constantly developing and growing, and as a parent you want to make sure that nothing is hindering their maturation. This includes caring for their feet, as healthy feet are important in order to live a normal, fulfilling life.

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.

Read More about Keeping Children’s Feet Healthy

danerceTJ Fedriko of Germansville, PA had his passion for Irish dancing jeopardized when he built up scar tissue in a joint of one of his feet. He states, “I was preparing myself not to ever dance, do any sports every again without pain.” The 18-year-old spent the next couple of months searching for a doctor that would cure his pain when he met Dr.

Gayanne Grossman who used the latest PT technology such as anti-gravity treadmills to evaluate what was causing the foot pain. Grossman was able to evaluate his foot, knee, and hip alignment to change any motor habits that will cause injury and increase strength. “[After] a short couple of weeks, I was having no pain and I just can’t believe it,” Fedriko stated.

Foot therapy is an important part of getting your feet back into shape after injury. If you have any concerns about your feet contact podiatrist Dr. Edwin S. Hart III of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Most common injuries

People who are constantly on their feet are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is important to take part in physical therapy in order to get back on the right track quickly.

What to do when injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. This is important for those wanting to get back into the game quickly. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. These are some steps physical therapy often involves:

  1. Basic stretching & twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
  2. Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
  3. Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.    

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

Read more about foot therapy.

braceLast year Gordon Ramsey, celebrity chef, tore his Achilles tendon while preparing for the Iron Man triathlon. Since then the injury has not healed properly causing Ramsey to wear a brace to help support his foot. Recently Ramsey was seen walking around California with the brace since he is in the middle of a very intense fitness regime.

The chef had started participating in diets and triathlons a few years ago with the help of his wife after realizing that he could no longer see his mid-section anymore. He wears the brace and continues to hope for full recovery to return to his newly found athletic ways.

Achilles tendon injuries are very painful and need proper treatment. If you have pain in your Achilles tendon contact podiatrist Dr. Edwin S. Hart III from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle 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 Bethlehem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Achilles tendon injuries.

childrenfootinjurysAccording to physical therapy center SportsCare Institute, Inc., young athletes are naturally more prone to sustaining injuries because of the various changes the body undergoes during puberty and trying to become accustomed to these changes. Changes include increased muscle mass, an alteration of the body’s center of gravity, and a rapid growth in height. Growing muscles make adolescents prone to injuries such as Sever’s disease, which is a result of repeated stress on the feet. Certified Athletic Trainer Jannel Arrieche comments, “These kids are playing the same games, but doing so in new, larger, and suddenly more awkward bodies. And, obviously, that can be a recipe for problems.”

If your child is suffering from heel pain, it can be indicative of Sever’s disease. To learn more, see Dr. Edwin S. Hart III of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Toe gait- develops in which the child must change the way they walk to avoid placing weight on the heel. This can lead to other problems as well in the future.

Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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.

Read more about Sever’s Disease

brokenfootEarlier this year Justin Bieber broke his foot while playing soccer with staff and guests at the Parrot Cay private island and resort in Turks and Caicos. Many game viewers took to social media to show fans how well he was playing when the unfortunate occurred. Bieber also posted his own photos to Instagram and Twitter to show the bruised side of his left foot where the injury was sustained. Bieber was quickly sidelined where he was treated by a professional at the resort. Although injured and on crutches, the 20 year-old artists was still dedicated enough to stop and take photos with a few excited fans.

A broken foot requires immediate attention and treatment. If you suspect you have broken your foot, see Dr. Edwin S. Hart III of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will examine your injury and provide you with quality treatment.

Identifying and Dealing with a Broken Foot
When bones in the foot are bent, stretched, or crushed in an unnatural way, they can sometimes break or fracture. Doctors can often determine how the break occurred based on its severity and location.

There are many common symptoms of a broken foot to look out for. Those who experience significant trauma to the feet should check for:

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

If one or more of these symptoms persist, one should have x-rays taken by a medical professional. Cold or numb feet, blueness of the skin, cuts, and deformities can be indications of a foot that is very badly broken. It’s advised to see a doctor right away if these conditions are observed.

Care for a broken foot depends on the type and severity of the injury. Often times aids likes crutches, casts, and splints will be administered. Surgery is also a possibility, although this is reserved for very bad cases. One can also apply ice and keep the foot elevated to reduce swelling. Rest is important during the recovery stage so that the break doesn’t become any more aggravated.

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.

Read more about Broken Feet

flatfleet2According to research published in the Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery, treatment and prevention of a flat foot can reduce the possibility of other major foot ailments. Flat fleet also known as partial or total collapse of the arch has been known to occur mostly in overweight males with blue collar jobs. Often time symptoms such as, pain, swelling, flattening of the arch, and rolling of the ankle, will go on ignored and untreated. Foot and Ankle Surgeon H. Ashley Ledger states, “Flatfoot disorder may gradually worsen to the point that many of the tendons and ligaments in the foot and ankle are simply overworking.” Early treatment is important in flatfeet since ignoring the condition can lead to even more serious conditions including arthritis and loss of function.

Certain sports and physical activities may become difficult for children with flat feet. If you suspect that your child has the condition, speak to Dr. Edwin S. Hart III of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will answer any of your foot and ankle related questions and attend to all of your podiatric needs.

What are Flat Feet?
Flat feet are a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. Standing about 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arch never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

  • Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
  • Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
  • Knees – if you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms:

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe.
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle.
  • Flat look to one or both feet.
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment:
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

For more information about Flat Feet, follow the link below.

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.

Read more about Flat Feet

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