Items filtered by date: September 2016

Jed Lowrie of the Oakland Athletics underwent surgery to remove his bunion and repair his left foot ligament, putting him out for the rest of the season. Lowrie had been sidelined for a few weeks and had been seeing doctors to determine if he would need surgery. “I began feeling symptoms about a month ago,” Lowrie said. “I took a swing and felt a pop. I’ve just been trying to manage it ever since then.”

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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

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Researchers recently discovered that a protein which is caused by the body’s biological clock regulates inflammatory arthritis. The protein was found to repress inflammatory pathways within affected limbs while a person is asleep, making the stiffness worse when the person wakes up. It is important for researchers to learn how arthritis works in order to develop a treatment for it.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care      

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

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It is important that you do not ignore heel pain, or brush it off as something minor. You should go see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis for your heel pain. Plantar fasciitis is a very common cause of heel pain, and pain and swelling usually occurs along with it. People with plantar fasciitis usually experience most of the pain when they first get up in the morning, or after a long period of inactivity. The condition is extremely common as one third of Americans are diagnosed with it.

Anyone can wind up suffering from heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Causes of Heel Pain

● Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

● Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

● Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

- Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  

- Wearing non-supportive shoes

- Weight change         

- Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a thing of the past.

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

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Cracked heels are not only uncomfortable, but they can be painful as well. Fortunately, there are home remedies that can be used to treat your cracked heels. In order to create this DIY ointment, you will need: 3 tablespoons of turmeric powder and a few drops of coconut oil. You first mix the powder and coconut together until it forms a thick paste. After the paste forms, apply it to your cracked heels and leave it for 20 to 30 minutes. Next, wash off the ointment with warm water and soap.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are unappealing, and make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Not only may they look bad, but they can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How do you get them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief, or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – wearing socks with medicated creams, helps lock in moisture so it can stay on longer.

Moisturizers – applying it both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – these remove dead skin, and then you can massage cream onto your foot. This way the cream will be absorbed. The skin needs to be exfoliated; therefore the outer layer dead skin needs removal.

Change in Diet

Eating healthy, with a well-balanced diet, will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to what kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements will also help with skin tissue.

Most importantly seek a health professional for foot care if something is wrong or doesn’t seem to be working. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.

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

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