Items filtered by date: September 2023

The feet, ankles, and toes are intricate structures that bear the brunt of your daily activities. Unfortunately, injuries in these areas are not uncommon and can be quite painful. Ankle sprains often occur due to missteps or awkward landings, causing ligaments to stretch or tear. Stress fractures in the feet, often seen in runners, result from repetitive impact on the bones. Additionally, Achilles tendonitis can afflict the back of the ankle, causing pain and inflammation. Toes are not exempt, as stubbing or jamming them can lead to fractures or dislocations. Relief may come from getting adequate rest, and using compression and elevation may help to reduce existing swelling. For more severe injuries, seeking medical attention is essential for proper healing and to prevent long-term issues. Wearing proper footwear, performing warm up exercises, and being mindful of your surroundings can also reduce the risk of these injuries, allowing you to keep moving comfortably. If you have injured your foot, toe or ankle, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat these types of foot conditions. 

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton's neuroma is a condition affecting the plantar digital nerve and is common in middle-aged women. Surgical excision is recommended when conservative treatments fail. Various surgical approaches exist, with dorsal and plantar accesses being the most common. Regenerative surgery uses platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, for complications arising from Morton's neuroma surgery. PRP is derived from the patient's own blood. It contains growth factors that aid in tissue healing. Hyaluronic acid acts as a platform for PRP, promoting tissue regeneration and reducing healing time. The combinations of these things offer a valuable technique that promotes complete wound healing, with satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes. If you have a Morton’s neuroma that requires surgical intervention, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether PRP and HA can be used in the surgery to help with recovery.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot drop, also known as drop foot, is characterized by the difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot while walking. This condition can pose significant challenges to mobility and is often associated with an underlying cause, such as multiple sclerosis. However, foot drop can result from other neurological syndromes or even from physical damage to a nerve. Patients experiencing foot drop tend to adopt a distinctive walking pattern, resembling the act of climbing stairs. This is due to the difficulty in raising the front of the foot, which leads them to overcompensate by lifting their knee higher with each step. In addition to the primary symptom of foot drop, a range of other muscle and nerve-related challenges can further compound the difficulties posed by this condition. Managing these symptoms often requires a comprehensive approach that may include orthotic devices, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention. For help in dealing with drop foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

The ankle is fortified by ligaments that serve to prevent bone displacement. An ankle sprain occurs when these ligaments stretch or tear beyond their normal range. The severity of sprains ranges from minor stretching to partial ligament tears, and finally complete ligament ruptures. Symptoms of ankle sprains include pain, swelling, bruising, stiffness, and sometimes numbness. While mild sprains usually resolve within weeks, moderate to severe cases may persist for up to a year. Ankle sprains frequently stem from physical activities or uneven surfaces, particularly affecting individuals with weak muscles or high arches. Diagnosis requires a podiatrist's examination and may include X-rays or MRI scans to assess ligament damage. Higher-grade sprains may call for immobilization with casts, boots, or braces, followed by stretching and strengthening exercises. Living with a sprained ankle must be taken seriously to avoid reinjuring the joint because this can easily evolve into a chronic condition. For help dealing with ankle sprains, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer treatment options. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. 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 Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.