A broken or fractured bone in the foot is not always obvious. While it may cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking, your doctor will still need to perform certain tests in order to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays, CT scans, bone scans, or an MRI can all be used to visualize the broken bone, as well as other foot injuries. If a bone in the foot is broken, a podiatrist may prescribe a variety of treatments depending on the severity of the break. These may include modifying daily activities to reduce stress on the affected foot, wearing a cast or splint, or surgery. If you suspect that you may have broken your foot, please seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible. 

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors 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 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.

Verrucae, also known as plantar warts, grow on the sole of the foot because of the human papillomavirus (HPV). This HPV virus that is usually the cause of plantar warts is contagious and thrives in warm moist environments such as swimming pools, changing room floors or community shower areas. Plantar warts will appear as a small growth with a tiny black dot in the center, and they can be painful when pinching the spot. These warts can grow up to a centimeter in diameter and may form into a cluster of multiple warts. Verrucae can be very painful, particularly when applying pressure on the foot. Patients who are struggling with a painful plantar wart should consult with a podiatrist to determine potential treatment and removal options.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate 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 and ankle needs.

The cuboid is a bone located in the midfoot region, along the outside edge of the foot. Injury to this bone can cause plenty of midfoot pain. The pain may be sharp and is usually felt along the outside of the foot, near the pinky toe. The pain may worsen with physical activity or when putting weight on the foot, and gets better with rest. Sometimes, the range of motion of your foot will also be affected. Additionally, you may notice redness, swelling, and tenderness. Cuboid syndrome can be diagnosed through a physical examination. Imaging studies such as X-rays may be ordered to rule out a fracture. If you are experiencing any foot pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, 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.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

There are several common foot issues that many seniors face. Fortunately, most of these problems are preventable or manageable. Athlete’s foot, a fungal infection of the skin on the feet, can be prevented by maintaining good foot hygiene, washing the feet and drying them thoroughly, and wearing shoes in public areas like swimming pools or locker rooms. Corns and calluses, which are usually caused by friction, can be prevented by wearing well-fitted, comfortable shoes. Wearing the right shoes can also help prevent hammertoes and ingrown toenails. Certain systemic conditions, such as diabetes, may affect the feet. Complications from diabetes include poorly healing wounds on the feet, nerve damage, and infections. If you have diabetes, checking your feet daily for any abnormalities will allow you to detect any problems early and to seek prompt treatment. A podiatrist can help you maintain your foot health at any age.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

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-threatening 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 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 medical condition known as poor circulation can cause severe foot pain. It can develop as a result of having medical ailments consisting of diabetes, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels. Some of the symptoms patients can experience with poor circulation are numbing and tingling sensations in the feet, a change in skin color, and the toenails may grow slower. Additionally, the feet may feel cold and it may be difficult to walk. Possible prevention methods can include ceasing tobacco use, incorporating a gentle exercise into your daily routine, as well as stretching. Many patients who are afflicted with this condition can benefit by eating fruits and vegetables, and drinking plenty of fresh water daily. If you have poor circulation it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help to manage this serious condition.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.