PCC Admin

PCC Admin

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, 87 percent of women contend with problems with their feet that are related to wearing high heels and other impractical and ill-fitting shoes. “I was having calluses, and just, all sorts of problems with my left foot.  And there was finally a solution,” said Susan Deming, a woman who underwent surgery to shorten her second toe.  

Other common procedures include getting bunions removed and getting collagen injected into the balls of the feet to add cushioning.  Some women even go as far as to request that their pinky toe be totally amputated.   

Bunions are very painful foot deformities that are especially common in people who wear high heeled shoes. For help dealing with a bunion, visit podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg will assess your injury and administer the care you need.

What is a Bunion?
A bunion is an enlargement of the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The enlargement is formed of swollen tissue or boney growth. This swelling is caused by a shifting of the bones in the big toe inward, impacting the other toes of the foot. The area around the base of the big toe may become inflamed, red, and/or painful.

Formation
Genetics – people who are susceptible to bunions are often genetically predisposed.
Stress on the feet – wearing improperly fitting shoes or running and walking with improper form may cause stress on the feet. Wearing high heeled shoes puts the weight from the body onto the toes, causing further stress and bone displacement.

Diagnosis
A podiatrist who specializes in foot structure and bio-mechanics will be able to diagnose bunions.
Blood Tests - testing the blood for gout or arthritic conditions can help identify the causes.
Radiological Exam – a podiatrist will request an exam to identify the bunion by taking a look at the bone structure. If the x-ray shows an enlargement of the joint near the base of the toe, shifting toward the smaller toes, this usually indicates a bunion.

Treatment  
Wearing a wider shoe can remove the pressure on the bunion and reduce pain.

For more information about Bunions, follow the link below.

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

Read more about Bunions

The Army of the United States needs to make sure their soldiers are healthy, including their feet. One of these methods to ensure this good health is to conduct the Born To Run story line and the forefoot/rearfoot debate. The study focused on past-year injury rates among 1027 soldiers, which included 232 women who sustained injuries.

“There are no large studies evaluating differences in injury profiles between heel strike and non-heel-strike runners,” one poster notes. “Due to high musculoskeletal injury rates in soldiers, a better understanding of the potential relationship between foot strike and injury could be beneficial to the military services.”

Running can be a great way to keep your body healthy, but it can also lead to injuries if you’re not careful. If you have a running injury, or are concerned about getting one, contact podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg can instruct you on proper running techniques and help you keep your lower extremities safe.

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. Runner’s knee usually is treated with strengthening exercises focusing on the quad muscles and sports orthotic. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned. Physical therapy can help you learn the best exercises to heal runner’s knee.

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.

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

Read more about Preventing Running Injuries

http://2-ps.googleusercontent.com/x/www.broadwayworld.com/images.bwwstatic.com/columnpic6/250xNxicon-fitness.jpg.pagespeed.ic.GKYM9vkZCR.jpg According to a presentation at the Annual Scientific Conference of the American College of Food and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), Morton’s Neuroma’s may occur more in women due to their choice of footwear. Developing a neuroma is also possible due to genetics and exercise habits.

Surgeon Kris DiNucci presented at the conference and stated that flat and narrow shoes are the culprit in causing Morton’s Neuromas in women. The condition occurs when the nerves of the fourth and fifth toe become inflamed as well as swelling and a tingling sensation in the toes. Morton’s Neuromas are preventable with orthotics, footwear that is wider, has a slight heel as well as rest.

Morton’s neuroma can be a difficult condition to contend with. If you are experiencing symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma, talk to podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Dr. Rothman can diagnose and treat your feet accordingly.

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the third and fourth toe and the ball of the foot, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible to this condition. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.  Women are more likely than men to have an occurrence of this foot condition.


What Increases the Chances of having Morton’s Neuroma?

-Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot area.
-Jogging, running and any sports that involve constant impact to the foot area.
-Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformity may put you at a higher risk for developing Morton’s neuroma.

If you suspect that you may have this condition, you should visit your podiatrist. A podiatrist will first conduct a thorough physical examination to check for palpable masses between the bones of the foot.

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

For more information on the treatment of diabetes, visit our link below.


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Tuesday, 30 September 2014 09:16

Morton's Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the third and fourth toe and the ball of the foot. Other areas of the foot can also be susceptible to this condition. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.  Women are more likely than men to have an occurrence of this foot condition. When a person has Morton's neuroma, it can feel as if they are walking on stones or marbles.

There are risk factors that can increase a person's chance of having Morton's neuroma. Ill-fitting high heels or shoes can add pressure to the toe or foot area. Jogging, running and any other sports that involve constant impact to the foot area can make a person more susceptible to this condition. If a person has flat feet, bunions or any other foot deformities, it can put them at a higher risk for developing Morton's neuroma.

There is no one major sign that indicates a person has Morton's neuroma, but rather certain symptoms to look for. A person who has burning in the ball of the foot or tingling and numbness in the toe areas are signs they may have Morton's neuroma. The pain increases greatly when wearing shoes or being active. There usually is little or no pain at night.

If a person suspects that they have this condition, they should visit their doctor. A physician will check for palpable masses between the bones of the foot. A doctor will also apply pressure to the foot or toe area to replicate the pain a person experiences when active. Range of motion tests and X-rays are other options a doctor may offer a patient to rule out other conditions or problems.

Treating Morton's neuroma can be as simple as changing the type of shoes a person wears. Wear wider shoes or flat shoes with a soft sole. Doing this may help reduce the pressure on the nerve that is aggravated. If necessary, a person can have a cortisone injection to help reduce swelling and pain in the foot area.
If these methods don't relieve the symptoms, consulting with an orthopedic surgeon should be the next option. During a consultation, a patient will find out about the treatment methods available for Morton's neuroma. A surgeon can release the tissue around the nerve that is causing this pain, or they can remove a small area of the nerve completely. There is a short recovery time for this type of surgery, and afterward, patients can return to their normal lifestyle.

While surgery is indeed a method when it comes to correcting hammertoe, insurance companies generally encourage patients to attempt non-surgical treatments before undergoing a procedure. For example, non-surgical treatments might include analgesic or anti-inflammatory drugs to help ease pain and swelling. It could be noted that cortisone injections also work to this effect. Less invasive methods also include the use of a custom-made orthotic insert to help prevent the hammertoe from worsening and to ease discomfort. Splints or non-medicated pads may also be used.

Regardless of the treatment you choose, hammertoes require some form of medical attention if they are to be corrected. If you are seeking treatment for a hammertoe, consult with podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg, DPM of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe
Hammertoe is little-known a painful condition that affects the second, third and fourth toes involving different joints of the toe and foot. Hammertoe can be caused by many other conditions such as RA (rheumatoid arthritis), osteoarthritis, trauma or injuries to your foot, it can be hereditary and it can also be caused by a cerebral vascular accident. If you wear shoes that are too narrow or short for your feet, it may exacerbate any pain you already have.

It is really important to your overall well-being to seek out medical attention at the first signs of foot pain or anything that may hinder your ability to walk in a normal manner. Taking care of your feet is one of the first steps to being able to live a full and healthy life.

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

Read more about Hammertoes

Wednesday, 24 September 2014 12:23

Hammertoe: No Walk in the Park!

Hammertoe is a painful deformity of the second, third, or fourth toe, frequently caused by improper mechanics—the way a person walks or the shoes they wear that do not allow room for the deformity. Similar to mallet toe and claw toe, hammertoe involves different joints of the toe and foot. Shoes that are too narrow or short for the foot, or have excessively high heels, can cause of hammertoe. Improperly sized shoes force the toes into a bent position for long periods, causing the muscles to shorten and bend the toes into the hammertoe deformity.

Other causes of hammertoe may be complications from RA (rheumatoid arthritis), osteoarthritis, trauma to the foot, heredity, or CVA (cerebral vascular accident). Symptoms of hammertoe include, but may not be limited to, pain and difficult mobility of the toes, deformity, and calluses or corns from toes abrading one another.

A patient experiencing symptoms of hammertoe should seek examination by a physician, specifically a podiatrist. Podiatrists diagnose and treat disorders of the foot. If the doctor finds the involved toes have retained some flexibility, treatment may involve simple exercise, physical therapy, and a better fit to shoes worn by the patient. Treatment often targets controlling the mechanics, such as walking, that cause hammertoe by using custom orthotics.

In more advanced cases, where the toes have become rigid and inflexible, the doctor may suggest surgery. The operation would consist of incising the toe to relieve pressure on the tendons. The doctor may re-align tendons and remove small pieces of bone in order to straighten the toe. The insertion of pins may be necessary to fix bones in the proper position while the toe heals. Usually the patient is able to return home on the day of surgery.

If surgery is necessary, it is important to follow the postoperative directions of your physician. Theses may include various stretches, attempting to crumple a towel placed flat against your feet, or picking up marbles with your toes. Striving to wear shoes with low heels and ample toe space will ensure healthy feet and toes. Avoid closed shoes and high heels. Laced shoes tend to be roomier and more comfortable. Shoes with a minimum of one half inch space between the tip of your longest toe and the inside of the shoe will provide adequate space, relieve pressure on your toes, and prevent hammertoe from re-occurring.

Some tips on feet may include purchasing shoes at mid-day as your feet are smaller in the morning and swell as the day progresses. Ensure that she shoes you buy are both the same size and have the store stretch shoes at painful points to provide for optimum comfort.

Tuesday, 16 September 2014 20:58

Preventing Ingrown Toenails in Children

Children can develop ingrown toenails in their feet in a variety of ways and reasons. One of the main ways a child can develop an ingrown toenail is by cutting his or her nails too short. To prevent these ingrown toenails, cut their nails evenly and be sure not to trim them down too much. Ingrown nails may also occur if a child wears socks and shoes that do not adequately cover his or her feet.

Other cases of ingrown toenails can simply be caused by a genetic predisposition to curved nails. No matter how the ingrown toenail was caused, do not attempt to treat this condition at home. Removing an ingrown nail with a “bathroom surgery” can lead to a bacterial infection.

Ingrown toenails are terribly uncomfortable, and in the worst cases surgery might be required to get rid of them. If you think you have an ingrown toenail, consult podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg, DPM of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg will confirm your diagnosis and do everything she can to treat your problem.

Ingrown Toenails Causes
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

There are a number of risk factors for ingrown toenails. Some include cutting your nails too short, participating in strenuous sports, diabetes, obesity, and fungal infection. Some are genetically predisposed to ingrown nails, although wearing ill-fitting or damp shoes can exacerbate the problem.

Treatment
There are a number of steps you can take to treat ingrown nails:

-Let your toenails grow out
-Soak the toes in hot water with antibiotic soap or Epsom salts
-Placing a piece of cotton under the affected nail may allow the toe to grow up instead of into the nail bed
-Rest with your feet up

If however, your pain is severe, or you see red streaks running up your leg, you should see a podiatrist. Your podiatrist may make a small incision and remove part of the toe nail to relieve the pressure. A local anesthetic may be used to lessen the discomfort of the operation.  Topical medication may also be prescribed to prevent the regrowth of the problem nail.

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

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Wednesday, 10 September 2014 08:51

Medicinal Herb Treats RA

A study focused on lei gong teng, also known as thunder god vine. As it turns out, the herb has been shown to be an an effective treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis.  207 patients were observed over a period of six months. Some of these patients were given just the herb, a popular pharmaceutical drug known as methotrexate, or a both the drug and herb.


Of the patients that were administered just the methotrexate, only forty-six percent achieved the standard improvement level. In contrast, the improvement level for those just given the herb was up to fifty-five percent. For the patients that were administered the drug and herb, the improvement rate was significantly higher at seventy seven percent. Thunder god vine has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years and is known as Tripterygium wilfordii  to botanists.


Rheumatoid Arthritis can make everyday living difficult.  If you are contending with pain in your foot or ankle as a result of arthritis, see podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg, DPM of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg will address your foot and ankle pain.

 
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.


Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area. 


Symptoms

- Swelling & pain in the feet
- Stiffness in the feet
- Pain on the ball or sole of feet
- Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

For more information about rheumatoid arthritis please follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.

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Monday, 01 September 2014 21:32

Acupuncture Can Assist with Heel Pain

acupuncture can helpGuangzhou Dongsheng Hospital and Guangzhou Social Welfare House scientists in China put together a study that might prove acupuncture can effectively treat heel pain. Researcher Xu Xuemeng and his team worked with 66 patients who were experiencing some form of heel pain. Some of the test subjects were given filiform acupuncture needle treatment, while others were administered conventional drugs.

After six months, the scientists found that the patients given acupuncture had an effectiveness rating of 97% as opposed to 76% in the control group. Acupuncture is said to be especially useful when it comes to conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

Your life can greatly be affected by even simple heel pain. If your heel hurts, see Dr. Carl Ginsberg, DPM of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg can treat your heel pain.  

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 in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.

Read more about Heel Pain  

Monday, 01 September 2014 21:30

Heel Pain

Heel pain is a stressful condition that effects day to day activities. Running and walking causes stress on the heel because the heel is the part of the foot that hits the ground first. This means that the heel is taking on your entire weight. Diagnosis and treatments for heel pain can be easily found through your podiatrist.

One of the main causes of heel pain is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that extends along the bottom of the foot, from the toe to the bottom of the heel. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of these tissues, resulting in heel pain. People who do not wear proper fitting shoes are often at risk of developing problems such as plantar fasciitis. Unnecessary stress from ill fitting shoes, weight change, excessive running, and wearing non-supportive shoes on hard surfaces are all causes of plantar fasciitis.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Similar to plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause heel pain due to stress fractures and muscle tearing. A lack of flexibility of the ankle and heel is an indicator of Achilles tendonitis. If left untreated, this condition can lead to plantar fasciitis and cause even more pain on your heel.

A third cause of heel pain is a heel spur. A heel spur occurs when the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, leading to a separation of the ligament from the heel bone entirely. This results in a pointed fragment of bone on the ball of the foot, known as a heel spur.

Treatments for heel pain are easy and effective as long as problems are addressed quickly. The most common solution is simply taking stress off the feet, particularly off of the heel. This will ease the pain and allow the tendons and ligaments to relax. In the case of both plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, icing will reduce swelling of any part of the foot and anti-inflammatory medication is highly recommended. Properly fitting your shoes and wearing heel pads or comfort insoles will also reduce the risk of developing heel pain. Stretching before and after exercises such as running will help the foot muscles prepare for stress and lower the chances of inflammatory pain. In extreme cases, relieving heel   pain might require surgery. Always make sure to discuss these symptoms and treatment options with your podiatrist to keep yourself active and pain free.

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