Want to know anything about foot or ankle disorders? Who better to ask than a podiatric physician and surgeon? Dr. Adam Teichman is owner and founder of East Penn Foot & Ankle Associates in Allentown, Easton, and Reading, Pennsylvania. Here, he addresses all your concerns about feet and ankles, from getting the right diagnosis to obtaining the best treatment.
Why Choose East Penn Foot and Ankle Associates?
If you want to get the best care around, visit us. We specialize in providing innovative and compassionate foot and ankle care for the entire family. We believe that our patients deserve the most comprehensive and up-to-date information to make the best choices possible concerning their health. See what we can do for you today!
What is Metatarsalgia?
This is all about a painful foot condition on the ball of the feet, in the metatarsal area. It can become sore and inflamed thanks to increased pressure put on the foot, and you should do something about it before it worsens. See your foot and ankle surgeon today.
Stress Fractures of the Foot
A tiny hairline fracture in the bone of the foot, this can cause a lot of pain if left alone. Unfortunately, it starts out as a minor irritation, and many people are unaware that they have actually fractured a bone in their foot. An exam and x-rays are needed to make a correct diagnosis in most cases.
What is Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain?
It is also called chronic lateral ankle instability, which means a recurrent giving away of the inside of the ankle. See a podiatric physician to rule out a real ankle fracture and get the right treatment. Like many related conditions, this can worsen if left alone.
Treating an Ankle Fracture
Only two bones connect the ankle to the foot, and when something happens to one of them, the result can be an ankle fracture. If you suspect you have one, you need to rule out a soft tissue injury of the ankle first.
What is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?
Nerve damage caused by diabetes is the underlying cause of this condition. It makes the nerves in the feet unable to feel certain things, which means they are more susceptible to cuts and scrapes, which will go unnoticed. Often, this can lead to a bad sore. In some cases, it can become infected. And, worst-case scenario, it can even lead to amputation. Proper foot care and diabetes management are both necessary.
Diabetic Foot Care
Taking care of your feet is incredibly important if you are diabetic, as a minor problem can have serious consequences. Read more to find out how to take care of your feet properly, including having regular check-ups with a podiatric physician.
Gout and Your Feet
When you have a buildup of uric acid in the body, you may start to suffer from gout, which often happens with the feet in particular. The pain is not nice, but avoiding certain foods and certain drinks, such as red wine and beer, can stop recurrent attacks. Avoid consuming organ meat as well.
What are Flat Feet?
Young men used to pray for flat feet as it meant they were exempt from mandatory service in the US Army. Today, there are ways to correct flat feet once and for all. An orthotic foot support might be all you need, or surgery could be an option.
What is a Plantar Fibroma?
It might appear to be a tumor, but a plantar fibroma is usually a benign mass on the foot that can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Diagnosis is often done using an MRI scan or ultrasound, and treatment is not difficult.
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
An inflammation of the Achilles tendon is what this is all about, which connects the lower leg to the foot. Three distinct stages can accompany this condition, all of which can be painful. As always, treatment is carried out on a case-by-case basis.
What is a Hammertoe Deformity?
If you suffer from an abnormal contracture of the toes (which can lead to them bending in a bizarre direction), you may have a case of hammertoe. Don’t confuse this condition with mallet toe, however, which is slightly different. Both require prompt diagnosis and treatment.
What is Haglund’s Deformity?
A bony enlargement on the heel that can result in intense pain is what this deformity is all about. Both surgical and non-surgical approaches are available. It all depends on the severity of the condition. See your foot and ankle surgeon for the right diagnosis.
What is Morton’s Neuroma?
Inflammation of one of the plantar digital nerves of the foot is the culprit behind this irritating condition, which often makes sufferers feel as if they have a pebble in their shoe. Wearing footwear with a wide toe box can help, and you may need sclerosing therapy.
What is Sesamoiditis?
This condition often affects young people who are physically active. It is a painful foot inflammation of the sesamoid apparatus. Treatment is always non-invasive, and sufferers are advised to remain physically inactive while treatment is taking place for best results.
How to Take Care of Arthritic Feet
Oral anti-inflammatories are often prescribed to take care of arthritic feet, which is what is described as a “garbage pail” term for all kinds of foot pain. Bracing and orthotic footwear are other ways to make the patient feel more comfortable when they suffer from this type of foot pain.
What is Sever’s Disease?
If your child suffers from recurrent heel pain, it might be Sever’s disease. Don’t worry, it is incredibly common and due to an injury of the growth plate of the heel. And in the majority of cases, the treatment is completely non-invasive.
Treating Toenail Fungus
A new laser treatment is available that can take care of this issue quickly and painlessly. Unfortunately, it is generally not covered by insurance. But if you suffer from repeated fungal infections, it may be worth the price.
Dealing With Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are incredibly common, and are usually found in male adults more than anyone else. Topical medication is often used, and in some cases, permanent nail removal is required, which also stops it from happening again.
How to Treat Bunions
Bunions are large bumps in the foot which can be painful and uncomfortable. The reason for getting a bunion is often heredity, but sometimes the wrong footwear can be a culprit. Surgery is often required to get rid of bunions once and for all.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
