Pain on the bottom of the foot while running is often linked to overuse injuries, such as plantar fasciitis. This happens when repetitive strain causes inflammation of the tissue supporting the arch. Wearing footwear that lacks adequate support or cushioning can increase stress. Biomechanical issues like flat feet or high arches may alter weight distribution. Repeated impact on hard surfaces, sudden increases in mileage, and improper training habits can further contribute to discomfort. In some cases, persistent pain may indicate stress fractures, especially in runners who push through symptoms. Risk factors include tight muscles, inadequate recovery, and worn shoes. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait, diagnose the cause, and create a personalized treatment plan. If you have persistent foot pain during or after running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to explore appropriate relief and treatment solutions.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Save Your Soles. our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Abingtonand Willow Grove, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It frequently develops between the toes, where warmth and moisture can create an environment where fungus grows easily. The infection can also affect the soles and sides of the feet. Athlete's foot can spread through direct contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms can include itching, burning, and redness. The skin can become cracked or scaly and can begin to peel. Some patients develop small blisters or areas of raw skin. Moist feet and wearing tight-fitting shoes can create conditions that allow the fungus to grow. The infection can cause significant discomfort and can spread to other parts of the foot when it is not properly treated.
A podiatrist can examine the affected skin to determine whether athlete's foot is causing the symptoms. Some skin conditions can look similar, so an accurate diagnosis is important for choosing appropriate treatment. A podiatrist can evaluate the location, appearance, and severity of the affected areas. Treatment can include prescription-strength antifungal medication that targets the fungus. Medication can be applied directly to the skin in some cases. A podiatrist can also prescribe oral antifungal medication for infections that are difficult to control. The toenails can be examined because fungal infections can sometimes spread between the skin and nails. Professional treatment can help control the infection and reduce uncomfortable symptoms.
Athlete's foot can interfere with walking and other daily activities when the skin becomes painful or irritated. Cracks in the skin can also create openings that increase the risk of another infection. A podiatrist can monitor how the affected skin responds to treatment and make adjustments when symptoms continue. Patients who experience repeated infections can also be evaluated for factors that allow moisture to remain around the feet. Podiatry care can focus on controlling the current infection, protecting damaged skin, and reducing the chance of recurring problems. Prompt evaluation is especially important when symptoms become severe or continue to spread. If you have symptoms of athlete's foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may include prescribed medication.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Save Your Soles. our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
Prevention
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
Thoroughly washing and drying feet
Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
Using shower shoes in public showers
Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
Redness
Burning
Itching
Scaly and peeling skin
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Abingtonand Willow Grove, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Congenital foot problems are conditions affecting a baby’s feet that are present at birth. Some develop because of the baby’s position before birth, while others involve differences in how the bones, joints, or muscles formed. One example is clubfoot, which causes the foot to turn inward and downward. Another is metatarsus adductus, in which the front half of the foot curves inward. Some newborn foot deformities are flexible, while others are more rigid. The appearance of a baby’s feet does not always indicate the severity of a condition. A professional examination can help determine the type of foot problem and whether treatment is necessary.
Early evaluation is important because a baby’s feet continue to grow and develop quickly. Some congenital foot deformities may improve as the child grows, while others require medical treatment to guide the foot into a better position. The severity and flexibility of the deformity can help determine the appropriate approach. Certain conditions may affect one foot or both feet. Without proper care, more serious deformities may eventually influence standing, walking, or normal foot function. Identifying the condition early allows health care professionals to monitor development and determine whether additional treatment is needed as the child grows.
A podiatrist can evaluate congenital foot problems by examining the shape, position, and movement of a baby’s feet. The examination can help determine whether the foot is flexible or whether structural changes require closer attention. Depending on the diagnosis, podiatric care may involve monitoring development, specialized casting, or coordination with other medical specialists. Treatment decisions are based on the specific deformity and the child’s development. Early podiatric care can help support proper foot alignment and future mobility when treatment is needed. If you notice unusual positioning, shape, or movement in your baby’s feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.
Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Save Your Soles. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.
What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?
A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.
What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?
Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:
Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.
Treatment and Prevention
While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Abingtonand Willow Grove, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repeated pressure and overuse. Runners, dancers, and athletes are particularly susceptible because their activities place repeated stress on the feet. Stress fractures can affect several bones, but they commonly develop in the foot. One of the first signs is localized pain without an obvious injury. The discomfort may begin as a dull ache and become stronger during activity. Some people experience deep aching, tenderness, or weakness around the affected area. Unlike a complete fracture, a stress fracture may not prevent normal movement. Swelling can be mild or absent, and bruising may not occur, making the injury easy to overlook.
Pain from a stress fracture often becomes more noticeable during running, dancing, or sports. Continuing activities that repeatedly stress the affected bone can worsen the injury and delay healing. Stress fractures vary in severity, and some occur in bones that heal more easily than others. A podiatrist can evaluate symptoms, examine the foot, and order imaging tests when necessary to determine whether a stress fracture is present. Treatment depends on the affected bone, fracture severity, and activity level.
Treatment commonly involves reducing pressure on the foot and using supportive footwear, immobilization, or other measures to protect the injured bone while it heals. Some stress fractures may require more extensive treatment, and surgery may occasionally be necessary. A gradual return to normal activities is recommended after adequate healing has occurred.
Persistent or increasing foot pain should not be assumed to be a minor sprain. Stress fractures can develop without a major accident or direct blow, particularly in people who participate regularly in high-impact activities. Early evaluation can help prevent the injury from becoming more serious and support proper healing. If you have localized foot pain or symptoms of a stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Save Your Soles. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.
How Are They Caused?
Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon. Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.
Risk Factors
Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures
Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Abingtonand Willow Grove, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Have you noticed discoloration of your toenails? Have they become thickened or brittle? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of a fungal nail infection. For some, having a fungal nail can be embarrassing. Overcome your embarrassment, and get treated.