Items filtered by date: December 2024

Toe arthritis is a condition where the joints in the toes become inflamed, causing pain and stiffness. The most common cause is osteoarthritis, which occurs as the cartilage in the toe joints wears down over time, often due to age or repetitive stress. Other causes include rheumatoid arthritis or injury to the toe. Symptoms of toe arthritis include pain in the affected joint, particularly during movement, swelling, and a reduced range of motion. In some cases, the joint may become deformed or misaligned. Relief from toe arthritis involves wearing proper footwear that provides support and cushioning, as well as anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling. Specific exercises can also help improve joint flexibility and strength. In severe cases, surgical options may be considered to restore function and alleviate pain. If you have symptoms of arthritis in your toes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and management tips.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from BayCity Associates in Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Erie, PA and Meadville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Surgery may be recommended when a bunion causes persistent discomfort or pain that does not improve with conservative treatments. A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a deformity at the base of the big toe, often resulting in a bony bump, irritation, and difficulty wearing shoes. Surgical options focus on realigning the affected joint to improve function and reduce pain. Common bunion surgery procedures include osteotomy, where the bone is cut and repositioned, and arthrodesis, which involves fusing the joint for long-term stability. In some cases, removing part of the bone or soft tissue may also be necessary to restore alignment. The choice of procedure depends on factors like the severity of the bunion and the effect it has on other parts of the foot. A podiatrist can evaluate the situation, explain surgical options, and guide you through the recovery process. If you have a bunion that is causing constant discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if surgery is an option.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of BayCity Associates in Podiatry . Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Plantar heel pain is a common condition characterized by sharp pain in the bottom of the heel, often felt in the morning or after long periods of rest. This pain is typically caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Overuse, tight calf muscles, wearing improper footwear, and excessive weight can contribute to this condition. Repeated strain on the plantar fascia causes small tears, leading to pain and discomfort. Effective exercises for plantar heel pain include stretching the calf muscles, rolling a frozen water bottle under the foot to reduce inflammation, and performing toe stretches. Strengthening exercises for the foot and ankle, such as towel scrunches and resistance band exercises, can also improve flexibility and support. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of BayCity Associates in Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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 condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Erie, PA and Meadville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Custom orthotics offer significant benefits for those with flat feet, especially compared to standard options. While off-the-shelf orthotics may provide adequate support for common cases of flat feet, they lack individualization, often failing to address unique needs. Custom orthotics are specifically designed to fit each individual's foot structure, accommodating typical and more complex flat-foot conditions. This personalized approach improves comfort while targeting support that can reduce pain and enhance stability. Creating custom orthotics does take time, as it involves precise adjustments and careful manufacturing to match the unique contours of each foot. However, the time is getting shorter with new technologies. If you have discomfort from flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a foot exam and a discussion about how custom orthotics might help you.

Custom orthotics and shoe inserts are not just for cushioning the soles; they are about supporting the foundation of our body - our feet. The advantages extend far beyond immediate relief from discomfort. These personalized solutions, that Our doctors can prescribe, can significantly impact a person’s posture, alleviate pain in various parts of the body, and even enhance athletic performance.

As we lace up our shoes each day, having the right support can make a world of difference. Custom orthotics are like tailored suites for our feet, offering a bespoke solution to address our unique biomechanical needs. They provide stability where it is lacking, correct imbalances, and ensure that every step is a confident and pain-free one. 

Custom orthotics and shoe inserts offer long-term health benefits. By addressing issues such as overpronation or underpronation, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, etc. orthotics can help prevent injuries and mitigate the progression of existing conditions. It’s an investment not just in the present, but in the future health of your feet and consequently, your overall well-being. 

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Erie, PA and Meadville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pregnancy brings many changes to the body, and the feet are no exception. As the body undergoes hormonal shifts, the ligaments in the feet become looser, which can alter foot structure and cause the arches to flatten. This leads to increased foot length and width, which may require a change in shoe size. Swelling, or edema, is another common issue, as the body retains more fluid during pregnancy, causing the feet and ankles to become swollen, particularly at the end of the day. This can result in discomfort and difficulty walking. Additionally, the extra weight gained during pregnancy places added pressure on the feet, contributing to heel pain and even conditions like plantar fasciitis. If you have foot pain during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and management solutions.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from BayCity Associates in Podiatry . Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Swelling in the feet and ankles can be a sign of chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI, or heart failure, both of which affect circulation and fluid balance. CVI occurs when the veins in the legs cannot efficiently return blood to the heart, causing blood to pool, resulting in swelling, varicose veins, and pain. Heart failure, on the other hand, leads to fluid buildup throughout the body, including the feet, due to the heart's inability to pump blood effectively. Common symptoms of both conditions include swelling, heaviness, and discomfort in the feet and ankles, often worsened by prolonged standing or inactivity. Treatment for CVI may involve compression stockings, lifestyle changes, and medications, while heart failure may require managing underlying cardiovascular health. A podiatrist can play a critical role in managing foot symptoms associated with these conditions by recommending proper footwear, compression therapy, and providing guidance on exercises to improve circulation. If you experience persistent foot swelling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and personalized care plan.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of BayCity Associates in Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Erie, PA and Meadville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.