If you need a more accessible version of this website, click this button on the right. Switch to Accessible Site
Uniontown 
Connellsville 
(724) 320-2447
pedal
 

January 2018

Tuesday, 30 January 2018 00:00

Myles Jack Ankle Injury

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Myles Jack recently injured his ankle while playing in the AFC championship game against the New England Patriots. After the linebacker hurt his ankle in a fumble recovery, the injury appeared to be serious as he was led to the locker room. Jack helped his team finish the game with six tackles, despite the Patriots winning the game 24-20. Jack will make his return to training camp in July while utilizing the entire offseason to recover.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Arnold Tarpley, Jr. of Tarpley Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Tarpley can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Plantar Fasciosis
  • Achilles Tendinitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Read more about Sports Related Foot And Ankle Injuries

A broken foot typically occurs from a fall or repeated activities that put stress on the foot. If your child complains of pain, swelling, and bruising, the chances are high that the foot is broken. To properly diagnose this condition, an x-ray, CAT scan, or MRI is typically taken, depending on the severity of the break. Once the broken foot is confirmed, treatment may consist of wearing a cast, which restricts movement in the leg and therefore allows healing to occur. Additional treatment suggestions include resting and elevating the foot by utilizing pillows. This may be beneficial in reducing any swelling that’s present. Obtaining a tetanus shot may be considered if the skin on the foot has cuts from the injury. A podiatrist is trained to handle a broken foot and should be contacted immediately if you suspect your child has suffered one.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Arnold Tarpley, Jr. from Tarpley Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Tarpley can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot
Tuesday, 16 January 2018 00:00

How to Treat Corns

When the skin on the foot rubs against a shoe, there is a chance a corn will develop. Typically, the pressure from this causes the skin to thicken; this may produce extreme pain, affecting the deeper layers of the skin. Hard corns are generally caused by poorly fitted shoes and may develop on the top of the toes. Corns that affect the area in between the toes are referred to as soft corns, and moisture from the toes may be the underlying reason for this condition. Occasionally, corns may develop on the soles of the feet, most likely caused by running or walking. There may be several treatment options available, including having a podiatrist trim the corn down, which will ease the pressure. Wearing shoes that fit properly, in addition to applying a moisturizer regularly will help to manage the corn once it’s trimmed. Chemical treatments may also be effective, which may help  the corn to be less painful. Please consult with a podiatrist, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation, for a recommendation for the best treatment options.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Arnold Tarpley, Jr. of Tarpley Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Tarpley will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Dr. Tarpley to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Read more about Corns: What Are They, and How Do You Get Rid of Them
Monday, 08 January 2018 00:00

Causes of Morton’s Neuroma

If the nerve between one of the toes becomes irritated and inflamed, it’s most commonly referred to as a condition called Morton’s neuroma. Middle-aged women may be more affected than men, possibly because of high heels being worn or shoes fitting too tightly. Jogging may also put pressure on the toes, so runners may be affected as well. Occasionally, other conditions can cause Morton’s neuroma, which typically may include flat feet or bunions. There may be several treatments for this ailment, including massaging and resting the foot, utilizing orthotic devices, which may help to relieve pressure, and choosing a shoe with a wider toe. For patients who experience severe pain, surgery may be an option; part of the nerve may be removed or the space around the nerve may be increased. Please consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and the best treatment option available for you.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Arnold Tarpley, Jr. of Tarpley Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Tarpley will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Uniontown, and Connellsville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Morton's Neuroma
Tuesday, 02 January 2018 00:00

Do I Have Hammertoe?

Wearing high heels or shoes that are too tight may lead to hammertoe, which is a painful foot condition resulting from a muscle imbalance in the toes. This causes the ligaments and tendons to become tight and causes the toes to curl. Hammertoe can further possibly lead to conditions such as sores, calluses and corns. Typically the second, third or fourth toe are affected, and wearing lower-heeled shoes can help ease the pain. One can avoid developing a hammertoe by choosing the right pair of shoes for you, ideally where the top of the shoe is wide enough to accommodate the hammertoe. Another option is a toe splint, which can reduce friction and is specifically designed for this condition. Gel toe shields and caps are also recommended to provide comfort and and relieve pain. Please consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options if the pain persists.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Arnold Tarpley, Jr. from Tarpley Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Tarpley will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the affected toes
  • Development of corns or calluses due to friction
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Read more about What Are Hammertoes?
Connect with us