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Uniontown 
Connellsville 
(724) 320-2447
pedal
 

February 2020

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Monday, 24 February 2020 00:00

What Causes Heel Pain?

Heel pain is a condition that many patients experience, and it may be caused due to a variety of reasons. The medical ailment that is known as plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, and can be extremely uncomfortable. Additionally, a tear or injury to the Achilles tendon may cause sharp pain that is felt in the calf and the heel. If an injury has occurred, moderate relief may be found when the foot is elevated, and the affected area is given rest as often as possible. For severe heel pain, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible to determine the cause, and allow for proper treatment to begin.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. 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.

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 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 Heel Pain
Monday, 17 February 2020 00:00

Treating a Bunion May Require Surgery

Bunions can be identified as a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe. This condition may develop for a number of reasons. Common causes may include wearing narrow or ill-fitting footwear, having an existing foot condition such as flat feet or low arches, the occurrence of a foot injury, inflammatory arthritis, or even genetic factors. Neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy may also influence the formation of a bunion. Symptoms that are often associated with a bunion can include redness, soreness, or a burning sensation linked to the affected area. It can also be common for hammertoes to form, as well as calluses, when bunions are present. To relieve the pain that is associated with bunions, it is suggested to wear shoe inserts to lessen the friction, as well as investing in proper footwear that leaves your toes adequate room to move freely in. For some cases, the symptoms of bunions may be severe, in which case, surgery can be the recommended option for treatment. In order to best determine how to care for your bunion, consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible for professional care.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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 Bunions
Monday, 10 February 2020 00:00

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s Neuroma is a common foot problem that takes place when the nerve that carries sensation to the webspace between the toes is trapped. Once swelling begins, the nearby bones and ligaments put pressure on the nerve, causing inflammation and irritation. This ailment typically occurs between the third and fourth toes but can also occur between the second and third toes. When left untreated, the already thickened nerve can enlarge even further, symptoms will persist longer and become more intense, and may cause permanent damage. The most common symptom is pain in the ball of the foot extending to the affected toes. Some patients say this condition may make it feel like they’re walking with a marble or stone inside their shoes, while others experience tingling and burning sensations in their toes. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this condition.

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
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