Uniontown
Connellsville
Connellsville
(724) 320-2447
Children's feet go through remarkable transformations, shifting from their spongy, soft state in the pre-crawling phase, to rapidly growing during their initial years. As children move into the crawling stage, their feet become more delicate, and soft, protective footwear is suggested. When they take their first steps, the need for proper walking shoes arises, given the fast bone development. Entering pre-school, kids are more active, necessitating diverse shoe styles. By school age, feet have evolved significantly, and shoes should be sought for increased activity. To ensure the well-being of your child's developing feet and proper shoes for each milestone achieved, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance on proper foot care that will benefit them throughout life.
Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.
Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...
Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.
Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.
Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.
As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.
As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.
Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.
Be watchful for any pain or injury.
Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.
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.
The Danis-Weber classification is a way to categorize ankle fractures based on X-rays. It helps podiatrists understand the type and location of the fracture. There are three types of fractures in this system. Type A is a lower ankle fracture below the joint. It is generally stable and may only need a cast or brace. Sometimes, surgery is necessary if the inner ankle is also damaged. Type B is a fracture that happens at the ankle joint level and moves upward along the outer bone. It can vary in stability. The inner ankle or ligaments may be affected. Type C fractures are fractures above the ankle joint and often involve the inner ligaments, which are unstable and typically require surgery. If you have sustained a broken ankle, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an imaging test and treatment based on which type of fracture is found.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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 Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle
If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.
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.
Podiatrists offer a variety of foot therapies and treatments to address various foot and ankle conditions. They conduct comprehensive foot and ankle examinations to diagnose problems and provide pain management solutions for conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and arthritis. Podiatrists may prescribe custom-made orthotic devices to correct issues such as arch support and gait abnormalities. Surgical procedures are performed when necessary, including treatments for bunions, hammertoes, and fractures, in addition to Ingrown toenail removal, wound care, and fungal infections. They provide casting, bracing, and splinting for fractures and deformities. Footwear recommendations, treatment for skin conditions like corns and calluses, and pediatric foot care are all part of the services they offer. Furthermore, podiatrists emphasize preventive care, guiding patients in maintaining overall foot health through proper routines and measures. If you have a foot or ankle issue, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance on the proper foot therapies for you.
Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with 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.
Most Common Injuries
People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track.
What to Do When Injured
Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.
During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:
Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.
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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
A toenail turning black could be more than just a cosmetic concern. Discoloration, particularly a black toenail, is often a sign of an underlying issue that may require attention. One of the primary reasons for a black toenail is a bruise beneath the nail caused by trauma or pressure, also called a subungual hematoma. This common occurrence can result from stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it. It also is common among runners as a result of the repetitive impact of the toenail against the front of the shoe. Shoes that are too tight or poorly fitting may create friction, causing damage to the nail and leading to subungual hematomas. Further, fungal nail infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems, diabetes, or vascular disease, can cause toenail discoloration. These infections thrive in moist environments, making sweaty feet more susceptible. Ingrown toenails, a painful condition where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, can also cause discoloration. This may lead to bacterial infections, contributing to the darkening of the nail. In rare cases, a black toenail may be a sign of subungual melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Although uncommon, it is essential to seek medical attention if you notice persistent discoloration that is not linked to trauma or fungal infections. Certain medications can lead to toenail discoloration, including cancer drugs, antibiotics, retinoids, and drugs used to treat autoimmune conditions. If you have noticed your toenail changing in color, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the cause, and offer treatment options.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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 Causes Toe Pain?
Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.
Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
When to See a Podiatrist
Diagnosis
In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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
Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
