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Uniontown 
Connellsville 
(724) 320-2447
pedal
 

April 2023

Tuesday, 25 April 2023 00:00

Is Midfoot Surgery Right for Me?

Patients may feel stiffness in the middle of their feet. This may be indicative of midfoot arthritis and can be caused by degeneration. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis often fall into this category and may cause extreme pain and discomfort. It may occur from a previous foot fracture, or possibly from an abnormal foot structure. The pain can be chronic, and lifestyle changes may be made that may help to provide temporary relief. Some people opt to have midfoot fusion surgery performed, with the goal of having improved function and decreased pain. This type of surgery can be successful in restoring normal walking and may be helpful in providing stability to the arch. The majority of people who suffer from midfoot arthritis may be eligible to have a midfoot fusion operation. However, there may be existing medical conditions, such as an active infection or overall poor health, that prevent people from undergoing this type of surgery. If you have midfoot pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is the right decision for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Arnold Tarpley, Jr. of Tarpley Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Tarpley 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 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 Foot and Ankle Surgery
Tuesday, 18 April 2023 00:00

Causes and Treatment of Foot Blisters

The most common cause of blisters on the foot is friction, usually between the foot and the shoe. Damage to the top skin layer can cause it to separate, leaving space for fluid to protect the underlying layers. Walking in tight shoes or wearing shoes without socks are common causes of friction blisters. They are nature’s way of protecting skin that is in danger of being damaged. Most friction blisters do not need medical attention, and if protected by a bandage, they will likely heal on their own in a few days. However, if a blister becomes infected, this may cause redness and swelling, and the blister may fill with pus or blood rather than a clear fluid. At this point, it is wise to seek medical help from a podiatrist, who can examine the blister and offer treatment options. Certain medications and protective bandages may be prescribed. It will also be beneficial to cease wearing the shoes that caused the blister to form. For further guidance, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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 Blisters
Wednesday, 12 April 2023 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Tuesday, 11 April 2023 00:00

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

It is easy to recognize the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, a condition that results from damage to the nerves in the body’s extremities. Burning, stabbing, and sometimes tingling pain in the feet are common, along with numbness and weakness. This is the result of the brain sending incorrect messages to the feet and toes. Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by diabetes, as the result of prolonged high blood sugar levels. Other causes include side effects of certain medications, hereditary factors, and autoimmune or kidney disease. It can also be a side effect of an underlying condition, such as obesity, alcohol abuse, and high blood pressure. In addition, a deficiency of vitamin B12 has been linked to developing peripheral neuropathy. While this condition is rarely cured, it can be managed to help reduce the symptoms. For more information about peripheral neuropathy that affects the feet and toes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Arnold Tarpley, Jr. from Tarpley Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Tarpley will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then 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 Neuropathy
Tuesday, 04 April 2023 00:00

Why Does My Big Toe Hurt When I Run?

Pain in the joint of the big toe, termed hallux rigidus, is a form of osteoarthritis caused by the wearing away of cartilage between the base of the big toe and the first metatarsal bone of the foot. This condition often affects runners, as the big toe takes the brunt of the continual pounding with each step. Hallux rigidus often develops in runners between the ages of 30 and 60. Some possible causes include having flat feet or overpronation, which is when the foot rolls inward 15 percent or more with each step. Overtraining, a stubbed toe, gout, a toe deformity, or genetics may also play a role in the development of hallux rigidus. Limited mobility and stiffness in the big toe joint are early symptoms of this disorder. In addition, a runner may experience pain and swelling on top of the big toe. Changing to footwear with a larger toe box and stiffer sole can help relieve the pressure on the big toe. Certain medications may also help. A podiatrist can examine the toe, determine the cause of the joint pain, and offer appropriate treatment solutions. It is suggested that you make an appointment today.  

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:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

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.

Read more about Toe Pain
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