anklesprainThe Netherlands based Delft University of Technology and the Erasmus Medical Centre has developed a new 3D printed ankle device that will reportedly prevent ankle sprains. The EXO-L (short for External Ankle Ligament) is a patented, 3D printed external ligament that replicates the natural motion and anatomy of the ankle to keep it from twisting. The EXO-L seeks to support the ankle when there is a possibility it may be sprained while simultaneously providing freedom of movement. The device is positioned just above the ankle, over the Achilles tendon, and is kept in place by strapping into a special patch on the outside of the shoe. The EXO-L remains inactivated for as long as the ankle’s ligaments remain within the normal range for the sport or activity being played.

Sometimes the opinion of a healthcare professional is required to ensure a sprained ankle is properly healed. If your ankle is sprained, consult with Dr. Sharon L. Pletcher of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and answer all of your related questions.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits can aid in prevention

Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office, located in State College, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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Thursday, 19 February 2015 00:00

Early Signs of Flat Feet detectable in Children

Flat feetChildren are in a constant state of growth and development and therefore often require frequent shopping trips to purchase items that will fit their growing bodies. Shoes often fall into this list of necessities, and with the purchase of new shoes parents should also keep in mind the necessity of proper foot health. Children in particular are prone to developing flat feet, a condition characterized by an abnormal collapse of the arch while standing. Parents can watch for early signs of the condition, which include: a flat foot arch at age 5 or older, heels that tend to angle outward when seen from the back, clumsiness during activity or early leg fatigue, or foot, knee or ankle pain during or after activity or the middle of the night.

Certain sports and physical activities may become difficult for children with flat feet. If you suspect that your child has the condition, speak to Dr. Sharon L. Pletcher of Pennsylvania. Dr. Pletcher will answer any of your foot and ankle related questions and attend to all of your podiatric needs.

What are Flat Feet?

Flat feet are a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. Standing about 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arch never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – if you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms:

Pain around the heel or arch area

Trouble standing on the tip toe.

Swelling around the inside of the ankle.

Flat look to one or both feet.

Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment:

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

For more information about Flat Feet, follow the link below.

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

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Foot and ankle injuryCarlton Rookie Kristian Jaksch is finally able to play with his new club although he sustained a foot injury that could have kept him off the field for entire 2015 season and even ruin his career. The Australian football player had a stress fracture that has been known to send players into early retirement. Luckily, after rounds of scans and professional visits, the fracture was not as damaged as originally believed. Jaksch stated, “I am 100 percent, which is a lot different compared to the initial prognosis where I was going to miss most of the year.” The 20-year-old defender holds a lot of potential to the club and will even have the chance to train into a forward.

Getting back into sports after injuring a foot or ankle can be very difficult for both the body and mind. See Dr. Sharon L. Pletcher of Pennsylvania if you have been injured and are looking to return to sports. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Getting Back into Sports after Foot and Ankle Injuries

While one of the most common injuries among athletes may be a sprained ankle, there are still many other types of injuries that plague athletes in any sport. But for less severe foot and ankle injuries, it is recommended by physical therapists and sports medicine doctors that athletes use the R.I.C.E. method to help alleviate pain and to speed up the healing process.

The acronym R.I.C.E. stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These four steps help in the healing process, not only to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, but also to improve overall health of the affected area, allowing you to get back on to your feet again. Although resting is usually the key to all healing, it is necessary to see a doctor to ensure treatment for any other problems that may not be obvious to you right away.

It is best for injured athletes to allow themselves time to heal. Some athletes need hours of re-training, exercise, check-ups with their physical therapist, and other remedies.

If you have any questions, please contact our office located in State College, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Getting Back into Sports after Foot and Ankle Injuries
systemicMembers of the researcher faculty at the St. George’s University of London recently discovered that diabetes patients with the systemic disease peripheral neuropathy may be more likely to get heart disease than other diabetics. They arrived at this conclusion after detailed observation of around 13,000 type-2 diabetes patients who had never had any cardiopulmonary problems.

The researcher’s findings might be useful for doctors who are trying to determine the probability that a particular diabetes patient will get heart disease. “There is likely an unmet potential to reduce cardiovascular disease in this group of patients through greater monitoring and simple treatments," stated Robert Hinchliffe, Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Vascular Surgery.

Systemic diseases typically affect the whole body, but can be detrimental to specific areas of the foot. If a systemic disease is causing you to experience lower extremity problems, see Dr. Sharon L. Pletcher of Pennsylvania. Dr. Pletcher will analyze your need for treatment and provide you with a suitable form of medical care.

Systemic Diseases and the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include: gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Some common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs, which relieves pain and inflammation and other drugs which lowers the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus- is an increase in the level of blood sugar in which the body cannot counteract with the insulin in the body. When the body doesn’t produce enough insulin this is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

●Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

●Peripheral Vascular Disease- can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

For more information about Systemic Diseases and the Feet, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact our office located in State College, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Diabetic FeetA study conducted by the Gustave Dron Hospital in France suggests that a shorter period of antibiotic treatment may be more effective in patients with diabetic foot osteomyelitis than other forms of treatment. The study was conducted using 40 patients that were given oral antibiotics for the disease between 2007 and 2009 from five French hospitals. According to the Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines, diabetic foot osteomyelitis should be resolved within three months of antibiotic therapy. However, the study showed nearly two-thirds of the patients had achieved remission in about six to twelve weeks of treatment. This proves that a shorter time span of treatment and nonsurgical treatment are acceptable methods for certain patients with osteomyelitis.

Diabetes is a very serious condition that can result in many complications if left untreated. If you are diabetic and have any concerns, visit Dr. Sharon Pletcher of Pennsylvania. Dr. Pletcher can treat your diabetic feet.   

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people of all ages each year. Diabetes damages blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. When damage occurs to nerves in the feet, they may be unable to send the proper signals to the peripheral nervous system, resulting in a condition known as neuropathy. Once a diabetic patient develops neuropathy, it is imperative that the feet are well taken care of to avoid possible amputation of the feet.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

- Regularly check your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet; socks shouldn’t be tight.
- Wear properly fitting shoes that are comfortable.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their Hemoglobin A1C levels as this test lets the physician know how well the blood sugar levels have been controlled during the past 3 months. It is important to keep the blood sugar levels in a normal range (70-110mg/dl). It is advisable to visit a podiatrist if the diabetic patient is experiencing any conditions involving the feet.

For more information about Diabetic Foot Care, follow the link below.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in in State College, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs. 

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Flip-flopsRonnie McCuaig of Dumbarton, a recent survivor of prostate cancer, took on the 96-mile-long trail at West Highland Way to celebrate his victory. McCuaig was faced with a hurdle the day of his trek, however, when he cut himself while trimming his toenails. The resulting infection made hiking boots unwearable for the hiker, as they were too painful. McCuaig instead chose to wear sneakers; this did not last long, however, as they too were quickly made unwearable after a rainstorm. With no other option available, McCuaig changed into flip flops 42 miles into the trail and completed the rest of the hike. The hiker intends to wear flip flops when he hikes West Highland Way next year, this time wearing them the entire trail.

The prolonged wear of flip flops can create harmful foot conditions.  For more information about the harmful effects of flip flops, speak to Dr. Sharon L. Pletcher of Pennsylvania. Dr. Pletcher will answer all of your foot- and ankle-related questions and provide you with quality treatment.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off, perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

  • Ankle problems

  • Hip problems

  • Lower back problems

  • Pain in the balls of the feet

  • Problems with foot arches

  • Changes in the way you walk


Are there injuries associated with flip-flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

  • Sprained ankles

  • Blisters

  • Infections

  • Cuts and Scrapes


I like wearing flip-flops, are there safe alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and are made of high quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more, but will also last longer as a result.

For more information about Flip Flops, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact our office located in State College, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.

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stress fracturesStudies have shown that women are at a greater risk of developing stress fractures than men. Reasons for this increased risk include hormonal differences, increased bone density, and higher rates of inadequate nutrition. While athletes in general are at highest risk after changes in intensity, frequency or duration of their workouts; in women, irregular menstrual cycles and weight less than 75 percent of ideal body weight are factors that make for an increased risk for stress fractures. Stress fractures are small cracks that develop in the bone after being stressed, and are most common in the foot, ankle, and lower leg but can occur on bones throughout the body.

Stress fractures can become painful if left untreated for an extended period of time. If you would like assistance in treating a stress fracture in the foot or ankle, consult with Dr. Sharon L. Pletcher of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can determine the severity of your condition and provide you with quality care.

Coping with Podiatric Stress Fractures

Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken as a result of overexertion or underuse.  As a result, the ankles and feet lose support when walking or running from the ground. Since these bones are not protected, they receive the full impact of each step. The stress on the feet causes the bones to form cracks.

What are Stress Fractures?

Stress Fractures are very common among those who are highly active and involved in sports or activities that make excessive use of their legs and feet. Stress fractures are especially common among:

-athletes (gymnasts, tennis players, basketball players)
-runners/joggers
-osteoporosis patients
-those who engage in high-intensity workouts

Stress Fracture Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures, and can be either constant or periodic. The pain is usually sharp or dull, accompanied by swelling and tenderness. Engagement in any kind of high impact activity will exacerbate the pain.

For more information about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in State College, PA. We offer all the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet your needs.

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Glamour Magazine partnered with Australian Podiatrist, Dr. Phillip Vasyli, to discover the best way to avoid blisters on the feet while wearing new and stylish shoes. He initially stated that making sure the shoe fits properly and breaking them in before wearing them in public or at work are typically good starter points in avoiding blisters. “Checking your feet every day for signs of redness across the toes and heel is a key element in early detection and blister prevention,” stated Vasyli. Many women will see or feel a blister start to arise, ignore it, and will go through their day to find torn skin and potentially damaged shoes later. Vasyli wants readers to pay attention to their feet early on to avoid this. Some companies also make wax based anti-friction sticks to reduce the possibility of a blistery foot.


Blisters on the feet can be very uncomfortable and can cause plenty of problems if left untreated. If you sustained blisters on your feet, see podiatrist Dr. Sharon L. Pletcher of Pennsylvania. Dr. Pletcher can treat your foot and ankle needs.  


Blisters on the Feet
When tight or ill-fitting footwear is worn, many times a foot blister may develop. Blisters can even develop by constant rubbing from the shoe, often times leading to pain. 


What is a Foot Blister?
A foot blister is a small pocket that is filled with fluid, forming on the upper most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid, and may lead to drainage of blood or pus if the area has become infected. 


How do they Form?
Blisters of the feet are almost always the result of shoe rubbing and constant friction of the skin and material. Long periods of walking in shoes, sandals, or boots which don’t fit properly can result in a blister. Those who often have moisture or humidity in the feet are prone to blister formation easily.
For more information regarding the prevention and treatment of blisters on the feet, follow the link below.

 

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in State College, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

 

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RiseAccording to new data from the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, about one hundred Scottish citizens have limbs amputated every month due to health conditions they developed as a result of being obese. The most common of these conditions are peripheral vascular disorder and type 2 diabetes, which can both be caused by the same lack of exercise and a healthy diet that cause people to become overweight.

These hand and foot amputations are costing the NHS about $82 million a year, way more than the public healthcare sector is able to afford. Those who lose limbs are also entitled to cost-of-living benefits, a $46 million annual expense for the government.

While obesity can sometimes result in the drastic consequence of amputation, this condition is also known for causing many other less life-threatening foot and ankle problems. If you’re an obese individual and you’re concerned about your feet, talk to Dr. Sharon Pletcher of Pennsylvania.  Dr. Pletcher can determine if your weight has caused you to develop any complications in your lower extremities and get you the care that you need.

Obesity and your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

For more information about Obesity and Your Feet, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact our office located in State College, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.

Read more about Obesity and Your Feet

Thursday, 01 January 2015 00:00

Acupuncture Can Help Mitigate Heel Pain

A study by Chinese scientists focused on acupuncture and how it serves to benefit people affected by painful foot and ankle conditions. The study found that acupuncture is a very effective treatment when it comes to addressing heel pain. This includes treating conditions of the heel such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.
The group of scientists used sixty-six patients that were dealing with ongoing heel pain. After a six month period, the scientists found that the patients that completed the acupuncture treatment gave it an effectiveness rating of 97% while those who only used drugs were only granted a 76% rating.
Your life can greatly be affected by even simplest heel pain. If your heel hurts, see Dr. Sharon Pletcher of Pennsylvania. Dr. Pletcher can treat your heel pain.  

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 thing of the past.

With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.  

 

If you have any questions, please contact our office in State College, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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