Blog Archives
Woman with Rare Disease Cannot Wear Heels
Maedhbh Cleary does not wear heels not because of the discomfort they cause. In fact, Cleary cannot wear high-heels or even lighter clothes as a result of a rare medical condition. Cleary suffers from a rare condition called Raynaud’s Disease. Cleary’s condition can starve the extremities of blood, cause deformities, and even attack the body’s vital organs, according to Independent.ie.
"I have to wear really warm clothes and I cannot wear high heeled shoes because it puts pressure on my toes and they'll go numb and this will affect my balance,” Cleary said. Cleary’s condition can cause her skin to discolor if any part of her body is left exposed. One in fifteen men in Ireland suffers from this condition.
Even though they are fashionable, high heels can still cause problems. If you are experiencing pain from wearing heels, see podiatrist Sharon L. Pletcher, DPM of Family Foot Center. Dr. Pletcher can treat your foot and ankle needs.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity. Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
What parts my body will be affected by high heels?
- Ankle Joints
- Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
- Balls of the Feet
- Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
- Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.
What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?
- Corns
- Calluses
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Plantar Fasciitis
How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.
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 injuries.
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U.S. Army Studies Running Injuries
U.S. Army lieutenants pulled together a research study to try and help minimize the number of running injuries sustained among soldiers. The lieutenants attempted to correlate the force being used by runners when they hit the ground and the amount of injuries sustained depending on how much impact the force was made.
In order to hold this study, the military gathered 1027 men and women serving in the Army. These subjects were monitored as researchers examined their record of injuries while observing their running techniques. The study would ultimately come to the conclusion that the amount of force used while running had no relationship to any injuries suffered by the runners.
Running injuries can happen, especially without proper precaution. If you hurt your foot or ankle, see podiatrist Sharon L. Pletcher, DPM of Family Foot Center. Dr. Pletcher can treat your foot and ankle injuries.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. Runner’s knee usually is treated with strengthening exercises focusing on the quad muscles and sports orthotic. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned. Physical therapy can help you learn the best exercises to heal runner’s knee.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help
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 injuries.
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NBA Player Recovers from Rehabilitation Process
NBA player Devin Harris has admitted that he was unsure of returning to the game after undergoing a particularly tough rehabilitation process. The Dallas Maverick underwent surgery on the second metatarsal in his left foot. As a result, he wound up in quite the long recovery period. Harris’ rehabilitation time span took longer due to a stress fracture he developed in the third metatarsal in the left foot towards the end of 2013.
“It’s been a long road since the summer,” said Harris, who had to change the mechanics of how he ran. “We’ve had a lot of things happen, but I stayed positive and worked hard and obviously we’re in a good situation now.”
Sometimes foot and ankle injuries require rehabilitation. If your foot or ankle is injured, consult podiatrist Sharon L. Pletcher, DPM of Family Foot Center. Dr. Pletcher can treat your podiatric needs.
Foot Therapy for Sports
People who are constantly on their feet are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is important to take part in physical therapy in order to get back on the right track quickly.
What to do when injured
Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. This is important for those wanting to get back into the game quickly. 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. These are some steps physical therapy often involves:
- Basic stretching & twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
- Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate and relax the muscles.
- Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.
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 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 injuries.
Read more about Foot Therapy
Scientists Put Their Two Cents in on Hot Running Debate
The debate when it comes to minimalist, or barefoot running as opposed to regular shoes has been stirring in the athletic community for some time. Proponents of maximalist, or shoe running believe that running barefoot increases the chance of becoming injured while the other camp claims there is no risk of injury at all.
Scientists put their weigh-in, saying that what you wear on your feet hardly matters at all. Allison Gruber, a researcher at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst’s biomechanics laboratory, told Outside. “The best shoe for a runner is highly individualized.” Ultimately, researchers believe that running habits are the best prevention of running injuries.
Barefoot running is an option for runners. For a professional opinion, call podiatrist Sharon L. Pletcher, DPM of Family Foot Center. Dr. Pletcher can help you determine what type of running works best for you.
Barefoot Running
The Impact of Barefoot Running
-Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
-Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.
The Advantages of Barefoot Running
-When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced, this can reduce stress injuries.
-It strengthens muscles in the feet and ankles and the lower legs.
-Balance of the body is improved and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.
The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running
-No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
-Blisters may form.
-Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
-Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.
It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance.
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 injuries.
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College Athlete Aids Team in Series of Victories after Recovering from Foot Surgery
The Iowa State University Cyclones started their spring debut by obtaining a series of wins with the help of sophomore Ciara Capezio. Capezio was on a recovery period from foot surgery in order to correct Morton’s Neuroma. She was able to return even though coaches were initially uncertain due to her condition.
Capezio went on to lead her team to a series of victories against Nebraska-Kearney, Nebraska-Omaha, and Northern Iowa. “Our offense — when we were in-system, when the ball was to center — was really, really good,” said coach Christy Johnson-Lynch.
Foot and ankle conditions sometimes require surgery in order to be healed. If you are contending with podiatric-related issues, see podiatrist Sharon L. Pletcher, DPM of Family Foot Center. Dr. Pletcher can help determine the right procedure and treatment for your needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:
- Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
- Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
- Reconstruction to attend injuries caused by accidents or malformations
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will be dependent on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
- Bunionectomy for painful bunions
- Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
- Nerve removal for painful nerve endings
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, when it is undertaken, if can provide more complete pain relief than before, and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Such techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
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 injuries.
Read more about Foot Surgery
Diabetic Contends with Ill Effects of Diabetes
84 year old Roselle Hartsfield is blessed with a large family. The East Orange resident is not only a mother of seven, but is also a grandmother to fifteen and even a great-grandmother to seven. Unfortunately, Hartsfield has been struggling with the effects diabetes since her 50’s, suffering many complications along the way.
“I have glaucoma in my eyes and two years ago, two of my toes got so badly infected that I had to go into a hyperbaric chamber for 39 days to avoid amputation,” she said. Although in modern days there have been many advances in diabetic care, diabetics need to do their part in monitoring their health. Well aware of the risks, Hartsfield fears the possibility of undergoing amputation or worse.
Diabetics need to monitor their condition. If you suffer from diabetes, visit podiatrist Sharon L. Pletcher, DPM of Family Foot Center. Dr. Pletcher can treat your diabetic feet, and provide general care to your foot and ankle.
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, 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 injuries.
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MLB Player Struggles with Healing Process in his Foot
MLB player Ben Revere has been struggling with foot pain, stating that his feet feel “like nails.” The Phillies player has his right foot held by pins after sustaining a fractured foot shortly after joining the team last July, Revere is hoping that the pins in his foot could play a major role in aiding his healing process.
"Everybody says the first time you get traded to a new team, you feel like a rookie again," Revere said. "It's true. Now I feel a lot more comfortable. I know what I've got to do. I know how everything is over here in the organization." Revere hopes that this injury will only be a temporary and wants to get back on the field as soon as possible.
Suffering a sports related foot or ankle injury can be a real downer. If you have a sports related foot or ankle injury, see podiatrist Sharon L. Pletcher, DPM of Family Foot Center. Dr. Pletcher can treat your sports-related podiatric injuries.
Sport 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 our office located in State College, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Read more about Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Sophomore Suffers Broken Foot
Derek Funderburk of the St. Edward Eagles sustained a broken foot during a practice game. The 6 foot 9 player attempted to defend the basket when he stepped on teammate Pat Riley’s foot, resulting in Funderburk’s own foot becoming fractured. To address his injury Funderburk went through plasma therapy, and was able to come back a week ahead of schedule as a result. Despite sustaining his injury, Funderburk continues to give it his all during the game and has high hopes of continuing to play varsity for his team.
A broken foot can affect just about anyone. If you or a loved one sustained a broken foot, come see podiatrist Sharon L. Pletcher, DPM of Family Foot Center. Dr. Pletcher can address your broken foot’s needs with care and professionalism.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot ‘breaking’, or fracturing. Bones typically break when the bone is 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 (foot)
- Numbness
- Cold
- Misshapen
- Cuts
- Deformities
Those who are experiencing any of these symptoms, or suspect that they have a broken foot, should seek medical attention in a center where x-rays can be performed. This is especially urgent if any of the symptoms include numbness, blue coloring, cold feet, cuts, misshapen toes or deformities as these indicate more severe cases.
To learn more about broken foot and its treatment, please follow 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 injuries.
Read more on Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Stroke Patient Able to Regain Mobility Thanks to Electronic Leg Device
43-year-old teaching assistant Emma Bech has been in the process of recovery from a stroke. The stroke, which occurred three years ago, left Bech paralyzed down her right side. Bech’s paralyzed state resulted in her being unable to speak, walk, feed or dress herself. Fortunately, thanks in part to an electronic device being worn around her leg; Bech has been able to regain her mobility.
According to Daily Mail, 300,000 stroke survivors suffer from cdrop foot, which makes walking difficult and the likelihood of podiatric injuries increased. ‘I could feel sensation in my foot, but couldn’t control it properly,’ says Emma.
Any engagement in activity requires good foot support. If you or a loved one is experiencing foot or ankle pain, consult podiatrist Sharon L. Pletcher, DPM of Family Foot Center. Dr. Pletcher can treat the foot and ankle needs of you and your loved ones.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions by:
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – choosing this shoe places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot.
Go barefoot – our feet were not designed to be enclosed for hours, or all day. Try allowing yourself to expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and stretches is beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – stretching the foot out flat on the floor, will relax the calf muscles and
tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere.
Learn more on how to eliminate foot pain by following 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 injuries.
Read the Full Article on Working on Your Feet
Rehabilitation Progresses for Hurler
Hurler Simon Lambert was sidelined after an injury on the field took him out of the All-Ireland semifinal in Dublin. Lambert ruptured both sets of ligaments and a cruciate ligament which required reconstruction. The pain from his injuries was so severe that the hurler verbally lashed out at his doctor more than once. Lambert’s reconstructive surgery was performed back in August 2013. Fortunately, Lambert’s recovery process has been progressing smoothly. Lambert aims to be back on the field as he continues to rehabilitate himself from his injury.
Foot therapy is great for those with foot and ankle injuries. For more information, consult podiatrist Sharon L. Pletcher, DPM of Family Foot Center. Dr. Pletcher can address your foot and ankle needs.
Most common injuries
People who are constantly on their feet are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is important to take part in physical therapy in order to get back on the right track quickly.
What to do when injured
Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. This is important for those wanting to get back into the game quickly. 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. These are some steps physical therapy often involves:
- Basic stretching & twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
- Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate and relax the muscles.
- Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.
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 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 injuries.
Read more about Foot Therapy.