Items filtered by date: August 2014

Vicky Holland, a British triathlete who won big at this year’s Commonwealth Games, has two more important races left in the season. The first is in Stockholm, and the second is in Edmonton. Holland has plantar fasciitis in one of her feet, so she knows she has to take it easy after her final pair of triathlons.

“I’m not sure what the plan is at the end of the season, whether I will be in a boot or have shockwave therapy again, or have injections … So it’s important for me now to finish the season early, address the issues I have and then go again,” Holland said. She hopes her foot will be healthy again soon so she can start training for the next Olympics.

Shockwave therapy can be a very effective form of treatment for certain types of foot and ankle injuries. If you are interested in getting shockwave therapy for your feet, call podiatrist Sharon L. Pletcher, DPM of Family Foot Center. Dr. Pletcher will let you know if she thinks this form of treatment would be right for you. 

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. This technique is used on patients that do not respond well to physiotherapy. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, attacking the source of the problem so treatment lasts for a long time.

For more information about Shockwave Therapy, 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.

Read more about Shockwave Therapy

Heel pain shockwave therapy is a treatment option that helps to treat plantar fascia, which is a type of heel and foot inflammation that causes pain to the heel area. This type of injury is often caused by overworking and overusing the feet, and normally happens to people that exercise often such as runners, athletes, obese and overweight individuals, and individuals whose profession requires them to stand for long periods of time.

Since heel pain can be caused by a number of problems including poorly fitting shoes, exercise routines, work hazards, and many more, most plantar fascia treatments include very conservative techniques. Simple things like new shoes, taking ibuprofen, doing heel and foot exercises, and resting your feet can treat the problem. However, for the worst cases, using shockwave therapy is often the best treatment option.

For patients that have tried conventional treatment options, and failed at them, and who have been having heel pains for over six months, Shockwave treatment is often the next option. The concept behind this treatment is simple; shockwaves are generated from a device that delivers shockwaves to the outside of the patients body, and the shockwaves will cause the bodies repair mechanisms to work more efficiently and effectively, and in the end, start repairing the damage done to the heel area.

The goal of shockwave therapy is to eliminate the pain in the heel area, and this should happen because shockwaves trigger the body’s natural repair mechanisms. Basically, this therapy speeds up normal tissue healing in the body, and will also lead to a reduction in pain for the patient by working the pain transmission nerves located in the heel area.

The reason this treatment is gaining popularity is because it is less invasive than surgery, and eliminates the risk factors associated with surgery, such as anesthetic usage. Since this technique also works by helping the body to improve using natural healing techniques, the recovery time should be shorter than surgical processes.

This does not mean that there are not some discomfort issues that can arise out of this treatment for patients. Short term issues normally include skin bruising, minor pain during and after treatment, swelling of the heel, and discolored tissue. These side effects of shockwave therapy should be gone in a few days, giving the patient a fast recovery time which makes it easy to return to the routines of their daily life .

Like most types of treatments, surgeries, and medications, there are certain people that should not have shockwave therapy procedures performed on them. Potential patients with heart conditions and people with pacemakers should not be considered for this technique. People on certain types of medications, usually medications affecting blood clotting, would also be ineligible for this treatment option. And lastly, children and pregnant women should avoid this as well.

Overall, shockwave therapy could be a great option for heel pain because it is less invasive than surgery, helps to trigger the natural healing mechanisms of the body, and should be considered by people who have had long bouts of heel pain, who have tried conventional treatment options that failed, and who have the money to afford such a procedure.

University of Queensland scientists conducted research indicating the plantar fascia is not the only muscle in the foot that can provide arch support. The first experiment involved weights being tied to the knees of two test subjects. The scientists monitored the responses of the muscles in their feet.

The second experiment involved electrical stimulation was performed soon after, showing that when activated, these tissues caused the arch to rise. Dr. Glen Lichtwark believes this could play an important role in fields focusing on the feet.

The biomechanics are the cogs behind the gears that manage your feet. If you would like more information, see podiatrist Sharon L. Pletcher, DPM of Family Foot Center. Dr. Pletcher can provide in-depth information as well as measure your personal foot biomechanics.   

A History of Biomechanics

- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974 biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination to the area.

Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, moments and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured.

Advances in materials and more awareness of biomechanics have developed enhanced corrective methods, offering further options for foot-related injuries. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 Biomechanics of Podiatry.

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body causing an interference with the biological structure and focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

At some time in our lives we will all experience foot problems, regardless of our lifestyle or age, and we all take our mobility for granted until we are in pain. Twists or turns can cause problems and apply stress to the feet, and that pain will spread from the foot structure to the surrounding tissues. The pain will concentrate in the foot and ankle, but may eventually spread up into the knees, hips and back.

The history of biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded. Afterwards, during the first century AD, corns on feet were recorded as specifically growing on feet and toes. In 1974 biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections of conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination to the area. His basic principles of thermoplastic foot orthotics are still in use throughout the industry today.

Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, movements and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured. Today’s knowledge of detailed measurement of external and internal forces in the foot is critical to the individual’s treatment. Like most health industries, precise determinations assist the practitioner in diagnosing and prescribing the best treatment for health improving results.

Advances in materials and more awareness of biomechanics have developed enhanced corrective methods, offering further options for foot-related injuries. Shoe orthotics options have expanded to treat walking inability, helping to realign the posture deviations caused by hip or back health occurrences. Attention to posture and foot mechanics uses individual insoles to position the foot, aligning the ankle and leg. The corrected positioning comforts the pressure and helps to ease the pain. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot. However, these results can only happen if one seeks a podiatrist who specializes in biomechanics.

Kyle Beckerman of the Real Salt Lake soccer team reportedly hurt his foot while he was representing the Unites States at the 2014 World Cup. This means that he won’t be able to play in the upcoming Major League Soccer All-Star Game.

According to Real Salt Lake coach Jeff Cessar, Beckerman has been ordered a set of foot orthotics. In the meantime he did some light exercises at a recent team practice, but didn’t perform any of the drills. “We have to be really mindful of Kyle's body, especially going all the way back to Brazil,” Cessar said. “So we have to rest him as much as we possibly can. But his feet are really messed up.”

Many people who have lower extremity injuries choose to wear orthotics to ease their recoveries. If you think you would benefit from a foot or ankle brace,talk to podiatrist Sharon L. Pletcher, DPM of Family Foot Center. Dr. Pletchercan take a look at the afflicted area and suggest the type of orthotic she thinks would be best suited for your needs.

What are Ankle Foot Orthotics?

Orthotics are physical aids used to support weak limbs or direct the proper function of limbs. Often they are used to support the ankle and foot. Such orthotics are known as AFOs. AFOs help strengthen the muscles or train them to function in the proper position. AFOs can also benefit muscles that need to be lengthened or loosened.

Why might you need orthotics?

Orthotics are often prescribed when someone is suffering from diseases that affect the musculature, like polio and multiple sclerosis. However, more common conditions like arthritis and stroke, or those that “toe in”, may also require orthotics.

Modern orthotics have improved dramatically from the metal braces of previous years. Many of today’s orthotics are made of lightweight plastics and other advanced materials to provide new levels of comfort and support. Often the orthosis is designed in a rigid L shape that is contoured to the calf and flesh colored.

For more information about Ankle Foot Orthotics, 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.

Read more about Ankle Foot Orthotics

Orthotics is a medical field concerned with the design, manufacture and use of aids used to support weak limbs or direct the proper function of limbs, in this case the foot and ankle. Ankle-foot orthotics, or AFOs, are braces worn at the ankle that encompass some or all of the foot. Diseases that affect the musculature or weaken the affected area require AFOs to strengthen the muscles or train in the proper direction. Tight muscles that need to be lengthened and loosened also benefit from AFOs.

When we think of diseases that affect the musculature we think of the big boys: muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, polio and multiple sclerosis. We rarely think that arthritis and stroke can affect the musculature or that there are some who "toe in". But whatever trauma affects that musculature, there is a way to correct it. The orthosis helps to control range of motion, provide support by stabilizing walk, correct deformities and manage pain load. A podiatrist would be consulted for those who "toe in", for instance, or an arthritis sufferer whose ankles suffer through walking on the job or perhaps a victim of stroke whose musculature is wasting away and requires strength.

Before the advent of modern orthotic devices, it wasn’t uncommon to see polio victims wearing metal braces from mid thigh to the bottom of the foot, or children who "toed in" wearing metal braces around their ankle and foot. However, both designs and materials have improved dramatically, allowing for new levels of comfort, functionality, and appearance. Many orthotics are now made from plastics in the shape of an L and designed to fit inside a corrective shoe. These can be rigid, buckling at the calf and extending the length of the foot to support the ankle. This same design except with a hinged ankle provides support while walking by normalizing the gait. In the past boots lined with leather and fiberboard provided the rigidity needed for correction and support. Now corrective shoes are available with built up soles to correct the gait or manage pain by sharing it with another area when the foot spreads during walking.

The podiatrist would prescribe this orthosis in the rigid L shape because the foot moves on a hinge. If the hinge isn't functioning as intended due to an injury or malformation, the muscles tighten up, thus making it difficult to flex the foot. When we walk, the foot flexes and muscles stretch. This brace or AFO would support the ankle and musculature during flexion of the foot, in much the same way a knee brace works. Corrective shoes are for people whose feet hit the ground backward, causing tight muscles and arch problems. Wedges and rocker bars on the heels correct the step to heel first and rock onto the ball of the foot, resulting in relaxed musculature and strengthened ankles.

Appearance also counts when we consider a particular support device, especially if the item is intended for regular, daily wear. The L shaped orthotic is contoured to the calf and flesh-colored, fitting into a sneaker or dress shoe. As present, corrective shoes are more attractive than past models, enabling patients wear such devices with greater comfort and confidence.

The Staffordshire and Stoke-on Trent Partnership (SSoTP), which is in charge of referring National Health Service patients with foot problems to podiatrists and chiropodists, was supposed to make appointments for 95% of newly referred patients within 3 weeks. However, they failed to meet their quota last month due to a large influx of people with foot conditions, so now their contract with the NHS has been redone with new stipulations.

Under the new contract the SSoTP is responsible for guaranteeing doctor visits within two days to 90% of people with pressing foot issues. Unfortunately, patients who have problems that need regular care but aren’t as severe may experience delays of up to six weeks before getting appointments.

Since the United States doesn’t have a National Health Service, people with foot problems are expected to choose a podiatrist on their own. For professional care for any kind of foot or ankle problem, consider seeing podiatrist Sharon L. Pletcher, DPM of Family Foot Center. Dr. Pletcher will provide you with comprehensive and effective care for your foot condition.

Choosing a Podiatrist

It is important to find a good podiatrist when it comes to healing your foot concerns and pain. A good podiatrist should know how to identify your condition and should suggest the necessary treatments that can be done so that you can get back to good health.

Choosing a podiatrist is a relatively easy task that can be done through an online search engine, word of mouth via a friend, directory listings, yellow book, advertisements, newspaper ads, etc. It is up to you to choose the one that you feel is the closest to your location, is experienced and  has a good reputation in the field.

It is best to find one that cares about your health overall and is open and happy to help you alleviate any pain you might be experiencing. Another thing to consider may be the costs of a podiatrist, what insurance carrier you have and also if they specialize in anything specific.

Visit your podiatrist at the first signs of pain, discomfort, or injuries and if you notice any unexplainable pain in the feet.

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 Choosing a Podiatrist

A doctor who specializes in treating foot disorders such as warts, bunions, calluses, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, heel pain and corns is called a podiatrist. Most people tend to ignore the feet, which should not be the case as they play just as important a role as other parts of the body.

Choosing a podiatrist should be accorded the same seriousness you would use when choosing any other doctor. Do your homework and make sure you get the kind of podiatrist you need.

Finding a podiatrist shouldn't be difficult. Ask your friends, physician, relatives, the local hospital, insurance companies, surf the Internet, look in the telephone directories and advertisements both on the radio and on newspapers.

Ask around about a podiatrist or do some research online before setting up an appointment. Nurses are good sources of information as they work closely with doctors and understand them. Other avenues you need to consider are the medical boards, as well as referral patients that have been treated by the same doctor. Also, it is a good idea to find out whether the podiatrist you are interested in is involved in and knowledgeable about the latest treatment options and procedures. This is especially important for those with serious foot problems.

So you have found the specialist you like, but are you comfortable enough with him? Your comfort should be given priority, as you will be spending a considerable amount of time with him. The only way to find this out is by booking an appointment with him and observing his attitude toward you, toward other patients, and toward his coworkers. A good podiatrist should be able to put a patient at ease as well as explain problems and procedures. They should be willing to spend as much time as necessary to help a patient understand his or her condition and the options available to them.

The next thing to be considered is cost. Fees should not be exorbitant, but cheap can also be expensive. You may think that you have found the best deal only to make a later discovery that the hospital you settled for is not well equipped and offers substandard treatment. If this is the case, the problem you are being treated for may not be resolved as smoothly as it should. Fees should be reasonable and the receptionist or office manager should be ready to help with any financial concerns you might have.