Diabetes, a chronic condition affecting millions, intricately weaves its effects into various facets of health, and the feet stand as a significant battleground. One prominent sign is peripheral neuropathy, where nerve damage leads to sensations of tingling, burning, or numbness. Reduced blood circulation, a common consequence of diabetes, may result in cold feet and slow wound healing. The development of foot ulcers, often painless, but potentially severe, underscores the impact of diabetes on the feet. Changes in skin texture and color, as well as the susceptibility to infections, are additional indicators. Individuals with diabetes must remain vigilant, as these symptoms can escalate into serious complications without prompt intervention. Regular foot inspections, proper hygiene, and seeking immediate medical attention for any abnormalities become crucial elements in managing diabetes-related foot concerns. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Selecting the right shoes for warehouse work is vital for ensuring both comfort and safety during long hours on your feet. Prioritize sturdy, closed-toe shoes with ample support to guard against potential hazards such as falling objects or heavy equipment. Look for designs with slip-resistant soles to navigate varied surfaces and spills commonly found in warehouse environments. A proper fit is essential, and it is helpful to choose shoes that allow for natural movement while securing the foot to prevent discomfort and potential injuries. Consider the climate of the warehouse, opting for breathable materials in warmer settings and insulated options for cooler conditions. Additionally, if the job involves lifting or carrying heavy loads, shoes with adequate ankle support can help prevent strains. Investing in high-quality, durable footwear designed for the specific demands of warehouse work is a proactive step toward promoting both occupational well-being and overall job performance. If you would like more information about what type of shoes to buy for warehouse work, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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 with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are 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. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Foot blisters are defined as fluid-filled sacs that form on the skin, and are often encountered during daily activities or as a result of wearing ill-fitting footwear. They develop as a result of friction or repeated rubbing, which separates the layers of skin, creating a pocket of clear fluid. Several factors can contribute to the formation of foot blisters. Tight or improperly fitting shoes can lead to excessive rubbing, especially while walking or running. Moisture, such as sweat or wet conditions, softens the skin and makes it more prone to blistering. Certain materials consisting of rough socks or shoes, can exacerbate the problem. Additionally, activities that place excessive stress on the feet, like hiking or long-distance running, are common culprits. Understanding the definition and causes of foot blisters can help you take preventive measures. If you have blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can safely treat them and guide you on blister-prevention tactics. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 our office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pregnancy is a transformative journey for a woman's body, and it is not just the baby bump that undergoes changes. The feet also experienced their share of adjustments during this remarkable period. As the body produces the hormone relaxin to prepare for childbirth, it can affect the ligaments and tendons throughout, including the feet. This increased flexibility can lead to a temporary increase in shoe size. Swelling, known as edema, is another common foot change during pregnancy and is often caused by fluid retention. This can make wearing comfortable footwear imperative. Added pressure on the arches can trigger or exacerbate flat feet, resulting in discomfort or pain. Be prepared for these transformations, and remember that they are all part of the incredible journey to motherhood. If you would like more information about how to find relief from foot pain during pregnancy, in addition to learning more about how the feet change during this exciting time, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with useful knowledge.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Foot and heel pain is a common challenge for runners, impacting both beginners and seasoned athletes. The discomfort, often described as walking on glass, can be attributed to various causes, with plantar fasciitis at the top of the list. Identifying the root cause of foot pain is vital. While plantar fasciitis is a common diagnosis, other factors may contribute to discomfort. For runners coping with plantar fasciitis, early intervention and targeted exercises may offer hope for relief and continued running. Wearing proper footwear selection is essential in preventing foot pain, including well-fitted shoes and moisture-wicking socks. Addressing gait issues, correcting running techniques, and incorporating flexibility and strength training are essential measures. Gradually increasing training intensity can help to avoid overuse injuries. If you are a runner and are experiencing foot or heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Heel pain is a common complaint, often attributed to factors like wearing improper footwear or overuse. However, it may surprise you to learn that heel pain can also be a subtle signal of arthritis, specifically, ankylosing spondylitis, or AS. This chronic autoimmune condition primarily affects the spine, but it can also extend its reach to peripheral areas, including the heels. AS triggers heightened inflammation throughout the body’s joints and soft tissues, including peripheral joints like the heels, hips, shoulders, fingers, and toes. Heel pain emerges when the inflammatory response targets the heel or its supporting ligaments and tendons. Chronic back pain and spinal rigidity are classic AS symptoms, and may also cause discomfort in the heels. If left untreated, the pain can escalate, leading to severe stiffness and reduced mobility. The precise cause of AS remains unknown, but those with a family history of ankylosing spondylitis or with conditions like Crohn's disease, psoriasis, or ulcerative colitis, seem to be more susceptible. If you are experiencing persistent heel pain in addition to other symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to explore potential underlying causes, and create an effective treatment plan.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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 condition of the past.

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

Walking is a popular low-impact exercise with numerous health benefits, and ensuring your feet stay happy and healthy is key to maximizing those benefits. Proper form and posture when walking are essential elements to consider to prevent injuries. Maintaining proper posture and alignment is the foundation of a healthy walking routine. Imagine a string pulling you up from the crown of your head, ensuring you stand tall. Keep your head up, eyes forward, and shoulders back, allowing your arms to move freely at your sides. Tighten your abs and align your rib cage with your hips, knees, ankles, and second toe to avoid strain on your lower half. Pay close attention to your feet during each step. Adopt a rolling motion of heel, ball, and toes to distribute stress evenly across the lower body. Avoid slamming your entire foot down, as this can increase the risk of knee, hip, and ankle injuries. Notice your walking cadence and try to find a balance between longer, less frequent steps and shorter, more frequent steps to reduce joint stress. While walking is generally low-risk, staying alert is essential. Watch out for obstacles like curbs, potholes, or uneven terrain, especially in low-light conditions. If you have foot problems that you believe may be an after effect of your walking routine, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel and arch pain, arises from repeated micro-tears in the plantar fascia fibers, primarily at the point where the fascia connects to the heel bone. Stretching exercises are a vital treatment for plantar fasciitis. These exercises should focus on both the calf and the plantar fascia to yield maximum effectiveness, as tight calf muscles are a frequent cause of plantar fasciitis. Strengthening exercises that target intrinsic foot muscles and the calf muscles offer significant relief by stabilizing and supporting the foot and heel. Shoe inserts, such as gel heel pads or orthotics, are another simple, yet effective treatment. These aids vary from basic heel pads or cups that offer cushioning for the heel to custom-made orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist that correct abnormal foot positions, such as fallen arches. They reduce tension on the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, providing much-needed comfort. Choosing the right footwear is an important way to manage plantar fasciitis. Opt for shoes that provide excellent cushioning and support, especially for the medial arch of the foot. Wearing shoes throughout the day, rather than walking barefoot, ensures continuous support and cushioning for the feet. If you are experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can safely guide your treatment and recovery. 

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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