Items filtered by date: November 2023

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, or JRA, can significantly impact a child's feet, leading to symptoms like swollen, stiff, painful joints, and warmth in the affected area. These symptoms can cause difficulty in walking, often observed as limping, particularly in the morning when stiffness is at its worst. The condition varies in how it presents itself. Symptoms can be intermittent, ranging from mild to intense, and they may persist for years. In JRA, several types affect the feet differently. Pauciarticular JRA, the most common form, typically affects up to four joints, often including those in the ankles or toes. JRA affects five or more joints and often involves the small joints in the toes. Systemic JRA and spondyloarthritis, while less common, can also impact foot health, with systemic JRA potentially causing long-term joint damage. If your child suffers from JRA and has foot discomfort, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment that will help restore easier movement.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Pocono Foot & Ankle Consultants. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches or pes planus, is a common condition where the arches of the feet are significantly reduced or nonexistent. This can be caused by various factors and is often associated with a range of symptoms. The most common cause of flat feet is genetics, where an individual inherits the condition from their family. In some cases, arches may not fully develop during childhood, leading to flat feet. Other causes can include injuries, muscle or tendon imbalances, and conditions such as arthritis, which can weaken the arch-supporting structures. Symptoms of flat feet can vary, with some people experiencing pain and discomfort, particularly in the arch area or heels. Others may not have any noticeable symptoms at all. The condition can lead to overpronation, causing the feet to roll inward when walking, which may result in problems like shin splints or knee pain. If you have flat feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you relief and treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Pocono Foot & Ankle Consultants. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is 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. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches 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. 

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

Heel pain can come from many different things. The area of the heel that is painful can give clues about the cause. The most frequent cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which is characterized by sharp pain on the bottom of the heel when standing after sitting or lying down. Heel pain can also come from a crack in the heel bone, if one has been more active or walked on hard ground. Pain at the back of the heel can arise from problems with the Achilles tendon, or, if the tendon at another spot is hurting, that is where the pain will be. A bony bump on the heel that causes swelling or pain can also cause back of heel pain. If the inside part of the foot hurts after standing for a long time, it may indicate a nerve is being compressed. Additionally, if the outside part of the foot hurts or feels wobbly, especially when active or on rough ground, it could be sinus tarsi syndrome. If you have any kind of heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Pocono Foot & Ankle Consultants. 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 offices located in Stroudsburg, Nazareth, and Easton, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns on the feet are most commonly caused by excessive pressure on the toe or bottom of the foot from wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes. When painful corns on your feet become unbearable and conservative treatments no longer work, surgery is a viable option. Corns, known medically as heloma, can become excruciating, making even the simplest daily activities a painful ordeal. The surgical procedure involves making a small incision over the affected toe to access the corn. The foot doctor removes the corn, repairs any tendon that may be involved, and closes the incision. Various numbing options, including general anesthesia, a spinal block, or local anesthesia with sedation, are offered based on the severity of the procedure. Surgery for painful corns addresses the root causes of discomfort and can provide a permanent solution. If persistent corn-related pain affects your life, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. This foot doctor can assess the need for surgery or offer other treatment options as needed. 

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Pocono Foot & Ankle Consultants. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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