Barbie has recently reintroduced their doll brand with some of the dolls bearing flat feet. The changes occurred after a few online sources lashed out at the brand for setting impossible body standards for young children. CNN stated about the new dolls, “The latest line of diverse Barbies may find fans among a growing number of parents who want dolls to reflect the broad ethnic diversity of women and a wide range of possibilities for girls futures.”

Flat feet can be problematic for some individuals. You have any concerns about flat feet; speak to one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will 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 offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Flat Feet

More often than not people think that foot conditions develop as a result of overworking the feet. What many people do not realize, however, is that foot pain is usually a result of a mechanical problem.Weak feet or ankles lack in stability and are often the cause of many problems that have to do with movement. They also contribute to the development of ailments such as Morton’s neuroma, a painful nerve condition in the ball of the foot. The feet stabilize the base of the body and are therefore crucial in determining which muscles will be emphasized as the body moves. 

Morton’s Neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma contact podiatrist Dr. Paula F. Raugellis of Greene Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and treatments to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Morton’s neuroma.

Kate Gabey, health teacher at Lincoln-Way North, recently completed the Boston Marathon with a stress fracture. The physical education teacher and avid runner continued her training for the marathon as she normally would when she started to feel extensive pain in her foot. “I ended up going in to see a doctor and found out it was a stress fracture,” Gabey stated. Ultimately the teacher was able to run the marathon with the stress fracture and was greeted at the finish line by Lincoln-Way North colleagues such as Brooke Vesely.

Many marathon runners are susceptible to receiving stress fractures because of the intense training they may undergo. If you would like treatment for a stress fracture, contact one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

The Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. Then the feet and ankles lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection the bones receive the full impact of each step. The stress on the feet causes cracks to form in the bones, thus called stress fractures.

What are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

-runners                                  

-people affected with Osteoporosis

-play tennis or basketball

-gymnastics

-high impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures, and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves in high impact will aggravate pain.

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

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

Read more about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Compared to 15 years ago, bunion surgery has become easier in terms of recovery time and how painful the treatment is. Certain patients are even capable of participating in light sports up to six weeks after surgery. Bunion surgery is used to correct the alignment and bony forces around the toe. Although bunion surgery is very common, it is considered a last resort and is only recommended when daily routines are interrupted and tremendous amounts of pain are felt.

The pain and discomfort caused by bunions can put a halt to everyday activities. If you have any concerns contact Dr. Paula F. Raugellis of Greene Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs by the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why do Bunions Form?

• Genetics – susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
• Stress on the feet – poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can cause bunions to form

How are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any concerns please feel free to contact our office located in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about bunions.

Leah Bourne of StyleCaster has a few tips in avoiding blisters when wearing sandals. For starters, when purchasing a new pair of sandals, wear them around the house with socks for a few days to stretch them out and ease the friction they will cause on the feet. Using an adhesive bandage on the heels will prevent blisters and scraping on the back of the foot, this should also work if the sandal scrapes against any other part of the foot. Additionally, you can tape moleskin or fabric around any part of the shoe that is causing blisters. Placing clear deodorant, talcum powder, baby oil, or taping cotton balls to the feet near blister prone areas will also help prevent any from occurring.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If you have any concerns with blisters on your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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 doctor.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about blisters on the feet.