While plantar fasciitis is a common overuse injury in the foot, it has been known to go away with the help of remedies such as shockwave therapy. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common overuse injuries of the lower extremities. While pain from overuse injuries can be relieved with pain-killing drugs, other methods, such as shockwave therapy are also successful. Other supplemental aids, such as orthotics, can be helpful as well.

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will provide you with quality foot and ankle information and treatment.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. 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.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

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.

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Stephanie Chon of Bustle recalls her experience on making her cracked heels smooth again for the summer. While using a pumice stone to smooth out the rougher areas on the bottom of her heels worked great for Chon, certain methods will work differently on everyone. Additionally, rubbing Vaseline into dried heels can consistently keep the foot moisturized which is best completed after showering or when the feet are wet. Although there are many do-it-yourself remedies out there, it is always best to consult with a doctor first if your feet are extremely cracked for the best heel hydrating method for your foot needs.

Cracked heels can become painful if left untreated. To learn more, consult with Dr. Paula F. Raugellis of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.  

The Truth about Cracked Heels

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are unappealing, and make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Not only may they look bad, but they can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How do you get them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief, or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – wearing socks with medicated creams, helps lock in moisture so it can stay on longer.

Moisturizers – applying it both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – these remove dead skin, and then you can massage cream onto your foot. This way the cream will be absorbed. The skin needs to be exfoliated; therefore the outer layer dead skin needs removal.

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

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Antonio Allen of the New York Jets has torn his right Achilles tendon during training camp, making him ineligible to play during the upcoming season. The injury occurred as Allen was coming out of his stance during a practice run and needed to be helped off the field. Although the team initially did not know how long the injury would keep the safety off of the roster, it seems as though everyone fully understands that Allen will be out for the rest of the season.

Achilles tendon injuries and problems need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns contact one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

- Inflammation

- Dull to Severe Pain

- Increased blood flow to the tendon

- Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot

- Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise

- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

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According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, men and women react and suffer from bone and muscle injuries such as arthritis in completely different ways. The study finds that women are more likely to have bone injuries as a result of arthritis while men will suffer blows to the tendons. Even though there has been a recent increase in Achilles tendon injuries in women, they are most likely occurring from forces such as running. For both sexes, wearing sensible shoes is the best bet in avoiding injuries of any kind; however, women are twice as likely to sustain some type of lower extremity injury due to high heels.

The feet are often common sites for arthritis to occur in the body. If you are struggling with arthritis in your feet or ankles, call one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors can examine your lower extremities to help alleviate your joint pain.

Arthritic Foot Care

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

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The “best shoe” when it comes to running shoes may not necessarily be the best running shoe for everyone. When purchasing new running shoes, it may be best to shop at specialty running stores where employees are trained to find the right shoe for each customer. Running stores will typically measure your feet, gait, and type of running to determine if you are a neutral runner or a runner that needs stability. Each runner has pronation in their feet, the inward roll of the foot as it hits the ground in the running cycle. Different shoes are created to help those that over pronate or under pronate while running.

The right running shoe is essentially different for every person. If you have any concerns feel free to contact one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

 Choosing the Right Running Shoes for Your Foot Type

Running is a physical activity although fun, can put a lot of stress on the joints, bones and ligaments of the body. Injury and stress on the foot can be an important factor on which kind of shoe you’re wearing. Running shoes should be worn based on your foot type. It is important to find out what fits you based on cushioning, stability and motion.

Determining your type

Speak with a shoe specialist or retail professional to see what your foot type is. They will be able to identify and measure your arch type, stride and gait.

Running Mechanics

When you are running or walking in your shoes, every step determines how your foot is landing. Pronation is the natural rolling of your ankle from outside to inside during foot strike.

Pronation is a correct form of walking or running. It helps absorb shock and store energy from your lower extremities. Neutral runners who pronate correctly do not need specific shoes, since they have stability and control.

Over-pronators

Those who run with excessive ankle rolling. Over-pronators tend to have ankles that angle inward, flat feet, and or bowed legs. This can cause a series of injuries: of the knees, ankles and Achilles tendons.

Under-pronation

Under-pronation is less common than over-pronation. This usually happens to those who have inflexible feet and high arches. Even though there is less rotational stress on the ankles and knees, it prevents any kind of shock absorptions. Under-pronation needs shoes with increase in cushion and flexibility.

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

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