The foot is made up of 26 bones, so perhaps it comes as no surprise that foot fractures account for about 10% of all broken bones in the body. Foot fractures are some of the most common podiatric injuries, particularly among athletes. A broken foot bone can be especially debilitating, as the feet carry the weight of the whole body. The symptoms of a broken foot include pain, bruising, swelling, and tenderness, as well as difficulty standing or walking. The extent of your symptoms will depend on the type of fracture and its severity. A stress fracture, which is characterized by tiny cracks in the affected bone, may be less painful than a full fracture, in which a bone breaks completely. If you suspect that you may have a broken bone in your foot, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher from Gallagher Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:
Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.
Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in McMurray and Hickory, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Did you know that up to 39% of college football players endure ankle sprains? The statistics are not much better for high school football players - they account for 24% of all ankle sprains seen among high school athletes. An ankle sprain occurs when one or more ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. This causes symptoms such as bruising, pain, swelling, tenderness, inflammation, and an inability to bear weight on the affected foot. If not allotted the proper time to rest and recover, the ankle sprain may become recurrent and lead to chronic ankle instability. Football players can take extra precautions to prevent ankle sprains by warming up prior to practicing or playing, wearing proper footwear that supports the ankles, and by resting when feeling fatigued. For more information about preventing ankle sprains, please consult with a podiatrist.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher of Gallagher Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in McMurray and Hickory, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
A towel stretch can be effective in keeping the feet strong. This can be performed by sitting down and wrapping a towel around the bottom of the feet while gently pulling it toward you. They can be successful in keeping the Achilles tendon strong, in addition to improving flexibility in the calf muscles. Patients who are affected by plantar fasciitis may find that stretching the bottom of the foot can help to relieve a portion of heel and arch pain that often accompanies this foot condition. Research has indicated the importance of keeping the back straight while performing this type of stretch as this can help to keep the body properly aligned. If you would like additional information about what foot stretches to perform, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher from Gallagher Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.
It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in McMurray and Hickory, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Poor circulation is a term used to refer to reduced or inadequate blood flow to one or more areas of the body. One condition that can cause poor circulation is peripheral artery disease (PAD), in which the arteries that supply blood to the limbs narrow and harden due to a buildup of plaque along the artery walls. Often, people with PAD are unaware that they have this condition because they do not experience any visible symptoms. However, once PAD has progressed, symptoms can become more apparent. Symptoms of poor circulation include numbness, coldness, and skin discoloration in the lower limbs, leg pain and cramping, and slow healing of wounds on the feet. A podiatrist can screen you for PAD and other circulatory problems that affect the lower limbs and can help you maintain the health of your feet.
Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher of Gallagher Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.
Causes
Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:
Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in McMurray and Hickory, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
