Golf places repeated stress on the feet and ankles because each swing requires twisting, pivoting, and shifting body weight. A long round means steps on grass, hills, and uneven ground. These movements can lead to heel pain, ball-of-foot pain, or soreness under the big toe joint. Heel pain can feel sharp with the first steps in the morning. Pain in the ball of the foot can feel like burning or aching beneath the toes. Pain under the big toe can make it hard to push off during the golf swing or while walking.

Golf can also irritate the back of the heel, the toes, and the side of the ankle. Pain behind the heel can come from strain on the strong tendon that connects the calf to the heel. This pain can worsen when walking uphill or standing for long periods. Some golfers feel sharp pain, tingling, or numbness between the toes when pressure irritates a nerve. Existing bunions can also become more painful from the sideways force of the swing. An ankle sprain can occur when the foot slips, rolls, or twists on uneven ground.

A podiatrist can examine the foot and ankle to find the cause of pain. X-rays and other imaging can help show whether a bone, joint, or soft tissue is injured. Treatment options include supportive shoes, custom orthotics, and bracing to reduce pressure on painful areas. A walking boot can help protect against serious injuries while healing takes place. Anti-inflammatory care can reduce swelling and soreness. A podiatrist can recommend stretching and strengthening exercises to improve balance and foot control. Early treatment can help golfers return to the course with less pain. If you have foot pain after playing golf, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Associates in Podiatry, PC. Our doctors 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:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

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 contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Broken toes can range from simple cracks in the bone to more severe fractures that involve joint displacement or multiple bone fragments. These injuries often result from sudden trauma, such as dropping a heavy object on the foot or forcefully striking a hard surface. Common symptoms include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking, especially if pressure on the affected toe causes discomfort. A toe that appears crooked or shortened compared to its neighbors may indicate a displaced fracture or dislocation.  A podiatrist will typically perform a thorough foot exam and may use  X-rays to confirm the type and severity of the fracture. If the bone is misaligned or severely broken, surgery may be needed to restore proper toe position and prevent long-term complications. If you have broken a toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and suggested treatment options.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry, PC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is a toe deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends abnormally at the middle joint, often causing rubbing, pressure, and discomfort while walking. Treatment depends on how flexible or advanced the condition has become. Early care may include footwear changes with a wider toe area to reduce crowding and irritation. Padding or protective supports may help relieve pressure points and reduce friction. Custom orthotics can improve foot mechanics when abnormal pressure contributes to the problem. If corns or calluses develop, a podiatrist can safely manage those painful areas. When the toe becomes rigid or pain interferes with daily movement, procedural correction may be considered to improve alignment and comfort. A podiatrist can determine which approach best fits the severity of the condition. If you have toe pain, shoe irritation, or visible toe bending, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an evaluation for effective relief and management tips.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Associates in Podiatry, PC. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot and ankle osteoarthritis develops when the smooth cushioning within a joint gradually wears down, causing bones to move less comfortably against each other. This can lead to stiffness, swelling, aching, and reduced movement that may become more noticeable during a workday. Jobs that require standing, walking, climbing, or repeated lifting can become especially difficult, but even desk work may be uncomfortable when getting up after sitting for long periods of time. Some people begin changing how they walk to avoid pain, which can create strain in other areas. A podiatrist can assess which joints are affected and recommend treatment to improve comfort and function. Care may include supportive footwear guidance, custom inserts, bracing, targeted exercises, or other treatments based on symptom severity. Managing symptoms early may help you stay more active and productive at work. If foot or ankle joint pain is affecting your job, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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