Foot stress fractures are small, hairline cracks in the bones that develop from repeated pressure rather than a single injury. They often occur in sports that involve running and jumping, where continuous impact places strain on the feet. Repetitive stress without enough recovery time can weaken bone structure over time. Risk factors include a sudden increase in exercise intensity, improper footwear, and poor foot support. Symptoms may include pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. A podiatrist can diagnose a stress fracture through imaging, provide treatment, and recommend prevention strategies. If you have symptoms of a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then 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. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating 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
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• 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 high impact will aggravate pain.

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.

Toenail fungus is a common infection that affects the nails of the feet. It develops when tiny living organisms called fungi enter the nail through small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin. These organisms grow best in warm, moist places, which makes the inside of shoes an ideal environment. Early signs of toenail fungus include yellow, white, or brown discoloration of the nail. The nail may also become thick, brittle, or crumbly. In some cases, the nail may begin to separate from the skin beneath it, which can cause discomfort when wearing shoes. Although the infection may start as a minor cosmetic concern, it can gradually worsen and affect more of the nail if it is not treated. A podiatrist is trained to identify toenail fungus and determine the severity of the infection. They can recommend medical treatments that target the infection and help restore nail health. If you notice changes in your toenails, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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.

Swollen feet can develop when fluid builds up in the tissues of the lower extremities. This swelling may be related to several underlying health conditions including diabetes, liver damage, kidney damage, foot infection, or heart failure. These conditions can affect circulation, fluid balance, and tissue health, leading to visible swelling and discomfort in the feet. Risk factors include poor circulation, chronic illness, prolonged standing, and limited physical activity. Symptoms may include tight skin, tenderness, warmth, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. Because swelling may signal a more serious health concern, proper evaluation is important. A podiatrist can assess foot health, identify signs of infection or circulation problems, and recommend supportive care. If you are experiencing persistent swelling, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer effective relief and management solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.

Osteoarthritis in the big toe, often called hallux rigidus, occurs when the cartilage in the joint at the base of the toe gradually wears down. This joint plays an important role in walking, especially during push-off. Over time, repeated stress, prior injury, or inherited foot structure can lead to joint damage. Patients often notice pain and stiffness in the big toe, particularly when bending it upward. The joint may appear swollen, enlarged, or develop a visible bump from bone spurs. Shoes with a narrow toe box can make the discomfort worse, and walking or running may become difficult. As the condition progresses, motion in the joint becomes limited and the pain may increase. A podiatrist can evaluate the joint, obtain imaging if needed, and determine the stage of arthritis. Treatment may include shoe modifications, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory care, and targeted exercises. In advanced cases, surgical options may be discussed. If you have osteoarthritis in the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for proper evaluation and care.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.