April 2024

Sesamoiditis is characterized by inflammation or injury to the sesamoid bones, small bones located beneath the big toe joint in the foot. It commonly affects individuals involved in activities that put repetitive pressure on the ball of the foot, such as dancers, runners, or those who wear high heels. The condition can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking, particularly when bearing weight on the affected foot. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, imaging studies like X-rays or MRI scans, and evaluation of symptoms. Treatment options may include rest, taping of the foot, orthotic devices, or corticosteroid injections. In severe cases, surgery to remove or repair the sesamoid bone may be necessary. If you have big toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a tailored treatment plan for your specific needs.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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 and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints and causes inflammation, pain, and eventual joint damage. When RA affects the feet and ankles, it can lead to debilitating symptoms and complications. Common manifestations include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking due to joint inflammation and damage. RA can also cause the formation of nodules, particularly in pressure areas like the soles of the feet. It may also result in foot deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes. If you have RA that is affecting your feet and ankles, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This medically trained foot doctor can provide comprehensive treatment, including interventions, such as custom-made orthotics, corticosteroid injections, and guidance on foot care techniques to manage RA symptoms and prevent complications.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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 and ankle needs.

Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to the peripheral nerves, resulting in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness, often starting in the feet and hands. This condition can be caused by various factors, including diabetes, infections, injuries, and certain medications. Individuals with diabetes are particularly susceptible to neuropathy due to prolonged high blood sugar levels damaging nerves over time. Neuropathy affects people of all ages, though it is more common in older adults. Treatment aims to manage symptoms and address underlying causes. This may include medications to relieve pain and discomfort, and lifestyle changes, such as maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. If you suffer from peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you by providing guidance and foot care tailored to your individual needs.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Corns on the feet, medically termed keratotic lesions, are areas of thickened skin caused by repeated friction or pressure. They commonly occur on weight-bearing areas like the toes and soles of the feet. Symptoms can include localized pain or tenderness, a hardened or raised bump, and sometimes inflammation or redness. Older individuals are more prone to developing corns due to factors like reduced skin elasticity and altered foot mechanics. There are three main types of corns. Hard corns are small, dense, and are usually found on bony areas. Soft corns are moist and typically form between toes where the skin is moist. Seed corns are tiny and appear on non-weight-bearing areas. Diagnosis is typically made based on clinical examination. Management involves relieving pressure on the affected area, wearing properly fitting footwear, using protective pads or cushions, and sometimes, having the corn removed. If you have persistent or painful corns, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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 and ankle needs.