April 2023

Pickleball is a trending sport that many people enjoy. As with any physical sport, there can be painful foot repercussions if care is not taken while playing pickleball. Two common conditions that can be associated with this activity are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis. The ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes is called the plantar fascia. The fibers from the Achilles tendon run into the plantar fascia. The Achilles tendon attaches to the back of the heel and the plantar fascia on the bottom. The condition known as plantar fasciitis is when the plantar fascia becomes overstretched or sustains micro tears and causes pain in the heel area, especially when first steps are taken after prolonged rest. Achilles tendinitis is often an overuse injury as well. These things can happen after playing pickleball. Stretching the feet and calves, wearing supportive and well-fitting footwear, and resting the affected areas can all help. If the pain you feel in the heel or Achilles tendon continues or worsens, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist. This foot care expert can diagnose and treat foot pain and provide additional suggestions on how you might prevent foot problems while playing pickleball.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. 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:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peroneal tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons that connect your leg to your foot. These tendons run along the outside of the ankle bone and foot. Peroneal tendonitis is an overuse injury, but it can also be caused by a fall or other trauma to your foot. Symptoms include pain along the outside of the foot and ankle that increases with activity. Swelling, redness, and warmth may also develop. Peroneal tendonitis generally starts with tears in the tissue, but if ignored can develop into a rupture. Because this injury exhibits traits commonly attributed to other ankle pain, it can be difficult to diagnose. A visit to a podiatrist is suggested, where the foot doctor can perform a series of tests to determine the cause. Treatment, which may take a month or more, includes taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, wearing a protective brace or soft cast, and performing certain exercises. In severe cases, surgery to clean out the damaged tissue is required. For more information, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Neuropathy is nerve damage. It is a common condition among diabetic patients, which can happen as a result of elevated glucose levels in the blood. Recent studies have shown that about 60 percent of neuropathy cases in the United States are linked to diabetes. The feet are often affected, and the inability to feel existing cuts and scrapes may lead to developing a foot ulcer. The symptoms that often accompany this condition can include a numbing or tingling sensation, and the muscles can feel weak. Developing neuropathy may also be connected to chronic alcoholism, HIV, or AIDS, and there are cancer patients that may have this condition. A deficiency of vitamins B12 or A may cause neuropathy to occur, in addition to eating foods that have toxins. A diagnosis is generally needed to confirm this condition, which consists of having a blood test taken or possibly a skin biopsy performed. If you have numbness in your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can properly diagnose and treat neuropathy.

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 Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor 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 Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Statistics show that at least one-third of people 65 and older fall at least once a year, and many fall multiple times. Here are a few ways to avoid falling at home, which can bring broken bones and hospitalization. Because most falls by seniors occur in the bathroom, here are some suggestions to prevent injury. Make sure the bathroom is well-lit, including night lights, install a shower chair or bench to sit on when bathing, and have non-skid rubberized mats installed on the floor. Having handrails installed in the tub or shower and near the toilet, and ample lighting near the bed and on the way to the bathroom is beneficial. If walking is difficult, especially at night, you may wish to use a bedside commode. Falls may also be caused by other factors, such as medications that cause dizziness, eyeglasses with an outdated prescription, and neuropathy or other underlying illness that make walking difficult. If you have fallen or need more information about preventing a fall, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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