August 2024

Golf, though less intense than other sports, can still lead to foot and ankle injuries due to repetitive motions and uneven terrain. Common foot issues among golfers include ankle sprains from uneven surfaces or sudden movements during swings. Plantar fasciitis may develop from prolonged standing and walking, causing heel pain. Stress fractures can occur from overuse and excessive impact on the feet. To prevent these injuries, golfers should wear supportive, well-fitted golf shoes that offer good traction and cushioning. Proper warm-up and stretching exercises, focusing on the feet and ankles, can help prepare the body for the game. Additionally, paying attention to the course's condition and avoiding rough or uneven areas can minimize injury risk. Regular foot strengthening and flexibility exercises can also enhance resilience and prevent common golf-related foot and ankle problems. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury while playing golf, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and educate you on proper injury prevention techniques while playing golf.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete 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 care needs.

The heel, the largest bone in the foot, plays an important role in walking and weight-bearing, absorbing shock and providing stability. Heel pain is a common issue with various causes. Plantar fasciitis, characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, leads to sharp, morning heel pain. Heel spurs, which are calcium deposits on the heel bone, can cause discomfort with prolonged standing or walking. Sever's disease, prevalent in growing children, results from inflammation of the heel growth plate. These conditions necessitate professional assessment. If you or a family member suffers from heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis, identify the underlying cause, and recommend appropriate treatments.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Selecting the right footwear is essential for healing a foot stress fracture and preventing further injury. Opt for shoes that provide ample cushioning and support to reduce impact and distribute weight evenly across the foot. Look for options with a rigid midsole that offers stability and minimizes excessive movement, which can aggravate the fracture. Avoid high heels and shoes with a narrow toe box, as these can place additional stress on the foot and hinder recovery. Additionally, shoes with adjustable closures or custom orthotics can help accommodate swelling and offer a better fit. Prioritizing comfort and support over style is important during the healing process to ensure proper recovery and prevent future complications. If you have endured a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you correct relief and treatment methods, which can include what type of shoes to wear for optimal healing.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

Turf toe, or a metatarsophalangeal, MTP, joint sprain, is a common injury affecting athletes, particularly those playing on artificial turf. This injury occurs when the big toe is hyperextended as the heel lifts off the ground, causing the soft tissues and ligaments in the MTP joint to stretch or tear. Athletes who make sudden movements or push off their toes into sprints are especially vulnerable. Turf toe can vary in severity, from mild where tissues are stretched, to severe where tissues are completely torn and the joint may be dislocated. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising, limited range of motion, and sometimes a loose or unstable joint. A podiatrist can diagnose and treat turf toe effectively through imaging tests, like X-rays or MRI scans, and create a treatment plan. This includes medication, custom orthotics, or in rare cases, surgery. Timely consultation with a podiatrist ensures proper healing and helps athletes return to their sport. If you are experiencing pain in the big toe joint, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.