A study by Chinese scientists focused on acupuncture and how it serves to benefit people affected by painful foot and ankle conditions. The study found that acupuncture is a very effective treatment when it comes to addressing heel pain. This includes treating conditions of the heel such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.

The group of scientists used sixty-six patients that were dealing with ongoing heel pain. After a six month period, the scientists found that the patients that completed the acupuncture treatment gave it an effectiveness rating of 97% while those who only used drugs were only granted a 76% rating.

Your life can greatly be affected by even simplest heel pain. If your heel hurts, see Dr. Michael Newman of Pennsylvania. Dr. Newman can treat your heel pain.  

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 thing of the past.

With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.  

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices in Plymouth Meetings and Ambler, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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As the one who leads United States of America, President Barack Obama has to be on his feet with all the meetings and conferences he attends. Due to this, it should come as no surprise that Obama contends with pain in his right foot. Obama’s physician, Dr. Ronny L. Jackson, stated that Obama’s symptoms are consistent with “regular recurring plantar fasciitis”.

Chronic plantar fasciitis tends to be common among middle aged people, especially those with overworked feet. Fortunately, our president remains up to the task and is said not to be hampered by his foot pain.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful. If you are suffering from heel pain, consult with podiatrist Dr. Michael Newman of Pennsylvania. Dr. Newman can treat your foot and ankle conditions.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to heel and arch pain caused by an inflammation of the connective tissues on the bottom of the foot.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Ill-fitting shoes
• Weight change
• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices. 
• Shockwave therapy – sends sound waves to the areas where pain is experience.  Requires multiple sessions.  This is used for very persistent cases of plantar fasciitis. 
• Ultrasound-guided technique with steroid injections into the plantar fascia.  This is from a relatively new and small study, but was shown to be effective in most cases treated.

New Studies on Treatment
According to groundbreaking treatment option studies, Luca M. Sconfienza, M.D. says that ultrasound with steroid injections was effective in over 95% of cases that involve plantar fasciitis. This process involves anesthesia and is a single process, out-patient treatment that was discovered to be highly effective. Luca M. Sconfienza M.D. presented her study at an annual meeting for the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Be sure to speak with your podiatrist about different methods that can be used, as well as finding out what treatment options they offer.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices in Plymouth Meetings and Ambler, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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According to scientists at the University of Queensland, their research has shed light upon the role of foot muscles when it comes to arch support. The scientists conducted an experiment involving weights that monitored the responses of the muscles in the feet as the subjects moved. This experiment proved that arch support involves more than just plantar fascia.

Dr. Glen Lichtwark helped conduct another experiment involving electrical stimulation. When the electrical stimulation was activated, the tissues caused the arch to rise. Lichtwark believes that this may be a part of fields focusing on the feet. Fields focusing includes footwear design, rehabilitation from injury as well as the biological understanding of bipedalism.

The biomechanics are the cogs behind the gears that manage your feet. If you would like more information, see podiatrist Dr. Michael Newman of Pennsylvania. Dr. Newman can provide in-depth information as well as measure your personal foot biomechanics.   

A History of Biomechanics

- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.

- In 1974 biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination to the area.

Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, moments and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured.

Advances in materials and more awareness of biomechanics have developed enhanced corrective methods, offering further options for foot-related injuries. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices in Plymouth Meetings and Ambler, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Biomechanics of Podiatry.  

Patients who try to minimize their time consuming prescription drugs can now employ natural remedies to successfully treat conditions such as Athlete’s foot. For a simple, ready-made treatment, apply apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil directly onto areas of the foot affected by the condition.

Keep in mind that there are also a number of liquid solutions that can be made to wash the feet in. Mix one part white vinegar with two parts warm water to create a solution. The feet can soak for fifteen minutes. Grind garlic into a fine paste and mix into a tub of water to create another fifteen minute soak. Boil neem leaves in water for ten minutes, allow water to cool, and wash the feet in this twice a day.

Athlete’s foot can be treated with either prescription drugs or natural remedies like those aforementioned. Consult with podiatrist Dr. Michael Newman, DPM of Pennsylvania. Dr. Newman will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs. 

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

If you suffer from itching, burning, dry, and flaking feet, this may be a sign of athlete's foot. Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be extremely contagious, and it often infects shower floors, gyms, socks and shoes, and anywhere else feet may come in contact with. It is commonly found in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools. 

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal product
- Examine feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts are present. 

What is Tinea?

- Athlete’s foot is often caused by the same fungus that causes ringworm (tinea).
- Tinea can invade other parts of the body as well, if the proper thriving conditions for it are met.
- Tinea thrives in mostly dark, warm and moist environments.
- Although many people never experience athlete’s foot, around 70% of the population may suffer from tinea at some point.
For more information about Athlete’s Foot, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our offices in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA. We offer the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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