A metatarsal stress fracture is a tiny crack in one of the long bones of the foot, often caused by repetitive stress or overuse during activities like running or jumping. Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, and tenderness that worsens with activity. Preventing metatarsal stress fractures involves gradually increasing activity levels, wearing supportive footwear, and incorporating rest days into your exercise routine. Proper warm-up and stretching before activities can also reduce the risk. Treatment typically includes using supportive footwear or orthotics to relieve pressure on the foot. In severe cases, immobilization with a cast or walking boot may be necessary. A podiatrist can conduct a thorough evaluation, using imaging studies, and recommend appropriate treatments to promote healing and prevent further injury. Early intervention can speed up recovery and prevent long-term complications. If you suspect a metatarsal stress fracture or experience persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Richard DiBacco, DPM from Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc.. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Wearing shoes that do not fit properly can put stress on the toes, leading to a range of foot problems. Shoes that are too tight in the toe box may crowd the toes, which can result in corns, calluses, and painful nerve conditions like neuromas. High heels or shoes that elevate the heel significantly can increase pressure on the forefoot, shifting weight onto the toes and altering foot alignment. Over time, this can cause or worsen deformities like hammertoes or bunions. Shoes that are too loose may allow the foot to slide forward, creating friction that can irritate the toes and lead to blisters or toenail damage. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, check for existing damage, and recommend proper footwear or custom orthotics to relieve pressure and prevent further injury. If you are experiencing toe or foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and  treatment options.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Richard DiBacco, DPM from Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc.. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This common problem usually affects the big toe and can result from trimming toenails too short or rounding the corners, which encourages the nail to curve inward as it grows. Wearing tight shoes or socks that crowd the toes can also increase the risk. To help prevent ingrown toenails, trim your toenails straight across, avoiding rounded edges. Keep nails at a moderate length, as nails that are too short are more likely to dig into the skin. Choose shoes that provide enough room in the toe area to avoid unnecessary pressure on your nails. Keeping your feet clean and dry may also help reduce risk. If you experience ongoing discomfort or signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Richard DiBacco, DPM of Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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