Proper footwear is essential for healthcare workers who spend long shifts on their feet. The right shoes help prevent foot pain and fatigue by offering cushioning that absorbs impact and arch support that maintains stability throughout the day. Slip-resistant soles add an important layer of safety in fast-paced clinical environments where floors may be wet or slick. Wearing supportive shoes also helps protect the feet, ankles, knees, and back from strain caused by constant standing and walking. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, recommend appropriate footwear, and address any discomfort before it becomes a larger problem. If you work in the medical profession and are experiencing foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Richard DiBacco, DPM from Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc.. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Swollen feet are a common concern during pregnancy and often result from an expanding uterus that puts pressure on veins, which slows blood circulation. Hormonal changes can also cause the body to retain fluid, leading to swelling in the feet and ankles. Prevention strategies include elevating the feet when possible, wearing supportive footwear, staying active with safe exercises, and avoiding prolonged standing or sitting. A podiatrist can provide expert advice on managing swelling, recommend compression socks, assess foot health, and address discomfort or underlying issues. If you have swollen feet or foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Richard DiBacco, DPM from Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc.. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.

As a runner, foot problems like blisters or plantar fasciitis can be frustrating. Research shows many runners face foot injuries, which disrupt their training. Blisters are caused by friction, while bunions can develop from genetics or wearing tight shoes. Plantar fasciitis, a common foot condition, brings heel pain due to inflammation. Peroneal tendonitis and neuromas are also common, affecting foot tendons and nerves. Weakness and instability in foot muscles are main causes of foot pain. Overuse can lead to soreness or injury. Strengthening exercises, including toe yoga and arch lifts, can help to prevent issues. If you are a runner and are experiencing more than soreness from a good workout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a consultation, as pushing through pain can worsen injuries.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Richard DiBacco, DPM of Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc.. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.

Many people may take their foot health for granted, however it is extremely important to take care of your feet in order to prevent issues from arising. Not only can podiatrists help to prevent problems, their extensive knowledge on the feet allows for them to specialize and target their treatments in a more advanced manner as compared to a general practitioner. Podiatrists can help diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate foot related issues, including bunions, heel pain, bone fractures, fungal infections, and ingrown toenails. Podiatrists can also help patients find the proper orthotics to provide support for their feet. Additionally, they can help provide self-care and preventative tips, especially for patients with conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. If you are experiencing any issues with the feet, or you want to get ahead of any potential issues, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Richard DiBacco, DPM from Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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.