Items filtered by date: May 2024

Podiatrists are medical professionals specializing in diagnosing, treating, and preventing foot and ankle disorders. Their expertise covers a wide range of conditions, including bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, sports injuries, and diabetic foot care. Podiatrists play an important role in maintaining mobility and overall health, particularly for individuals with chronic illnesses or those engaged in physical activities. To become a podiatrist, one must complete a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM, degree, which involves four years of specialized medical education following a bachelor's degree. This training includes courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology, as well as clinical rotations. After obtaining their degree, podiatrists must complete a residency program, usually lasting three years, to gain hands-on experience in various settings. Podiatrists can help people by providing tailored treatments, such as orthotics, medications, and surgical interventions, to alleviate pain and improve function. Regular visits to a podiatrist can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. If you are in need of foot or ankle care, it is suggested that you seek guidance and treatment from this type of doctor.

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 and ankle needs.

Arthritis affecting the toes is a common yet often overlooked condition that can significantly impact daily life. One of the primary types is osteoarthritis, characterized by the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, can also affect the toes, causing inflammation, deformities, and joint damage over time. Symptoms of toe arthritis may include pain, tenderness, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, making activities like walking, standing, and wearing shoes uncomfortable. As the condition progresses, individuals may experience visible changes in toe appearance, such as swelling or deformities like bunions or hammertoes. While arthritis in the toes can be challenging to manage, various treatment options, including medication, orthotics, and lifestyle modifications, can help alleviate symptoms and improve function. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can diagnose toe arthritis, and offer you effective treatment options for this condition.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your 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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

There are several common causes of heel pain in adults, the most prevalent being plantar fasciitis. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed due to overuse or stress. Heel spurs, bony growths that develop on the heel bone, are another common culprit of heel pain. Heel spurs often develop as a response to plantar fasciitis or excessive strain on foot muscles and ligaments. Another common cause of heel pain is Achilles tendonitis, which involves inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel. Athletes and active people are particularly prone to this condition. Other factors contributing to heel pain can include wearing poorly fitting or inadequate shoes, obesity, and standing for long durations. Effective treatment often involves rest, proper footwear, and orthotics to alleviate pain and address the underlying cause. Regular visits to a podiatrist are key for relief from heel pain. If you have heel pain, whether it is new or chronic, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

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 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.

In the world of running, your feet interact with the ground in various forms, each influencing performance and potential for injury. There are several types of running foot strikes, depending upon the biomechanics of your feet. One is the heel strike, where the heel makes initial contact with the ground. While common, excessive heel striking may lead to impact-related injuries. Next, the midfoot strike involves landing on the middle part of the foot. This type distributes forces more evenly and is often associated with a smoother gait. Finally, the forefoot strike, where the ball of the foot hits the ground first, reduces the impact on joints but demands greater calf strength. Each type has its merits and drawbacks, and finding the right one can vary depending on terrain and personal preference. If you are interested in a gait analysis performed to determine your running foot strike, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

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 in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 and ankle needs.