Foot pain may affect the toes, arches, heels, or ankles, and it often becomes more noticeable at night, when the body is at rest. Muscle fatigue from standing or walking for long periods of time, can cause cramps that worsen during sleep. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue that supports the arch, may lead to sharp or throbbing heel pain that persists into the night. Nerve conditions such as Morton’s neuroma or peripheral neuropathy can create burning, tingling, or stabbing pain that interrupts sleep. Circulation problems related to diabetes may also produce aching or cramping when blood flow to the feet is reduced. In some cases, sciatica can cause pain that radiates down into the feet, making nighttime discomfort worse. A podiatrist can determine the source of the foot pain and provide treatment to relieve symptoms and protect long-term foot health. If you frequently experience nighttime foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Patricia Mcilrath, DPM from Health One Podiatry. 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 our offices located in Reading and Rittenhouse Square, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic neuropathy damages the nerves in the feet due to prolonged high blood sugar levels, making people more vulnerable to serious foot problems. Nerve damage often causes numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp pain in the toes and feet. Because sensation is reduced, injuries like cuts, blisters, or sores may go unnoticed, allowing them to worsen into ulcers or become infected. In advanced cases, untreated wounds can lead to gangrene and the possibility of limb loss. Neuropathy can also weaken the muscles in the feet and ankles, increasing the risk of imbalance and falls. Some people may develop changes in foot shape, which can lead to bone fractures and collapse. A podiatrist can detect early warning signs of neuropathy through a thorough foot exam, provide treatment to relieve discomfort, and help prevent further complications. If you have symptoms of neuropathy in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for ongoing help in managing this condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Patricia Mcilrath, DPM from Health One Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Children and young teenagers who complain of heel pain may be experiencing a condition known as Sever’s disease. This condition is defined as inflammation in the growth plate of the heel due to repetitive force. It can affect children who frequently participate in running and jumping activities, such as soccer, basketball, or gymnastics. Early recognition and treatment is most effective with Sever’s disease. When this condition is managed early on, safe return to play and sports will be more likely. Mild relief can be found when the affected foot is elevate and the activity is temporarily ceased. If your child is limping or complaining of heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Patricia Mcilrath, DPM from Health One Podiatry. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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