You’ve probably seen many bruises on your skin throughout your life, with their black-and-blue discoloration and associated pain, but did you know that you can also bruise a bone? A bone bruise occurs when a small injury on the surface of a bone fills up with blood and other fluids. Like a regular bruise, a bone bruise may cause your skin to turn black, blue, or purple, but it is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as stiffness, joint swelling, pain, and tenderness that last longer than a typical bruise. Bone bruises are somewhat common among athletes and people who work physically demanding job,s which can take a toll on their feet and toes. The bruise may last anywhere from a couple of days to several months, but if you find that your symptoms are getting worse instead of better over time, then you may have a more serious injury, such as a broken bone. If you notice a large bruise on your feet or toes, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Sham Persaud, DPM from Pennsylvania. Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel to the toes. This condition develops when the fascia is strained from overuse or stress. Risk factors include limited ankle dorsiflexion, or the upward bending motion of the foot, obesity, flat feet, and standing for long periods of time, all of which increase pressure on the heel. Symptoms usually involve sharp pain with the first steps in the morning or after rest. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause, provide treatments such as targeted stretching exercises, orthotics, and footwear guidance, and help prevent recurrence. If you suffer from persistent heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Sham Persaud, DPM  from Pennsylvania. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

The foot is a complex structure of bones, joints, and ligaments that work together to absorb shock and propel the body forward while running. Each step places up to three times your body weight on your feet, making them vital for balance and stability. Movements such as eversion, where the foot rolls outward, and inversion, where it rolls inward, help adapt to different surfaces and maintain proper alignment. Overuse or improper running form can strain these bones and lead to injuries. A podiatrist can assess your gait, recommend supportive footwear, and provide treatment for pain or instability. If you have foot or ankle pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on effective running form tips.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Sham Persaud, DPM from Pennsylvania. Our practitioner 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 our offices located in Washington and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The medical procedure that is referred to as shockwave therapy may be beneficial in reducing the pain that is associated with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and discomfort from an Achilles tendon injury. It is applied through the surface of the skin, and is known to accelerate the healing process as blood vessels are repaired. The benefits of this type of treatment can include a speedy recovery, no anesthesia, and that the procedure is simple to apply. If you suffer from chronic foot pain, and would like additional information about shockwave therapy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine if this is the correct treatment for you.

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with Sham Persaud, DPM from Pennsylvania. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

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