Items filtered by date: January 2016

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a debilitating disease that affects as much as 1.5 million people across the nation. RA is a chronic disease that requires extensive treatment over an elongated period of time. Though there have been drugs on the market since the last 15 years, these drugs can be costly to use. These particular RA drugs helped slow the progression of the disease and reduced the need for surgery. However, there are four new RA drugs that are soon to hit the market and that may be more cost-effective than current drugs. These four new drugs are expected to receive FDA approval and expect to aid in the prevention of RA growth in patients.  

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, speak to Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns and answer any of your related questions.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

- Swelling & pain in the feet
- Stiffness in the feet
- Pain on the ball or sole of feet
- Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Read more on Rheumatoid Arthritis

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, busy lifestyles may give way to sore and achy feet. To keep feet happy during the holidays, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) offers five tips. Avoid wearing narrow-fitting, overly-high-heeled shoes that are uncomfortable on the feet. If you suffer from gout, try to avoid over-indulging in what you eat, as certain foods can trigger gout attacks. Keep in mind the sanitary conditions of your favorite nail salon before getting your holiday pedicure. Use caution when traveling outside in the ice and snow. Inspect the feet for any abnormal conditions, and do not ignore any signs of pain.

Every day foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. For more information, speak to Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns and answer any of your related questions.

Every Day Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. After all, without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks. It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before, for example.

For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops.

Also, wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions, please contact our offices located inPhiladelphia and Bensalem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Everyday Foot Care

A study is being done in the Western Cape of Africa to examine how children who have been barefoot most of their lives may have stronger and healthier feet. According to the research, “the ankles of players who train barefoot are more stable and...more agile.” Further research suggests that practicing barefoot exercise while young may help in foot development. The increased stability in the children can lead to improved balance and the prevention of foot and ankle injuries.

Barefoot running has its own share of benefits and disadvantages. For more information, speak to Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns and answer any of your related questions.

Barefoot Running

The Impact of Barefoot Running
-Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
-Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.

The Advantages of Barefoot Running
-When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced; this can reduce stress injuries.
-It strengthens muscles in the feet, ankles and the lower legs.
-Balance of the body is improved and there is greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running
-No protection while running makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, resulting in bruises and cuts on the feet.
-Blisters may form.
-Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
-Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.

So what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.

If you have any questions, please contact our offices located inPhiladelphia and Bensalem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Barefoot Running

Italian center-back Mark Andreolli will be missing the rest of the season, club Sevilla has confirmed, following a foot injury. Andreolli sustained a Achilles tendon injury in the Champions League game against Real Sociedad during the first half. In response to the injury, Club Sevilla announced that Andreolli will be having surgery, which will put him on rest for 6 to 8 months.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns about your feet contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

- Inflammation

- Dull to Severe Pain

- Increased blood flow to the tendon

- Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot

- Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise

- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

Read more about Achilles tendon injuries.