Items filtered by date: February 2025

A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue caused by irritation, compression, or trauma. The most common type is Morton’s neuroma, which affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes. This condition develops when the nerve becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress, wearing tight footwear, or biomechanical issues, leading to pain, tingling, or a sensation of walking on a pebble. Over time, an untreated neuroma can worsen, causing chronic pain and permanent nerve damage. The affected nerve may continue to enlarge, making non-surgical treatments less effective. A podiatrist can provide relief through custom orthotics, footwear modifications, corticosteroid injections, or minimally invasive procedures. In severe cases, surgical removal of the neuroma may be necessary. If you think you have a foot neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

The proper running foot strike is essential for preventing injuries and improving performance. While running, the anatomy of the foot plays a key role in how the body absorbs impact. There are several types of foot strikes, each affecting the body differently. A heel strike occurs when the heel hits the ground first, often seen in runners with a longer stride or those who overstride. A midfoot strike is when the middle of the foot lands first, offering a more natural and efficient impact absorption. The forefoot strike involves landing on the balls of the feet, which is common in sprinters and fast runners. A flat foot strike is when the entire sole of the foot touches the ground at once, which can place excess strain on the lower limbs. Lastly, a toe strike is when only the toes touch the ground first, providing more propulsion but sometimes leading to calf strain. If you enjoy running and have endured a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot injuries, and guide you on correct running techniques.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll from Pennsylvania. 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 Philadelphia, Bensalem, and Fairless Hills, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A plantar fibroma is a benign growth of fibrous tissue that develops in the arch of the foot. This condition often appears as a small, firm lump beneath the skin, typically in the plantar fascia, which is the connective tissue along the bottom of the foot. Symptoms include discomfort or pain when walking or standing for extended periods, especially when the fibroma presses against the inside of the shoe. The exact cause of plantar fibromas is not fully understood, but they are believed to be linked to genetic factors, trauma, or repetitive stress. Lifestyle factors such as wearing poorly fitted shoes, being overweight, or engaging in high-impact activities can increase the likelihood of developing this condition. Individuals with a family history of plantar fibroma or certain connective tissue disorders may be at higher risk. If you have the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Philadelphia, Bensalem, and Fairless Hills, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Toe cramps can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but specific foot exercises can help alleviate this issue. One effective exercise is the shuffle, which involves moving the feet back and forth while standing. This helps improve circulation and flexibility in the toes. Another useful technique is the spin, where the toes are rotated in circles, allowing them to stretch and reduce tension. Toe pull-ups also provide relief by strengthening the muscles and improving mobility. To perform this, lift the toes upward while keeping the heel on the ground. Toe extensions are beneficial for stretching the toes, helping to relieve stiffness and prevent cramps. Simply extend the toes as far as possible while holding for a few seconds. Scrunchies involve curling the toes inward, as if gripping a small towel or cloth, and holding the position to strengthen the toe muscles. Toe cramps can be painful, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to find appropriate relief methods.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Philadelphia, Bensalem, and Fairless Hills, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.