Cricket might seem like a game with minimal risk of injuries, but it can take a toll on players’ bodies, especially their feet. Bowlers and batters experience different stresses based on their roles and techniques. Pace bowlers, known for their high-speed deliveries, are more likely to have pronounced foot posture, where the foot rolls inward on impact. This results from the intense forces generated during their run-up and landing. Spin bowlers, who rely on slower, spinning deliveries, more often display supinated foot posture, where the foot rolls outward. This is due to the twisting and pivoting movements needed to spin the ball effectively. Batters, who focus on quick, agile footwork to face the ball, may develop imbalances in foot posture due to repeated pressure on the front of the foot and uneven weight distribution. If you play cricket and foot pain or injuries arise, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and care.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Foot problems caused by diabetes can significantly affect a patient’s health and quality of life. Two common conditions that contribute to diabetic foot complications are loss of protective sensation, or LOPS, and peripheral artery disease, or PAD. Loss of protective sensation occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the nerves in the feet, leading to reduced sensation. This can prevent a diabetic patient from feeling injuries like sores, blisters, or temperature changes, which in turn increases the risk of developing wounds that may become ulcerated or infected. Peripheral artery disease restricts blood flow to the feet resulting from a buildup of plaque. This slows the healing of sores and can lead to foot ulcers or, in severe cases, amputations. A podiatrist can monitor and address these problems by assessing nerve function, checking circulation, and providing guidance on protective footwear and foot care routines. If you have foot problems caused by diabetes, it is suggested that you schedule regular visits to a podiatrist who can help you to manage them.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Heel blisters are fluid-filled bubbles that form on the skin due to friction, pressure, or heat. They are common among people who spend long hours walking, running, or wearing poorly fitting shoes. The main cause of heel blisters is friction between the heel and shoe, which causes the skin to rub and separate. This leads to a buildup of fluid underneath the skin. Factors such as moisture, wearing tight shoes, or lack of proper cushioning can increase the likelihood of blisters. To prevent them, it is important to wear well-fitted shoes that provide proper support. Additionally, wearing moisture-wicking socks can help reduce friction. Heel blisters can become infected, and can cause difficulty in wearing shoes. If you have developed this or any type of foot blister, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can treat infected blisters, and offer additional prevention tips.
Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
Symptoms
(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)
Prevention & Treatment
In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Choosing the correct shoe fit is both an art and a science. It begins with matching the shoe shape to the natural form of your foot, ensuring the shoe follows your foot’s contour. Size is also key, and it is best determined by the length of the arch rather than simply by toe position. A well-fitting shoe should allow the first metatarsal joint, the base of the big toe, to sit in the shoe’s widest area. For maximum comfort, look for lightweight shoes with soft midsoles and gently curved rocker soles. These features tend to feel better for everyday wear. Flexibility in the sole, internal shoe temperature, and insoles can affect comfort, although these factors may vary based on individual needs and activities. Ultimately, a good fit supports foot health and enhances comfort, helping you stay active and pain-free. If you want assistance in selecting the right shoe fit for you, it is suggested that you reach out to a podiatrist for guidance.
Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Getting the Right Shoe Size
There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.
As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
In diabetic foot care, selecting the right wound dressing is vital to aid healing and prevent infection. Dressings protect the wound and cater to specific ulcer needs. Non-stick dressings are gentle on delicate skin, preventing adherence that could cause irritation. For wounds with heavy fluid, foam and gel dressings are excellent for absorbing excess moisture. Hydrogels help with the natural breakdown of dead tissue, making them suitable for wounds with dry, necrotic areas. Antimicrobial dressings with iodine or silver help reduce infection, although sealed dressings are not recommended if an infection is present, as they can trap bacteria. Dressings should be changed frequently, particularly in highly draining ulcers, to prevent skin breakdown surrounding the wound. If you have a diabetic foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine your wound, and recommend the best dressing choice for your ulcer’s condition.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Warts on the feet, particularly plantar warts, are a common skin condition caused by the human papillomavirus, HPV. These warts occur when the virus enters the skin through tiny cuts, breaks, or weak spots, often on the soles of the feet. This virus thrives in warm, moist environments, making public places like swimming pools, locker rooms, and communal showers prime locations for spreading HPV. Walking barefoot in these areas can increase the risk of contracting plantar warts. Plantar warts often appear as small, rough, and grainy lesions, typically on weight-bearing areas such as the heels or balls of the feet. Unlike other types of warts, plantar warts tend to grow inward due to pressure from walking or standing, which can cause a flat appearance and make them difficult to detect at first glance. These warts may have tiny black dots within them, which are small, clotted blood vessels. If you have this type of wart on your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
Treatment
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Hammertoe is a foot condition characterized by the abnormal bending of one or more toes, typically affecting the second, third, or fourth toes. This deformity often develops due to muscle imbalances, genetics, or wearing tight shoes that restrict toe movement. Over time, the affected toe bends at the middle joint, leading to discomfort. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes. Individuals may also notice calluses or corns forming on the top of the bent toe or on the ball of the foot due to friction. Early relief options include wearing properly fitting shoes and using orthotic inserts, but persistent symptoms or worsening deformity may require medical intervention. A podiatrist may recommend targeted exercises, custom orthotics, or, in more severe cases, surgery to realign the toe. If you are experiencing symptoms of hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation and effective treatment options tailored to your needs.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
Causes
Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
Foot orthotics have a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations, where early forms of arch support were crafted from natural materials like leather and wood. By the 20th century, modern orthotics evolved with a better understanding of foot biomechanics. In the 1960s, Dr. Merton Root introduced functional foot orthotics, which revolutionized the field by focusing on correcting foot motion to treat various conditions like flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and overpronation. Today, orthotics are highly customizable, made from advanced materials such as carbon fiber and EVA foam. They provide support, relieve pain, and improve mobility for patients with various foot problems. The future of foot orthotics looks promising, with advancements in 3D printing and digital foot scanning allowing for even more precise and personalized solutions. If you suffer from persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment, which may include custom orthotics.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
