Most people are born with flat feet, and the arch generally starts to form by the age of six. The late teenage years is typically when the arch is completely developed, but may not happen in many adults. This may come from  having a genetic disposition, or from an abnormal foot structure. Obesity may contribute to adults having flat feet, and it may be prevalent among pregnant women. Additionally, enduring a sports injury may lead to flat feet, and it can be natural among the elderly population. It is easy to notice flat feet, and is obvious while standing on the floor as the foot lies completely flat. The area where the arch would normally be can be strengthened by performing specific stretches and exercises. It may also be beneficial to wear shoes that have extra cushioning and support, and losing weight may help, if applicable. If you have flat feet, it is strongly urged that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

The more one knows about the risks of falling, the better prepared one can be. Sorting through information and understanding myths related to falling is important. Falling can have serious consequences, particularly for seniors, and it may not just be a matter of getting up and continuing one’s day. Even if injuries are not life-threatening, they can be life changing. For example, a fractured foot or ankle can impact a senior’s ability to live independently. It has also been proven that the likelihood of falling again increases with falls. However, falling is not inevitable as one ages. Precautions, such as getting regular vision checks, reviewing side effects of medication, and staying active, can be taken to prevent falls. If you have fallen and sustained injuries to your feet or ankles, or would like more fall prevention information, a podiatrist can help you.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

The foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis generally begins as occasional heel pain. Many people tend to ignore this until the pain becomes severe. It is a gradual condition that happens when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. This is the band of tissue that connects the toes to the heels and can become irritated or torn for various reasons. These include standing on hard surfaces for a good portion of the day and wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, it may happen from overuse during running and jumping activities or from increasing speed and mileage too quickly while running. Patients notice the heel pain may be worse after arising in the morning, but may lessen after walking a few steps. Effective prevention tactics can include properly warming up before exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and wearing shoes that fit correctly. Please consult with a podiatrist at the first sign of heel pain from plantar fasciitis for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors 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 office located in Duryea, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Dehydration can cause swollen feet. It can cause constriction of blood vessels, which forces fluid into spaces between cells leading to retention, especially in lower limbs. The kidneys begin to react by retaining sodium and water and fluid builds up in surrounding tissues, leading to swelling. When one is dehydrated, it can cause water weight by retaining fluids. All of this can lead to puffiness, bloating, and discomfort. Drinking more water can help. Experts suggest consuming eight to 10 glasses of water per day. Doing this may seem counter-intuitive but when the body is not hydrated enough, it holds onto the fluid it has. If your legs swell for no apparent reason, and you have leg pain, difficulty breathing, and other emergent symptoms, contact a medical professional immediately. However, if you are experiencing foot pain, chances are that you are not drinking enough water. If your feet are swollen and uncomfortable and you want to learn more about how to prevent this from happening, seek the counsel of a podiatrist, who can evaluate your situation and provide recommendations.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Duryea, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.