‘Tis the Season to be Kind to Your Feet

   Although the holidays are meant to be fun and festive, with the countless preparations that it takes to make that one, special day as merry as it’s supposed to be, this is also quite a stressful time for many people. 

Moreover, the pressure can increase if unexpected problems arise; and they surely will.  While some of them may be beyond your control, there will be others that you may be able to avert.         

 For one thing, you can take preventive measures against cold and flu viruses, which are among the most common setbacks.  For two things, you can take good care of your feet, as they’re crucial to all of the running – and walking – around that you have to do.  Wear comfortable shoes while you’re out shopping, and take rest breaks whenever you need them.  Don’t think that you don’t have time to stop, because you won’t accomplish much if every step is excruciating.            

 Above all, if you’re already experiencing foot ailments, the first thing on your list should be to come in and see us.  We can help you to walk pain-free again; and we won’t even ask whether you’ve been naughty or nice!      

Custom-Fit Orthotics Make the Holidays a Cakewalk

   Sometimes, conditions such as flat feet, and other deformities, can make walking painful, and necessitate the use of orthotics.  While most drug, department, and grocery stores, offer assortments of shoe inserts, it is important to note that the only way to get the ones that are best for you is to consult the experts. 

We will perform a thorough examination and evaluation, based on your foot type, your particular gait, joint motion, muscle strength, age, and activity level.  After taking everything into consideration, we will fit you with orthotics that will allow you to walk with ease again.        

Our custom-made orthotics, available in rigid, semi-rigid, and soft, flexible styles, will provide you with maximum comfort.  Moreover, they will prevent further damage to your feet, which can be caused by abnormal walking motion.     

Remember, the holidays are nipping at your heels; and that means that your already-busy life is about to get a lot more hectic.  Make it easier on yourself, by letting us create the perfect orthotics for you.  Best of all, because they will be prescribed by a certified podiatrist, there’s a good chance that your insurance company will foot the bill.   

We’ll Heal Your Heel for Real

 Although it’s one of the most common foot ailments, it remains a nameless malady to many of its victims.  Nevertheless, they are reminded of its existence every day, as their heels start hurting the moment that they step out of bed.   This affliction, plantar fasciitis, arises when the plantar fascia, a ligament-like band that runs from the heel, to the ball of the foot, becomes strained, and begins to swell or fray.  Often called a heel spur, it can be brought on by many things, including vigorous physical activity, weight gain, ill-fitting shoes, and excessive standing or walking. 

We have several ways of treating this condition, including Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT).  In this easy, half-hour procedure, a series of focused shock waves is delivered to the heel, triggering the formation of blood vessels that will carry nutrients to the affected area, thus stimulating the repair process.   

So, if your heel pain gives you a stronger jolt than your morning coffee, and has you walking on egg shells as you make your way to the kitchen for breakfast, don’t despair.  Come pay us a visit, and we’ll stop it in your tracks.

Corn Futures on the Decline

     Corns and calluses aren’t generally considered to be serious afflictions.  On the other hand - or, in this case, foot - in certain instances, they have the potential to be quite worrisome.  This is particularly true for diabetics, because, on them, something as simple as a corn can become infected, destroy healthy tissue, and lead to further complications.

Nevertheless, whether or not they’re harmful to your health, corns are, at least, unsightly; and they’re often painful as well.  This is understandable, as they normally result from the friction of a shoe constantly rubbing against a part of the foot.  When this happens, the body’s natural defenses kick in, causing the skin in the affected area to thicken.  Although this is intended to protect the foot, it is, by no means, a solution.  After all, the longer you ignore it, the larger the corn or callus will become; and, eventually, it will lead to an irregular gait, which will only inspire more of these protuberances to form.

Of course, you can easily prevent this situation.  Just come in and see us, and we’ll nip your corn in the bud before you grow a whole crop!

Be more HANDS ON with your Foot Health

   Hands-on Foot Care

With approximately 16 million Americans suffering from diabetes, and more being diagnosed every day, most people have, at least, a basic knowledge of the disease.  Nearly everyone realizes that it’s caused by the body’s inability to produce insulin, or use it properly, and that it affects many organs.  They also know that those who have it must constantly monitor their blood sugar, as well as their diets.

Moreover, it’s generally understood that diabetes can affect the feet, often in very serious ways.  In fact, for those who have the affliction, even a small, otherwise innocuous, sore can easily become infected; and, if not correctly treated, and completely healed, it can have devastating consequences.  Diabetic neuropathy, which causes burning, tingling, and numbness in the feet, is another issue of concern. 

 Luckily, there are many precautions that you can take, to prevent, or minimize, most of these complications.  Call us today for an appointment, and we’ll create a customized, easy-to-follow plan of prevention that you can jump into with both feet – and it won’t hurt, because they’ll be healthy!    

Neuropathy and its Treatments

Neuropathy is a nerve disruption that can affect the feet and ankle causing pain, burning and tingling. Let the Beaver Valley Foot Clinic rid your neuropathy related pain with the Rebuilder. The ReBuilder is an electronics bio-medical device that eliminates symptoms related to neuropathy. It accomplishes this without the need for surgery or medication!

The Rebuilder draws nerve endings closer together for better impulse propagation, and improves nerve transmissions. It also triggers leg muscles to contract and relax, sending blood back to the heart, while
rebuilding muscle mass and strength in legs.

For more information on this, and other foot treatments, visit the Beaver Valley Foot Clinic's website or call 724-375-1577!

Cryotherapy at Beaver Valley Foot Clinic

Are you dealing with chronic foot pain? Cryotherapy may be the solution for you. This quick and easy procedure has a high success rate and allows you to walk out of the office after the procedure!

This minimally invasive procedure freezes nerves, allowing ice to form around the actual nerve itself, the outer layers of the nerve sheath degenerates and, in doing so, decreases the nerve’s abilities to transmit the signal of pain. Over the course of the next couple of months, the nerve sheath regenerates again and in most cases regenerates without the inflammation and you are pain free.

Like applying an ice pack on the skin for minor aches and pains, cryotherapy has been shown to be very effective in relieving very painful foot conditions such as heel pain (plantar fasciitis), neuromas, and has been showing promising results in treating other conditions such as tarsal tunnel pain, tendonitis and may even be helpful in cases of arthritis and diabetic neuropathy. Contact the Beaver Valley Foot Clinic at 724-375-1577 today for more information or an appointment!