Buy Shoes that will Keep Your Feet in Good Standing

If your Christmas shopping includes getting new party clothes, choose your shoes last.  Because your feet swell up during the day, always wait until later to try on shoes, or risk getting a pair that may feel fine at first, but end up tight and uncomfortable.  Since your feet also get bigger over time, you may want to have them measured again.  However, as various brands of shoes are sized differently, judge them on how they feel now, rather than counting on a “breaking-in” period; and try on both of them.   

         Select shoes that are 2-2½” high, with a wide heel base for support, instead of towering, unsteady stilettos that can trigger bunions, hammertoes, corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails.  Buy shoes that will look dazzling with your dress, while not causing your feet any distress.

Of course, if you already have one of the aforementioned foot ailments, or any others, come see us, without delay, so you won’t have to suffer another day.  And remember, the proper care, along with the proper shoes, will keep your feet in good standing.   

‘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!

Common Youth Baseball Ankle Injuries

Parents, summertime means baseball season for your active children. There are ankle and foot injuries that are fairly common amongst youths. Here are a few of the injuries and suggested treatments. For more information on youth baseball ankle and foot injuries visit the Beaver Valley Foot Clinics website or call 724-375-1577.

 Achilles Tendinitis: The stopping and starting creates tightness and straining in the back of the heel.

Plantar Fasciitis: A condition in which catchers are susceptible especially in the arch of the foot by squatting behind home plate for every pitch. Again, coaches should teach their catchers how to alter
their stance to vary weight displacement. A podiatric physician can evaluate arch pain and may prescribe customized shoe inserts called orthoses to help alleviate the pain.

Contusions: A baseball will inevitably make contact with a player's foot and ankle, whether it's a pitched ball, foul tip, or line drive, and sliding base runners often run headlong into a infielder's legs.
Usually this contact results in contusions, which are not often serious injuries. Ice packs and a few days' rest will usually help the contusions, or bruises, feel better.

Shin Splints: Shin splints usually stem from an inflammation of the muscle and tendon attached to the shin, caused by stress factors. Treat shin pain with cold compresses immediately after a game to
reduce inflammation. Proper stretching and strengthening exercises should prevent the onset of shin splints.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Do you suffer from unexplained foot pain? It could be a result of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that is caused by compression of the tibial nerve (major nerve for feeling in the foot) or its associated branches as the nerve passes underneath the flexor retinaculum at the level of the ankle. Tarsal tunnel is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome of the wrist and hand. It can lead to extreme pain in the ankle and foot, making it hard to walk, or even stand.

Our podiatrists are specially trained in the delicate procedure of triple nerve decompression which helps such symptoms as pain and tingling in the feet. Call 724-375-1577 for more information on nerve decompression to treat tarsal tunnel syndrome or visit Beaver Valley Foot Clinic's website to schedule an appointment.

Get your Toes Ready for Sandals!

Are you tired of thick discolored nails hurting in your shoes? Are you embarrassed by what people would think if they saw your unsightly nails or warts? Would you like a simple easy way to get rid of fungus or warts?

 
The Beaver Valley Foot Clinic has the answer for you with its fungus and wart laser removal procedure. The laser passes through the nail without damaging it, yet kills the fungus living under the nail. This new approach to solving toenail fungus is more effective than topical treatment and without the side effects of taking pills. At the time of the procedure your toenail will not become instantly clear, but as it grows, the new nail will grow out normal as a result of the death to the fungus.

Don't be afraid to wear sandals this summer, clean up your toenails with a laser treatment from the Beaver Valley Foot Clinic!

Injuries and Treatments Common to Many Sports

Ankle Sprains: In older children, stretched or torn ligaments in the ankle, known as sprains, are more common than fractures. A sprain may cause extensive swelling around the ankle just like a fracture.
Immediate treatment is crucial to quick healing. A podiatric physician can provide treatment as well as recommend balancing and strengthening exercises to restore coordination quickly.

 Fractures: Fractures from overuse in child athletes are commonly seen in podiatric medical offices. Growth plates are particularly susceptible to injuries, but mid-shaft fractures of the bone also
occur. If a fracture is not severe, rest and immobilization may be the best treatment. More complicated injuries may require casting or surgical correction. If swelling and pain persist, see a podiatric physician.

Sever's Disease: An inflammation of a growth plate, Sever’s Disease is often felt as pain behind the heel caused by inflammation of the apophysis, a growth center where a tendon is attached to the bone.
Rest, ice, and heel lifts are usually prescribed.

Shin Splints and Stress Fractures: Shin splints are microtears or inflammation of the anterior leg muscles, as are achilles tendon pulls in the posterior region of the leg. Again, rest is most important in
healing these injuries. If pain is persistent, see a podiatrist, who can recommend strengthening exercises, certain shoes, or, if indicated, prescribe custom-made shoe inserts known as orthoses.

Neuromas

An irritation of a nerve may produce a neuroma, which is a benign enlargement of a nerve segment, commonly found between the third and fourth toes.

Trauma, arthritis, high-heeled shoes, or an abnormal bone structure are just some of the conditions that may cause a neuroma. Symptoms such as burning or tingling in the ball of the foot or in the adjacent toes and even numbness are commonly seen with this condition. Those suffering from the condition often find relief by stopping their walk, taking off their shoe, and rubbing the affected area. At times, you may feel the pain is similar to having a stone in your shoe.



Call us with any questions or concerns about Neuromas. Your feet aren’t supposed to hurt. Call Beaver Valley Foot Clinic today at 724-375-1577!

Try a Variety of Activity to Keep your Children's Feet Healthy!

The immature bones of children are different from those of adults. The "growth plates" in children's bone do not finish closing until age 15-17 in boys and 13-15 in girls. When stressed, these plates are more susceptible to injury than the tendons and ligaments that support the joints. Ligaments tend to "give" before bones in adults.

Physicians warn repetitive overuse can cause inflammation of the growth plates. They advise parents to promote diverse physical activities for their children rather than one sport. This is especially important with individual sports such as running, gymnastics, and tennis, which require long hours of practice.

For more tips on foot and ankle safety visit http://www.bvfootclinic.com/

Regenerative Injection Therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment

If you have a tendon or ligament injury and traditional methods have not provided relief, then PRP therapy may be the solution.  The procedure is less aggressive and less expensive than surgery. It will heal tissue with minimal or no scarring and alleviates further degeneration of the tissues.

Tendons and ligaments are responsible for providing motion across joints and stabilizing these joints. With chronic repetitive use, our tendons and ligaments are susceptible to injury. Because they have a relatively poor blood supply the healing process can be difficult. Eventually, small tears occur. This is referred to as tendinosis.

Traditionally, anti-inflammatory medication has been used to tendon and ligament pathology. Once the injury has progressed to the stage of tendinosis these medications are often ineffective. In addition, prolonged use of these medications is not without side effects. Cortisone injections have a potent anti-inflammatory effect and can provide considerable relief. However, they do not provide long term healing and repeated use of cortisone can actually further weaken tendons and ligaments.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an effective treatment for tendon and ligament injuries. PRP is blood plasma with concentrated platelets. The concentrated platelets in PRP contain huge reservoirs of growth factors that promote and accelerate the healing process.

Proper Footwear for your Active Child

Improper footwear can lead to foot and ankle injuries for your active children.  The Beaver Valley Foot Clinic recognizes the importance of proper footwear, and has some tips on how to make sure your young athlete stays healthy.

Because a child's feet are constantly growing, it is important to allow at least one finger's width from the end of the longest toe when buying shoes. Remember, proper fit is very important. You can have the best shoe in the world, but if it doesn't fit right, it doesn't do its job.

In the shoe store, children should put on both shoes, with their athletic socks and the laces tied tight, for several minutes to properly check the shoes' fit. Shop for shoes in the afternoon, when the feet are naturally slightly swollen.

In young children, an "all purpose" sports shoe works well for most sports. A running-specific shoe is not suitable as an all purpose shoe; moving laterally in a running shoe is more difficult and presents greater risk of injury for children. After the age of 10, sport-specific shoes can help improve performance and protect the feet. 

Stay tuned for more tips on footwear for your active child from BVFC.

Ingrown Toenail Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a common problem that can be extremely uncomfortable, but they do not need to be a lingering problem!

What are ingrown toenails?

An ingrown nail is the result of a nail growing into the skin that surrounds it. This often occurs at either edge of the big toe. Ingrown nails may be caused by improper trimming, inherited nail deformities, injuries, fungal infections, or pressure.

What do we do?

While many people have various home treatments for ingrown toenails they do not always prove to be effective.  Our simple 5 minute procedure will permanently fix your ingrown toenail and leave
you free of discomfort and unsightly toe issues.  Call today for an appointment at (724)-375-1577.

Meet Dr. Christina Teimouri (Certified Cryostar Surgeon)

Dr. Christina has been treating those with toenail problems, sprains, breaks, hammertoes, heel spurs, corns, calluses, diabetic and arthritic conditions for more than 16 years. Dedicated to offering the latest in podiatric advances, Dr. Christina is the source for revolutionary treatments like Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, new Radio Surgery, and Cryosurgery. Dr. Christina Teimouri is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Dr. Teimouri is a Certified Cryostar Surgeon, and Lectures at various seminars about the Cryostar Cryoanalgesia System. She is also a certified instructor in Extracorpal Shockwave Therapy, ESWT, for the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis, or heel spur syndrome.
But along with receiving the most advanced care, you will take a step back in time. To a time when a patient received unhurried one-on-one care from their personal Doctor. And this is Dr. Christina Teimouri's way: the old-fashioned way.

Meet Dr. Quattrone

Dr. Quattrone DPM has many years of extensive clinical and surgical experience and enjoys working with patients of all ages and backgrounds. He is Board Certified both in Surgery by ABPS and in Wound Care. He trained at Johns Hopkins University under the well-respected Dr. A. Lee Dellon MD. He has been successfully performing the triple nerve decompression technique for diabetic neuropathy for many years. He is a big sports fan, so he understands the toll athletics and sporting activities can take on one's feet. He stays active by exercising and helps coach his son's football and baseball teams.

Do you suffer from heel pain, Morton's Neuroma, Plantar Fasciitis, Diabetic Neuropathy or Fibromas?

Do you suffer from heel pain, Morton's Neuroma, Plantar Fasciitis, Diabetic Neuropathy or Fibromas?  Cryosurgery can help with all of these! It's a six minute office procedure with a high success rate allowing you to walk out of the office ,shower the next day and not miss any work! How it works is by having the ice 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. This unique therapy 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. Call 724-375-1577 for an appointment.

 

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Are you suffering from Chronic Plantar Fasciitis? We can help!

 

Are you suffering from Chronic Plantar Fasciitis? Then come on in to the Beaver Valley Foot Clinic for Extracorporeal Shock wave Therapy. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or ESWT, is a treatment option for patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. ESWT delivers focused shock waves to the heel inducing microtrauma to the tissue that is affected by plantar fasciitis and initiating a healing response by the body. The Healing response causes blood vessel formation and increased delivery of nutrients to the affected heel thereby stimulating the repair process and relieving the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Benefits of ESWT

• Risks of surgery eliminated
• A proven pain relief procedure
• Patients can walk immediately
• 30-minute in-office procedure
• No time off work
• No pain medication