Proper shoe fit plays a vital role in maintaining overall foot health and preventing avoidable injuries. Many adults unknowingly wear shoes that are too large, which can lead to blisters, instability, and an increased risk of trips and falls. Shoes that are too small can be equally harmful, contributing to painful conditions such as bunions and hammertoes. Wearing the right shoes for specific activities is essential for support, comfort, and injury prevention. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend appropriate footwear, and address existing concerns before they worsen. Taking the time to choose correctly fitted shoes can improve mobility, reduce pain, and support long-term wellness. If you have foot pain from possibly wearing the wrong size shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on the appropriate shoe size to wear.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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

Ingrown toenails can occur even in very young babies. In some infants, both big toenails grow into the surrounding skin, a condition called infantile bilateral ingrown toenails. Parents may notice redness, swelling, or tenderness along the sides of the nail. Sometimes the skin looks puffy or slightly inflamed, and the baby may cry when the toe is touched. This often happens because a baby’s nails are soft and curved, and the skin around them is delicate. Wearing tight socks, pressure, or the natural shape of the nail can cause the edge to press into the skin. In many cases, gentle care such as keeping the feet clean, trimming nails straight across, and avoiding tight footwear can help. However, if the toe becomes very red, swollen, or shows drainage, surgery might be recommended. it is suggested that a podiatrist be consulted to evaluate the toe, ease discomfort, and recommend the safest treatment to keep your baby’s feet healthy.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the joints and surrounding soft tissues. It commonly affects the small joints of the feet, leading to pain, swelling, and progressive deformity. This inflammation can make walking difficult and reduce overall mobility. Risk factors include family history, smoking, and long-term immune system dysfunction. Symptoms often include joint stiffness, especially in the morning, tenderness, swelling, and changes in foot shape over time. A podiatrist can help by assessing foot structure, providing supportive devices, recommending footwear modifications, and managing pain and pressure points. If you have RA, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition and maintain mobility.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Abnormal foot posture can contribute to low back pain because the feet support the body’s overall alignment. When they do not function properly, forces traveling through the legs and spine become uneven, placing added strain on the knees, hips, and lower back. Two common problems are pronation and supination. Pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward excessively, often in people with flat feet, causing the legs to rotate inward and disrupting alignment. Supination can happen when the foot rolls outward, typically in those with high arches, reducing shock absorption and increasing joint stress. Risk factors include prolonged standing, excess weight, and repetitive impact, meaning repeated stress from activities like walking or running over time. This ongoing strain can affect muscles, joints, and the spine. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure and gait, and recommend orthotics or supportive footwear to improve alignment, relieve pain, and promote better overall function. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer relief techniques that are right for you.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 our office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.