Foot Problem Solutions in Pittsburgh, Bethel Park & White Oak, Pa

You don’t have to live with treatable foot conditions – especially when you’re already struggling with diabetes-related issues. Turn to the Academy of Podiatry for a personalized solution to your foot problems. In Pittsburgh and White Oak, our offices offer a variety of services and treatments for many foot ailments. Schedule your appointment today and meet with a podiatrist that cares about your concerns.

Issues We Treat

The foot treatment that’s right for one condition varies among individuals. What works best for someone else may not work as well for you—that’s why our staff strongly recommends seeking a professional opinion before deciding on any one course of action. Read on to learn more about our clinics’ approach to common foot issues.

Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascial ligament, which initially presents with heel pain. The pain is usually most intense when you take your first few steps of the day. Unfortunately, as this condition progresses, the pain can become present throughout the day.

Wearing unsupportive shoes or shoes whose support has worn down is the most common cause. Weight gain and aging are also associated with plantar fasciitis. Conservative treatments for plantar fasciitis are anti-inflammatories, cortisone injections, night splint, Airheels, and orthotics. If the pain persists after conservative therapy, we may recommend surgery to release the plantar fasciitis band and remove the spur.

Bunions: Bunions are deformities in joints that cause painful bumps while you’re walking or wearing shoes. Bunions may be hereditary, or the result of wearing shoes that fit improperly. The progression of bunion deformity may be slowed or stopped with orthotics.

Typically when a bunion is identified and becomes painful, the only way to correct it is by surgery. Surgical bunion correction is determined through x-rays, which show where deformities are present. There are many types of bunion surgeries and each is determined on the type of deformities with which patients present.

Neuroma: A neuroma is a nerve impingement located on the bottom of the foot. As it courses between the metatarsal, nerves can become impinged, often caused by tight-fitting shoes or trauma. The pain presents as an electric shock or shooting pain in the bottom of the foot between the toes.

Neuromas may be treated conservatively by wearing wider and more supportive shoes. Anti-inflammatories are generally ineffective. Cortisone injections, however, can reduce nerve inflammation and pain. If cortisone injections and custom shoes do not resolve your symptoms, we may recommend alcohol sclerosing injections. If cortisone and alcohol sclerosing injections prove unsuccessful, along with orthotics and changes in shoes, we may ultimately recommend having the neuroma surgically removed.

Onychomycotic Nails: Onychomycotic nails are thickened or painful nails that occur as a result of fungal growth. Fungus grows in warm, moist environments, much like the ones found in your shoes. Your nails may have sustained some form of trauma, making them more vulnerable to fungus. It enters through the nail, leaving you with a painful and thickened nail. Thickened mycotic nails can become very sore and may cause soft tissue infections without proper treatment.

Several treatments are available for nail fungi. For example, mechanical debridement reduces fungus and pressure. Topical medication, oral medications or laser therapy may be prescribed just as any medication that is prescribed, it is important to pick the right medication for your unique needs.

Contact one of our clinics today to learn how we can help with your unique foot problems. We serve residents of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as well as those in White Oak and Pittsburgh.