April 2025

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, especially in active adults or those who are on their feet for long periods. It develops when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. Treatment often begins with rest and stretching exercises to reduce strain on the fascia. Supportive footwear and custom orthotics can help redistribute pressure and prevent further injury. In some cases, night splints or anti-inflammatory medications may help. More persistent cases might benefit from shockwave therapy or corticosteroid injections. Surgery is rarely needed but is available for severe, long-standing pain that does not improve. Early care makes a significant difference in recovery time and overall outcome. If you have ongoing heel pain that may be plantar fasciitis, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact the podiatrists  from Dr. Siegerman & 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 one of our offices located in Drexel Hill and West Chester, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails develop when the edges or corners of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. The condition can happen on either the side, tip or even the base of the toenail. Common causes include improper nail trimming, tight shoes, or injury to the toe. In some cases, genetics or fungal infections can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails. Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, and sometimes pus or drainage if an infection sets in. The affected toe may appear red or tender, and pressure from shoes can increase the pain. Left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to more serious complications, such as infection or permanent nail damage. A podiatrist can provide effective treatments for ingrown toenails, including trimming or removing the nail, draining any infection, and prescribing antibiotics if necessary. In chronic cases, they may perform a minor procedure to prevent the nail from growing back incorrectly. If you are dealing with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for care.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact the podiatrists of Dr. Siegerman & 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

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. 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 one of our offices located in Drexel Hill and West Chester, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Poor circulation in the feet can lead to discomfort and may signal underlying health concerns. Common symptoms include cold feet, tingling, numbness, cramping, or a heavy sensation, especially during walking or rest. The skin may appear pale or bluish, and wounds may heal slowly. These signs often result from reduced blood flow, which limits oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tissues. Causes include peripheral artery disease, where narrowed blood vessels restrict circulation, and diabetes, which can damage blood vessels over time. Other contributing factors are smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Poor circulation can also stem from blood clots or nerve conditions. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact the podiatrists of Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Drexel Hill and West Chester, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot wounds can be complex, especially when they do not heal as expected. That is where the concept of the reconstructive ladder comes in. It is a step-by-step approach podiatrists use to manage wounds, starting with the simplest solutions and advancing to more complex techniques, if needed. The goal is to restore both function and appearance. Treatment might begin with basic wound care like dressings and pressure relief. If healing stalls, techniques like skin grafts or flap surgery may be considered. Each rung on the ladder represents a thoughtful decision to ensure the wound heals properly while preserving mobility. Whether the wound is from diabetes, injury, or another condition, early intervention makes a big difference. If you have a foot wound that is not improving, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with the podiatrists from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Drexel Hill and West Chester, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing the wrong running shoes can lead to several issues that affect comfort, performance, and overall foot health. Poor performance is a common sign, as improper support or fit can cause discomfort and inefficiency while running. Runners may experience fatigue more quickly and struggle with maintaining proper form. Premature wear and tear on the shoes can also indicate a poor match, as excessive breakdown of the sole or cushioning suggests inadequate shock absorption or improper foot alignment. Injury is another major concern, as wearing ill-fitting shoes can contribute to blisters, shin splints, knee pain, or even stress fractures. Persistent discomfort, muscle soreness, and joint pain may develop over time. If you have developed foot conditions from wearing the wrong type of running shoe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can treat various foot ailments, and guide you on what type of shoes to buy for your desired style of running.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact the podiatrists from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Drexel Hill and West Chester, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.