Foot issues can sneak up on just about anyone. Whether it starts with a mild discomfort during walks or turns into a daily struggle to get moving in the mornings, these problems can greatly impact how you live your life. In West Chester, many people deal with ongoing foot pain that affects their ability to exercise, go to work, or even just enjoy time on their feet. Over time, ignoring even minor symptoms can make simple movements more painful and recovery from injuries more drawn out.
That’s where the experience of Dr. Titko at The Center for Foot Care comes in. She treats a wide range of foot problems, working with patients to understand what’s holding them back and what treatments can get them moving again. From sharp pain in the heel to numbness in the toes, foot conditions can come from many causes, and not all of them are obvious right away. That’s why it helps to know the common problems she sees in her West Chester office and how each is handled.
Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
Out of all the foot issues people bring up, heel pain is one of the most common. One reason is plantar fasciitis, which is linked to inflammation or strain in the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. For people who spend long hours standing or walking—or those who’ve recently increased their activity—plantar fasciitis hits hard, especially during the first steps after sitting or sleeping.
This type of heel pain tends to:
– Feel sharp or stabbing, especially first thing in the morning
– Ease slightly throughout the day but return after long periods of rest
– Worsen with unsupportive footwear or high-impact activity
Foot structure, weight distribution, and worn-down shoes can all add to the problem. But lifestyle plays a big part too. Daily routines, activity levels, and even standing posture affect how much stress is placed on the foot, and over time, this stress builds up.
To help relieve heel pain related to plantar fasciitis, Dr. Titko often recommends custom orthotics. These inserts are built to match the unique shape of the foot and correct any imbalance that could be making things worse. They relieve pressure in the right spots and help improve alignment, especially for patients who spend a lot of time on their feet. Depending on the level of discomfort, targeted Class IV laser treatment might also be used to reduce inflammation and support healing without surgery or medication.
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis often creeps up slowly. What starts as a dull ache above the heel can turn into stiffness or sharp pain that grows worse with movement. Most people notice this pain when pushing off during a run, climbing stairs, or walking uphill. That’s because the Achilles tendon serves as a key connector between the foot and calf muscles, and it’s constantly in use.
There are a few things that can trigger this condition:
– Sudden increases in activity levels without proper warm-up
– Wearing shoes without proper cushioning or support
– A history of tight calf muscles or poor stretching habits
Again, lifestyle is a big factor here. Someone who jumps from a mostly sedentary routine to intense exercise could easily overwork the tendon. It’s also something long-time runners or active individuals deal with when their footwear habits or running patterns begin to wear down the tendon over time.
Dr. Titko often offers targeted Class IV laser therapy to help with inflammation and promote recovery in a focused way. Patients may also benefit from evaluation of their footwear and small adjustments in their activity routines. She works with each person to figure out how their day-to-day habits play a role in the pain and what changes could give their foot the relief it needs to function better.
Bunions and Hammertoes
Bunions and hammertoes often develop slowly, but once they reach a certain point, they can make walking or wearing regular shoes feel uncomfortable. A bunion forms at the base of the big toe, creating a bump that angles the toe inward. A hammertoe usually affects the smaller toes, causing them to curl or bend at the middle joint. Both conditions can become painful and interfere with basic movements.
These problems often relate to:
– Wearing tight or narrow shoes over time
– Foot shape and inherited traits
– Muscle imbalance or joint instability
– Long hours spent on feet in work or activity
Once the structure of the toes begins to shift, pain, rubbing, and pressure can follow. Simple tasks like taking off your shoes or walking across the room may become frustrating. Bunions can make it hard for the big toe to move normally, and hammertoes can lead to swelling or sores if shoes press against them all day.
Treatments depend on how far the condition has progressed. Dr. Titko often recommends platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy when appropriate. PRP uses the body’s own natural growth elements to support healing in targeted areas. This can help reduce the need for more involved procedures. She also works with patients on shoe selection and custom orthotics to add support where it’s needed most.
Neuromas and Nerve Pain
Neuromas usually show up as a tingling or burning sensation, often between the third and fourth toes. This type of nerve irritation can feel like there’s a pebble stuck in the shoe, even when nothing is there. Over time, the discomfort can stretch across the ball of the foot and get worse with pressure or walking.
Common signs and triggers include:
– Numbness in the toes
– A sharp, stabbing feeling in the ball of the foot
– Worsening symptoms in tight shoes or high heels
– History of foot injuries or repetitive stress from movement
When nerves are compressed or inflamed, it affects how signals travel through the foot. Dr. Titko takes an in-depth look at how a person’s lifestyle and footwear may be contributing to this issue. She typically avoids aggressive options unless absolutely needed and starts with less invasive steps. This might include custom orthotics to reduce pressure on the nerve or laser therapy targeted at the problem area.
By adjusting both footwear and movement habits, patients can start protecting their foot from further irritation. Dr. Titko combines non-invasive treatments with an understanding of daily routines to help create long-term results.
More than Just Treating Pain in West Chester
Many foot problems share a common source: too much stress on the wrong part of the foot for too long. Whether it’s from standing at work, wearing worn-out shoes, or ignoring early signs of pain, it often comes down to habits. That’s why treating foot issues means looking beyond symptoms and asking what’s going on in everyday life.
Dr. Titko sees patients across all activity levels and backgrounds in West Chester. Some are on their feet all day, others are trying to maintain an active lifestyle in retirement. Whatever the case may be, catching problems early leads to better outcomes. She focuses on personalized care that matches treatments to daily needs, whether someone needs better arch support or help with swollen joints.
Choosing to deal with foot pain rather than push it off can make a big difference in how someone feels week to week. When walking becomes easier, everything from errands to workouts to basic chores becomes less of a challenge. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but the goal stays simple—care that supports movement and comfort for the long haul.
If you’re dealing with ongoing foot discomfort, now is a good time to explore how podiatry in West Chester can help you move through life with less pain. Dr. Titko at The Center for Foot Care offers personalized treatment options designed to fit your lifestyle and bring long-term relief. Contact us to learn more and get started on a better path forward.