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Dr. Benjamin D. Overley

Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)

Dr. Benjamin Overley is a podiatrist practicing in Collegeville, PA. Dr. Overley is a medical doctor specializing in the treatment of the foot , ankle and related parts of the leg. As a podiatrist, Dr. Overley diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot and ankle. Feet are key body parts that give a person stability, absorb shock, allow for walking and standing and are necessary for overall well-being. So, the feet need expert care. Podiatrists can specialize in surgery, wound care, sports medicine, diabetic care and pediatrics however, Dr. Overley's specialties are Total Ankle Replacement, Fracture treatment and surgery of the foot and ankle , ,Arthroscopic surgery of the ankle, Arthritis of the foot and ankle and deformity correction (flat feet , high arched feet). Please do submit questions relevant to these topics and refrain from questions pertaining to toenails, corns, callouses , wounds ( diabetic or otherwise)or any other routine podiatric issues as he does not treat these conditions. His practice is surgically based .
Dr. Benjamin D. Overley
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I have a weird growth on my ankle. What could it be?

Bony prominences around the ankle are very common and are often the result of prior trauma to the area or as a result of repetitive stress the the bone such as a tight ski boot READ MORE
Bony prominences around the ankle are very common and are often the result of prior trauma to the area or as a result of repetitive stress the the bone such as a tight ski boot . I recommend getting a standard Xray and seeing a foot and ankle surgeon .

I have a little bone growth just under my toe. Will it have to be treated with surgery?

Usually that’s the case, although if it’s not bothering you, I would leave it alone.

Is foot amputation the only solution for gangrene?

Unfortunately yes.Gangrenous tissue is not just the skin but the underlying tendons and bone. The tissue; all of it is dead

My foot still hasn't healed after I fell last month. What should I do?

Well, first off, I’d seek immediate medical attention, especially if you’ve had any flu-like symptoms or increased warmth or redness or an increase in pain in the area as these READ MORE
Well, first off, I’d seek immediate medical attention, especially if you’ve had any flu-like symptoms or increased warmth or redness or an increase in pain in the area as these can all be signs of infection.

A glass pricked my foot and even after a month the spot hurts. What should I do?

If it’s glass, it may not show on a standard X-ray unless it’s leaded glass, which really is barely used anymore. I’d have your family doc order an ultrasound to make sure it was READ MORE
If it’s glass, it may not show on a standard X-ray unless it’s leaded glass, which really is barely used anymore. I’d have your family doc order an ultrasound to make sure it was removed completely.

Can I run with flat feet?

I recommend an evaluation with a foot and and ankle specialist.

My mother is diabetic and has thick nail growth in her feet. How can we cut them while avoiding injury?

I don’t trim toenails other than my own, however, you should have your mother see a podiatrist. If she has Medicare, given her diabetic status, this is a covered service every READ MORE
I don’t trim toenails other than my own, however, you should have your mother see a podiatrist. If she has Medicare, given her diabetic status, this is a covered service every 61 days. In addition, they will also provide guidance and can typically troubleshoot for your mother to prevent ulcerations as well.

Is my ankle sprained?

I would see a foot and ankle specialist. You need X-rays. You may have bone involvement and more importantly, would benefit from physical therapy as well.

Why do I wake up with pain in my heels everyday?

Most likely this is plantar fasciitis (google this). It’s essentially heel pain after a period of non weight bearing such as sleeping or driving. The phenomenon of pain immediately READ MORE
Most likely this is plantar fasciitis (google this). It’s essentially heel pain after a period of non weight bearing such as sleeping or driving. The phenomenon of pain immediately upon weight bearing is known as Post-static dyskinesia. This usually resolves after 15 or 30 minutes of weight bearing.

The skin on my left foot feels raw after standing for a long time. Why?

Most likely this is nerve related, but circulation cannot be ruled out.

Why am I experiencing ankle pain after two years of arthroscopic surgery?

There are a lot of reasons for continued pain post-arthroscopy. It could be residual tissue blockade, osteochondral lesion, spurring or arthritis. This would be better explored READ MORE
There are a lot of reasons for continued pain post-arthroscopy. It could be residual tissue blockade, osteochondral lesion, spurring or arthritis. This would be better explored with a full work up including X-rays, clinical exam, and MRI.

I am getting frequent ankle swelling. Can it be cured?

Well, there are a lot of reasons for this especially if its directly after running. My advice would be to see an orthopedic surgeon. Probable diagnoses would be: stress fractures READ MORE
Well, there are a lot of reasons for this especially if its directly after running. My advice would be to see an orthopedic surgeon. Probable diagnoses would be: stress fractures of the tbiae (shin bones), shin splints, and occasionally exercise induced compartment syndrome (rare). But a thorough evaluation with X-rays, and physical exam would be best to make the diagnosis and be cured of the condition. I hope that helps.
Dr. O

Do store orthotics work?

In terms of over the counter orthotics I recommend spenco brand . They are affordable and tend to work just as well as expensive custom molded orthotics for many conditions.

Dull pain in my big toe with no presumed cause, what is it?

Well, first thing would be to establish if this is Musculoskeletal versus vascular disease and or a nerve condition. I recommend you see a foot and ankle specialist for complete READ MORE
Well, first thing would be to establish if this is Musculoskeletal versus vascular disease and or a nerve condition. I recommend you see a foot and ankle specialist for complete work up , X-rays etc.

What's this feeling on the bottom of my toe?

Make an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist. It could be a nerve issue or a retained foreign body that’s now below the skin and is no longer visible.

Ingrown toenail surgery now have thick ridged nails

Though nail care is not a part of my practice, I feel obliged to answer your question. It sounds like you developed fungal toenails (onychomycosis) which would leave you with greenish READ MORE
Though nail care is not a part of my practice, I feel obliged to answer your question. It sounds like you developed fungal toenails (onychomycosis) which would leave you with greenish - brown, thickened discoloration to your nails. There are very few tried and true treatments to eliminate this unsightly condition, despite how common it is. Some of these treatments range from oral medications to topical treatments to laser nail removal. I would research a local podiatrist in your area that performs routine care such as this for evaluation and recommendations. I hope that helps you!

Dr. Overley