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Blog - Foot Doctor, Chambersburg and McConnellsburg, PA

Tuesday, 20 September 2022 00:00

Facts About Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis, or inflammation, caused by a buildup of uric acid in the system. The main symptoms are redness, swelling, pain, and tenderness in a joint. The joint at the base of the big toe is commonly affected by gout. The range of motion in the joint decreases and even the slightest touch can cause extreme pain. Certain medications, dietary choices, drinking alcohol and sugary beverages, age, and genetics can play a part in the development of gout. Eating foods rich in purines, such as red meat and seafood, can increase the risk. People with diabetes, thyroid problems, and high blood pressure are also at a higher risk of gout. Men over 40 and menopausal women are more at risk as well. Medication and lifestyle changes are large factors in holding off gout. Corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed by a podiatrist to help reduce the pain and inflammation. In addition, certain medications can help to reduce uric acid production and eliminate it from the body. Please make an appointment with a podiatrist for additional treatment options for gout.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Gout
Wednesday, 14 September 2022 00:00

Is Surgery Necessary to Treat Stress Fractures?

A stress fracture is a hairline fracture that commonly happens in the foot and may be prevalent among people who enjoy running. It occurs as a result of repeated stress the foot endures from physical activity, and the pain can gradually worsen if it is not treated promptly. It is suggested to temporarily cease the activity that caused the fracture, and relief may come from frequently elevating and resting the foot. Research has shown that people who are deficient in vitamin D or calcium may be susceptible to getting stress fractures, and it is advised to increase these types of supplements, if applicable. Additionally, when crutches are used, healing may be accelerated as the weight is kept off of the affected foot. If the fracture is severe, surgery may be necessary for permanent healing. The full recovery period for stress fracture surgery can be up to eight weeks, and low-impact activities can be performed as the healing takes place. If you think you may have a stress fracture, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly evaluate your foot, and offer treatment options that are correct for you.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                  
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Tuesday, 13 September 2022 00:00

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Wednesday, 07 September 2022 00:00

Foot Pain May Be Indicative of Lupus

Foot pain and limited mobility may be indicators of a systemic disease called lupus. The symptoms may be like those of arthritis, and can affect the tissue structures in the foot and ankle. Additional signs of lupus include pain and swelling in the joints of the feet, skin lesions, and tenderness. Lupus is a chronic disorder, and the percentage of people who have accompanying foot pain is high. In severe cases,  foot pain from lupus may lead to vasculitis and possible toe amputation. The ankle is often affected with this condition, and may cause considerable disability. This may lead to difficulty in completing daily activities, and lupus is considered to be a high risk condition concerning the feet. Patients may have difficulty with proper shoe fitting, and this may be a result of increased pressure on the feet from musculoskeletal dysfunction. If you are suffering from foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the source of the pain, and offer treatment recommendations.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 30 August 2022 00:00

Surgeries That May Help Hammertoe

There are several foot conditions that may require surgery for permanent relief. Hammertoe is an ailment that affects the toes causing the joints of the second and third toes to bend upward, which pushes the toes downward. This condition is a deformity and surgery may be needed for the toes to be permanently straightened. Patients who have conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may opt for a different type of surgery. A tendon transfer can be successful when the tendon is attached to the bone and across the affected joint. This can pull the toes into a straighter position and may improve the overall appearance of the foot. A type of surgery known as a fusion may improve hammertoe by removing parts of the joints so the bones can grow together. This is often effective in reducing existing pain. Amputation can be a last resort and may be done when no other type of treatment is effective. If you have hammertoe and are interested in learning about the different types of surgery to treat this condition, please consult with a podiatrist.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Foot and Ankle Surgery

People who experience pain on the outside of the foot may have cuboid syndrome. This foot condition can follow an ankle sprain and may be difficult to diagnose. It can be common among ballet dancers and can result due to the style of dance they perform. The cuboid bone is one of seven tarsal bones and lies beneath the fourth and fifth toes. If this becomes moved from gradual overuse or an injury, it may become inflamed, referred to as cuboid syndrome. Additional causes of developing cuboid syndrome can include training on uneven surfaces, lack of adequate support from wearing the wrong shoes, or possibly excessive pronation. Some people have intermittent pain and there can be tenderness along the outside of the foot which may be similar to having an ankle injury. There are various treatment options for this condition and it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the best course of treatment for you.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

 

Read more about Cuboid Syndrome

The medical name for flat feet is called pes planus. Flat feet are noticeable while standing on the floor, as the entire foot lies flat. There are some patients who have a small arch, and this is considered to be in the flat foot family. Babies are born with flat feet, and the arch generally develops between ages three and six. This happens as a result of the baby’s foot outgrowing the fat pad, and balance is often improved. If the arch fails to develop, it may be because of tight calf muscles, flexible foot and ankle ligaments, and generally poor foot stability. Many patients have little pain with flat feet, and specific stretches may help to improve flexibility. If there is pain and discomfort from this condition and completing daily activities becomes difficult to accomplish, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can prescribe custom-made orthotics, and help you with correct exercises and stretches that may provide relief.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Flat Feet
Sunday, 14 August 2022 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Tuesday, 09 August 2022 00:00

Causes of Cracked Heels

When we are born, our feet are soft, supple, and beautiful. As we age, the softness decreases and the skin on our feet can become thick, hard, and our heels can crack. It is when the thick, dry skin on our feet and heels become cracked that problems can arise. A heel crack is also known as a heel fissure. The skin cannot bear the pressure of our body if it is too dry, thick, and flaky, which creates cracks. It is an unpleasant and unsightly condition and sometimes severe cracks can bleed and become infected. Initially, the skin on the heels will look yellow or dark brown. Then thread-like cracks will appear. Skin on the feet and heels can become cracked from internal and external causes. Internal causes include lack of moisture, dehydration, poor nutrition, aging, obesity, genetics, some skin diseases (such as psoriasis, corns, eczema), and other health disorders, like diabetes. External factors causing cracked heels include prolonged standing, weight put on the feet (from lifting something heavy), poorly fitting shoes or shoes with open backs or hard soles, poor foot hygiene, excess contact with water (even bathing too frequently), exposure to winter weather, using harsh, drying soaps, or scrubbing too much. If you have cracked feet or heels and they are creating discomfort that is not mitigated by tending to the factors that created them, consult with a podiatrist who can treat the condition and teach you ways to prevent this from happening again.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

  • Invest in a good foot cream
  • Try Using Petroleum Jelly
  • Ease up on Soaps
  • Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

  • Moisturize After Showering
  • Skip a Shower
  • Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
  • Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Read more about Solutions for Cracked Heels
Tuesday, 02 August 2022 00:00

Pain in the Pinky Toe

Pain in the fifth toe, commonly referred to as the pinky toe, can be quite problematic. Although the pinky is the smallest of all the toes on the feet, pinky toe pain can be uncomfortable nonetheless. Since this toe is located on the outside of the foot, the pinky toe can be especially prone to stubbing and injuries. If you are experiencing pain in the pinky toe, there could be any number of causes. First, you might have broken or fractured the pinky toe. Broken toes will sometimes release a popping sound when impacted. X-rays might be needed to analyze the toe and its fracture. Another potential cause of pinky toe pain is ill-fitting footwear that makes the pinky toe rub up against the shoe. Lastly, pinky toe pain can be caused by the development of a corn. Similar to a thick, hardened callus, corns on the pinky toe can be painful when they are rubbed against the inside of a pair of shoes. Pain in the pinky toe is no joke — it is suggested you see a podiatrist who can help you address the problem.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Toe Pain
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