Blog - Foot Doctor, Chambersburg and McConnellsburg, PA

Plantar warts, medically termed Verruca plantaris, are common skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. These warts typically appear on the soles of the feet, often in areas subjected to pressure or friction, such as the heels or balls of the feet. Plantar warts often manifest as small, rough, grainy lesions with black dots, or wart seeds, scattered throughout. These black dots are actually tiny blood vessels. While plantar warts are usually harmless, they can cause discomfort or pain, especially when walking or standing. The HPV virus enters the body through small cuts or breaks in the skin, making individuals who frequently walk barefoot in communal areas more susceptible to infection. Treatment options for plantar warts range from remedies like salicylic acid patches or freezing kits to medical procedures performed by podiatrists. Seeking prompt treatment is essential to alleviate symptoms and prevent the spread of plantar warts to other areas of the feet or other individuals. If you have a plantar wart, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer the best treatment option for you.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Morton's neuroma, a common foot condition, occurs when a nerve in the ball of the foot becomes thickened and inflamed, leading to pain and discomfort. This condition typically affects the area between the third and fourth toes but can also occur between other toes. The exact cause of Morton's neuroma is not always clear, but it often develops due to repetitive stress or irritation on the nerve, such as wearing tight or high-heeled shoes that compress the forefoot. Activities that involve repetitive pressure on the ball of the foot, such as running or participating in high-impact sports, can also contribute to the development of Morton's neuroma. Additionally, foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet may increase the risk. Understanding the underlying causes of Morton's neuroma is important for effective management and prevention strategies, which may include wearing supportive footwear, using orthotic inserts, and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, occurs when the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. Diagnosing this condition typically involves a thorough physical examination by a podiatrist, focusing on the affected foot's tenderness and range of motion. Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may also be utilized to rule out other possible causes of heel pain and confirm the diagnosis. Once diagnosed, incorporating stretching exercises into a daily routine can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Simple stretches targeting the calf muscles and the plantar fascia itself, such as calf stretches, towel stretches, and plantar fascia stretches can effectively reduce tightness and discomfort. These stretches should be performed gently and consistently to gradually improve flexibility and reduce strain on the affected tissues. In addition to stretching, lifestyle modifications may be recommended to manage plantar fasciitis and restore foot health. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.

Your feet bear the weight of your bodiy and facilitate movement with every step. To ensure their health and well-being, it is important to establish a consistent foot care routine. Start by cleaning your feet daily with mild soap and warm water, paying special attention to the spaces between your toes. Regularly trimming toenails straight across helps prevent ingrown toenails and infections. Moisturizing your feet with a hydrating lotion or cream keeps the skin soft and supple, preventing dryness and cracks. Additionally, wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate support and cushioning can help prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of foot problems, such as bunions or plantar fasciitis. Finally, incorporating gentle stretches and exercises into your routine promotes flexibility and strength in the muscles and ligaments of the feet. If you are experiencing any foot problems, or are seeking additional information about effective foot care routine strategies, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.