Blog - Foot Doctor, Chambersburg and McConnellsburg, PA
Monday, 13 July 2015 00:00
Some Children prone to Pediatric Flat Feet
Babies have many bones in their feet that need to close and grow to become a proper joint later in life. Many of these bones make up the arch that usually starts out as flexible flat feet. For 80-90% of children, those flat feet will eventually turn into arches, but for the rest pediatric flat feet occurs. Children with pediatric flat feet may experience pain, tenderness, cramping in the feet and legs and should seek treatment especially if they have difficulty walking. Treatment for flat feet includes activity modifications, such as cutting down on sports, orthotic inserts, physical therapy, and surgery.
Certain sports and physical activities may become difficult for children with flat feet. If you suspect that your child has the condition, speak to Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will answer any of your foot and ankle related questions and attend to all of your podiatric needs.
What are Flat Feet?
Flat feet are 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. Standing about 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arch 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 tools and treatments for your foot and ankle needs.
Published in Blog
Monday, 06 July 2015 00:00
Brisbane Broncos Lose Josh McGuire to Achilles Tendon Injury
Brisbane Broncos have lost key player, Josh McGuire, to an Achilles tendon injury as he was seen on the ground, punching the ground during a game against the Newcastle Knights. Although Achilles tendon injuries can be career threatening, McGuire felt optimistic due to the recoveries of teammates Justin Hodges and Darius Boyd. “I can’t turn back time now, it’s about just getting ready to rehab and get the operation underway,” McGuire stated.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
- Inflammation
- Dull to Severe Pain
- Increased blood flow to the tendon
- Thickening of the tendon
Rupture Symptoms
- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
- Total immobility
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses
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.
Published in Blog
Monday, 29 June 2015 22:11
Veteran Left Stranded With Broken Foot After Hospital Employees Refused to Help
Veteran and retired truck driver Donald Siefken drove to Seatlle VA hospital with a broken foot and needed help getting inside. Accordingly, a hospital employee answered the veterans call and told him to call 911 when he was just a few feet away from the hospital entrance and hung up. Since then Seattle VA hospital has since issued an apology to Siefken stating, “We have determined that we did not do the right thing to ensure the veteran had assistance into the emergency room.”
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment to prevent exacerbation. If you are seeking treatment for a broken foot, visit Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:
- Bruising
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blue (foot)
- Numbness
- Cold
- Misshapen
- Cuts
- Deformities
Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.
Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.
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 technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Published in Blog
Monday, 22 June 2015 00:00
Salon Visits can help ease Cracked Heels
According to Suzanne Edmonds of SunMedia, it is best to take good care of your foot health on both the outside and on the inside. Sometimes a trip to the salon for a pedicure is an integral part of maintaining that foot health, especially when it comes to cracked heels. Pedicures involve soaking the foot in warm soapy water in a bowl that is sanitized to avoid bacteria infecting the foot. After the soak, the hardened skin on the heels should be a little softened and easy to file down. The final step of the pedicure is a layer of moisturizer that can also be applied regularly at home to prevent heels from cracking again and simultaneously reducing any calluses that may have formed.
Cracked heels can become painful if left untreated. To learn more, consult with Dr. Steven Schwarts of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
The Truth about Cracked Heels
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels are unappealing, and make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Not only may they look bad, but they can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How do you get them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief, or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – wearing socks with medicated creams, helps lock in moisture so it can stay on longer.
Moisturizers – applying it both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – these remove dead skin, and then you can massage cream onto your foot. This way the cream will be absorbed. The skin needs to be exfoliated; therefore the outer layer dead skin needs removal.
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 technologies for your foot and ankle needs.
Published in Blog
Monday, 15 June 2015 20:09
FDA Takes Action that Changes Gout Treatment
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that the use of popular grout treatment, Colcrys, has recently decreased due to an action taken by the Food and Drug Administration that resulted in lower production of colchicine and increased cost of the product. Colcrys was granted market exclusivity by the FDA in 2010 for three years making the cost of colchicine jump from $0.09 to five dollars per tablet. The FDA took this action to decrease the use of the gout medicine in addition to the use of clarithromycin, since the use of both drugs together is potentially very dangerous. Accordingly this action taken by the FDA will result in over reliance in alternatives such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids for gout treatment.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you have any concerns regarding gout, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of 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 of your foot ankle injuries.
Published in Blog
Monday, 08 June 2015 19:05
Margaret Dabbs Foot Advice for the Elderly
Margaret Dabbs has stated that the key to keeping older feet looking young and healthy is to just give the lower extremities some care. Dabbs states that with age the sweat glands in the feet stop working, making them drier than normal. Elderly individuals should moisturize and file dry skin at least once a week to maintain the hydration levels of the feet. Dabbs also recommends wearing shoes that are wider and more supportive with age.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. For more information, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
The Elderly and their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet, and can hide many life threating medical conditions.
Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
Shoes that don’t fit properly
Pressure sores
Loss of circulation in legs & feet
Edema & swelling of feet and ankles
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices in Chambersburg and Mcconnellsburg, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Published in Blog
Monday, 01 June 2015 17:00
Young Student Breaks Ankle after Getting Hit by a Car at Bus Stop
A student from Berlin, CT was injured and suffered a broken ankle after running into oncoming traffic. According to the police report, the student was supposed to get onto a school bus, but did not want to go to school. This resulted in the young boy running into the street where a car swerved to avoid hitting him. The child was then transported to Hartford Hospital where he was treated for a broken ankle. The driver of the car was not charged.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle and the following symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle
- Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
- Swelling around the area
- Bruising of the area
- Area appears to be deformed
If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.
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.
Published in Blog
Monday, 25 May 2015 20:03
Nail Salon Safety Necessary in Preventing Infections and other Foot Ailments
Nail salon safety is essential in avoiding catching fungal infections. Before making an appointment, it is recommended that customers first take a quick look around the salon to note cleanliness and see if nail technicians are washing their hands after each customer. As most salons don’t have technicians wear gloves like health care workers, hand washing is a standard of care. The sterility of nail tools should be ensured; tools should be soaked in a disinfectant such as Barbicide for 10 to 20 minutes, and the liquid should periodically be changed.
Nail salon safety is important for every day foot health. For more information about everyday foot care, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctorwill provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.
Every Day 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. After all, 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 example.
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.
Also, 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 injuries.
Published in Blog
Monday, 18 May 2015 05:49
Franck Ribery sustains Injury in Bayern Munich Game
French winger Franck Ribery of Bayern Munich will be missing the rest of the season due to an ankle injury. Since March 11th, the winger has been out of the game and wearing a special shoe to help heal his ankle injury. “I am very sad, I’ve worked so hard for a quick comeback, but the ankle is not getting any better. It pisses me off,” Ribery told German magazine Kicker. Sport director Matthias Sammer would not confirm if Robery’s season is over.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries need proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact podiatrist Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Sport Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar Fasciosis
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
Sports-related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
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.
Published in Blog
Monday, 11 May 2015 00:00
Florida Woman Suffers from Morton’s Neuroma and Finds Alternative Relief
Ellyn Mayor of Florida says her foot pain began to feel like “walking on an annoying painful pebble.” This pain was later diagnosed as a Morton’s neuroma, the two nerves that join at the third and fourth toe that may have become pinched or swollen resulting in scar tissue. Morton’s neuroma is found to be more common in women than men because of the impractical and narrow footwear women often wear.
Initially Mayor received surgery for the foot ailment, but the neuroma grew back. She has since received injections that desensitize the neuroma and reduce the pain.
Morton’s Neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma contact podiatrist Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
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 tools and treatments to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Morton’s neuroma.
Published in Blog
Steven Schwartz - Default