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It is extremely important to seek immediate care once you notice you have a wound on your foot, especially if you are diabetic. If left untreated, and not healed properly, it is likely for a foot wound to turn into a foot ulcer. When this occurs, there is a chance that the ulcer may get infected, and in severe cases, this may lead to the need for amputation. Wounds may consist of any breaks in the skin, including cuts, blisters, cracked skin, ingrown toenails, and loss of skin due to a corn or callus. You may experience swelling, redness, pain, the appearance of pus, and the feeling of warmth on the skin as a result of having a wound. As mentioned above, those with diabetes must be diligent with checking on the health of their feet, as they tend to have less feeling in the foot region due to common circulation complications. If this is experienced, it’s possible a wound may form and go unnoticed if not directly felt. Wearing shoes that leave ample room for your toes, as well as avoiding walking around barefoot can help in preventing the formation of wounds. If you have a wound and would like to discuss your treatment options, we suggest you consult with a podiatrist for professional care and guidance.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Patients who have foot pain may experience difficulty in walking in addition to maintaining proper balance. This can be a common condition among older patients, and may lead to an increased risk of falling. Research has indicated that varying types of foot pain affects one in four elderly people. Chronic foot pain can make walking difficult, and may be managed by being under the care of a podiatrist. The benefits of identifying the cause of foot pain followed by correctly treating it can possibly help to reinstate independence to elderly patients. Additionally, it may help seniors to realize that their foot conditions may be a treatable medical condition, and may possibly have little to do with aging. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward correct treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot 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 care needs.

If you have a corn that has formed between the toes, you are most likely familiar with the pain and discomfort this condition may cause. It generally develops as a result of excess friction from wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly, and can produce severe discomfort. Additionally, they may form on the tops or sides of the toes for similar reasons. Patients have found moderate relief when the affected foot is soaked in warm water, followed by using a good moisturizer, which may help to soften the corn. It is also suggested that using an emery board can be beneficial to gently file the corn down. Another method used to decrease discomfort involves using a corn pad until it diminishes in size, which may be helpful in relieving any existing pressure. If you have a corn on any part of your foot that is affecting your daily activities, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can recommend possible removal methods.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

A stress fracture develops gradually from repetitive motions. This can come from participating in sporting activities that involve running and jumping, or from walking for extended periods of time. The medical condition that is known as osteoporosis may diminish the strength of the bones, and tiny cracks may appear in the feet. Research has indicated this may be prevalent among women as the aging process occurs. Additional reasons why stress fractures can occur may be linked to obesity, improper muscle alignment, or from taking specific medication that may weaken the bones. Effective treatment options can include elevating the foot which may help to reduce any existing swelling, in addition to wrapping the foot to provide adequate support. If you have endured a stress fracture, please speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine what the best treatment is 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 contact our offices located in Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.