Blog - Foot Doctor, Chambersburg and McConnellsburg, PA

Monday, 28 December 2015 02:29

Foot Exercises to Increase Marathon Stamina

According to Yahoo! Health, there are some simple exercises you can do for your feet that can help increase your 5k marathon time, and just your overall foot health as well. There is the ladder exercise, in which you mimic climbing a ladder. The jump rope is the next movement you can perform without an actual jump rope but which can help increase your agility. Mini hurdles are another suggested workout which can also help with your balance and stamina.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you to gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important and often we forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate not to have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure its good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rise, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, also flexing the toes and involving the shins may help too. It is best to speak with your doctor regarding how to do these fitness steps and how often is right for you. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different and it varies from individual to individual to determine what should be done for you to maintain strength in your feet.

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

Monday, 21 December 2015 00:47

Diabetic Foot Care in Americans

About over 29 million Americans are living with diabetes in America, according to research from the CDC. Diabetes not only affects your body’s blood sugar and insulin levels, but also affects the circulation of your feet. People who have diabetes need to pay attention to neuropathy, the loss of sensation, in their feet. Diabetes can also result in overall poor body circulation and a weakened immune system. It’s important for feet to be treated and checked often if you have diabetes.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels because blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Monday, 14 December 2015 00:00

Study Says Achilles Injuries Often Go Overlooked

Next time you go to the doctor, make sure to get your injury checked out thoroughly. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association says that Achilles tendon injuries are often overlooked by doctors during first examinations, but require constant treatment in order to heal properly. It’s important for patients to get their Achilles tendon injuries checked and treated immediately. The Achilles tendon is essential for movement and is the largest tendon of our bodies. Surgery should be the last option to consider unless patients are young athletes who plan to return to physical activity.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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

Published in Blog

Be the first to comment!

Monday, 07 December 2015 00:00

Stanford University Loses Marcus Allen due to Stress Fractures

$stress-fractures$ Stanford University’s basketball team is set you lose Marcus Allen due to a stress fracture in his right foot. The team was already starting to thin out, making Allen a key player to their success. This gives coach Johnny Dawkins no choice, but to put all of his faith in his front court players. “We want to make sure Marcus is fully healthy before returning to the court,” coach Dawkins stated before admitting he will certainly be missed.

Activities, where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

The Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. Then the feet and ankles 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. The stress on the feet causes cracks to form in the bones, thus called 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

-play tennis or basketball

-gymnastics

-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 in high impact will aggravate pain.

For more information about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle, follow the link below.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Chambersburg and Mcconnellsburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Published in Blog

Be the first to comment!

Monday, 30 November 2015 00:00

New Shorts Monitor Biomechanics of Runners

Good news for runners looking to avoid serious injury! Lumo, a company that creates fitness attire, has come out with the new Lumo Run, a pair of shorts that has the ability to monitor your biomechanics as you run. The best part about the news is that while this technology has been made available before, Lumo has figured out a way to make it affordable to everyone, ensuring that all future runners know the intricacies of their biomechanics as they run.

Runners can still be prone to running injuries even with proper precautions. If you are suffering from a running injury see Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctorwill provide you with quality treatment and assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber, this will help you gain better flexibility.

Published in Blog

Be the first to comment!

Monday, 23 November 2015 00:00

New Diet Helps in Fighting Gout

Gout, a result of the buildup of uric acid in the body, can be triggered by certain foods. Foods with high amounts of purine, such as certain species of fish, should be avoided. Sardines, cod, carp, salmon, and tuna. Fried foods, alcohol, soda, organ meats, shellfish, beef, fruit juice, and certain rich sauces can also trigger gout attacks. Caffeine should also be avoided; as a diuretic, it reduces the amount of water in the body. This can be dangerous, as dehydration can cause the uric acid in the body to crystallize at the joints, causing a gout attack.

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.

Monday, 16 November 2015 00:00

Fit and Comfort Play a Role in the Correct Shoe Size for Running SHoes

When it comes to getting the right shoe size for running, Holly Lennon of The Scotsman suggests comfort and support also take a role of importance in the purchase. Lennon advises that those serious about running and preventing injury should see a specialist for a gait analysis. This will ensure you find the fit that is best for your feet.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. If you have any concerns about your feet contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people that wear shoes that are ill-fitting, which affects their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to selecting the right pair.

When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot
When measuring your foot with your shoe on, add 1-2 inches to the size
Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes
Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently
Purchase shoes later in the day as your feet swell as the day progresses
If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat your feet right by choosing the right pair of shoes that can provide them comfort and mobility with minimal pain.

Published in Blog

Be the first to comment!

Monday, 09 November 2015 00:00

Training Barefoot Strengthens Feet and Body

Despite the apparent downhill interest in barefoot running, barefoot training in which you exercise and strengthen your feet through a barefoot exercise regimen is a good way to remain flexible and healthy. The other important thing that these barefoot drills do is increase gait pattern which affects the overall biomechanics of walking and running. Since off-kilter feet can lead to injuries in the legs, knees, and back, these barefoot drills have become a great tool to staying healthy and fit.

Proper footwear is important for biomechanics, which incorporates the moving parts that manage the movement of your feet. To learn more about biomechanics, see Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide you with the foot and ankle information you seek.

A History of Biomechanics

- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974 biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination to the area.

Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, moments and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured.

Advances in materials and more awareness of biomechanics have developed enhanced corrective methods, offering further options for foot-related injuries. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 care needs.

Published in Blog

Be the first to comment!

Monday, 02 November 2015 00:00

Brigham Young University Loses Taysom Hill to Surgery

Taysom Hill of Brigham Young University recently announced through Twitter that he will soon be undergoing surgery for his recently injured foot. The quarterback will be having surgery to repair a Lis franc sprain in his foot. The announcement ended speculation on the severity of Hill’s injury. Regardless, Hill appears to be in high spirits. “Thank you cougar nation and all those who have sent their well wishes and prayers!” shared Hill on Twitter. “The first step to recover starts tomorrow with surgery!”

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. If you have any concerns about your foot and ankle needs contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat 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 help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:

Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
Cosmetic reconstruction
Bunionectomy for painful bunions
Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

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:

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.

Monday, 26 October 2015 00:00

Golfer George Coetzee Breaks Ankle Surfing in Bali

South African world golfer George Coetzee broke his ankle while surfing in Bali earlier this month. The world No. 65 player had just finished at a tie for seventh place at the Whistling Straights PGA Championship and had taken some time off near Bali. Coetzee posted a photo of him in a cast captioned, “I just jumped off the board and it was shallower than I thought and I twisted around on it and it popped.” While the injury seems to be the result of a freak accident, Coetzee does see himself surfing again once he is healed stating. “There’s no point in playing golf if I’m not going to be able to do other things I enjoy.”

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 of 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.

Published in Blog

Be the first to comment!