Blog - Foot Doctor, Chambersburg and McConnellsburg, PA
Monday, 05 June 2017 00:00
How To Treat Your Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, occurs when the body produces more sweat than what is necessary in order to regulate body temperature. Approximately 7 million Americans suffer from the condition, and many who have it don’t realize they do; it is very common for this condition to go undiagnosed. People with the condition often want to avoid social situations, especially those that involve shaking hands. Hyperhidrosis can occur all over the body, or only in certain parts. The feet are a common area to experience the effects of hyperhidrosis due to the high concentration of sweat glands in them.
If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.
Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.
In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.
A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment 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 and ankle needs.
Published in Blog
Wednesday, 31 May 2017 00:00
Achilles Tendon Injuries on the Rise
Many podiatrists are suspecting that Achilles tendon injuries will be on the rise especially amongst those aged 30 to 50. Every year, approximately 230,000 Achilles tendon injuries occur in the United States. While Achilles tendon injuries are typically common among young athletes, professionals suspect that the number of middle-aged and older patients sustaining Achilles tendon injuries is rising because they are staying active longer. The severity of Achilles tendon injuries can vary between mild to moderate. Injuries of this degree typically cause pain and stiffness but can heal on their own. Surgery may be necessary for more severe cases, such as the tearing or rupturing of the Achilles tendon.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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 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 create immense 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 injuries 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
Tuesday, 23 May 2017 00:00
Be Wary of Injuries while wearing Sandals
The American Podiatric Medical Association recently mentioned several potential injuries that may occur as a result of not taking care of the feet while wearing sandals. Wedges or espadrilles that tie around the ankle may lead to sprained or twisted ankles. Peep toe sandals that put pressure around the toes may lead to bunions or hammertoes. Flats and slides that provide poor foot support may lead to heel or arch pain. High heels or platforms may lead to ankle injuries or pain in the ball of the foot, while strappy or lace-up sandals could create calluses and irritation between the toes.
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.
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 16 May 2017 00:00
Avoiding Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a condition that many people may encounter at some point in their lives. While severe cases of the condition should be referred to a podiatrist, athlete’s foot prevention can be easy with the help of a few simple steps: Wash the feet thoroughly with soap and water, keep the feet clean and dry, wear clean socks and shoes, change shoes and socks often, practice good hygiene, wear sandals or slippers at a public shower or pool, use antifungal powder when needed, and wear shoes that are well-ventilated. Hygiene is key in preventing athlete’s foot and if practiced regularly, should keep the condition at bay.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal products
- Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are 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 and ankle needs.
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 09 May 2017 00:00
Children’s Heel Pain a sign of Sever’s Disease
If your child is experiencing severe heel pain after participating in sports or other physical activities, this may be due to Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease, or calcaneal apophysitis, is an overuse injury that occurs in the growth plate of the heel bone. When children have growth spurts, the long bones grow rapidly in comparison to the muscles and tendons, which grow at a normal rate; this causes the muscles to tighten. Then, during physical activity, inflammation and pain can result. The most important thing your kids can do to ease their foot pain is to stretch properly and often. Pain can recur with growth spurts; regardless, be sure that your child continues stretching regularly while active.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their 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 injuries.
Published in Blog
Wednesday, 03 May 2017 00:00
3D-Printing is the Future of Running shoes
Running shoe companies are looking to 3D-printing to provide customers with the comfort and customization many runners require in running shoes. A new 3D-printing process, “selective laser sintering,” creates components of a shoe one layer at a time and allows companies to engineer the structure of a shoe, from outsole to midsole. Companies such as Nike, New Balance, and Adidas have used 3D-printing in recent releases. The new process will allow athletic companies to create one-of-a-kind models from the bottom up and to hone in quickly on custom fits for their clients and their running shoe needs.
If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.
- Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
- Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
- Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.
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.
Published in Blog
Monday, 24 April 2017 00:00
Hard Surfaces Contribute to Foot and Ankle Injuries
Athletes who play on hard surfaces, such as basketball players or tennis players, typically participate in sports that often give their feet a harsh workout. Fast and rough movements can contribute to foot and ankle injuries such as plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, stress fractures, bone spurs, and Achilles tendon issues. Many of these injuries can be prevented by proper stretching, wearing proper footgear appropriate for the sport, and wearing orthotics as needed. For younger athletes, heel pain should be monitored. The heel growth plate is especially vulnerable to injury for growing children. If pain persists, activity should be stopped immediately.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports 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 and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 18 April 2017 00:00
Michigan Tech celebrates National Biomechanics Day
This year Michigan Technological University participated in National Biomechanics Day on April 6th, a world-wide event for educators and students to advance the education of human biomechanics. The Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology Department of the university collaborated with multiple departments across campus and invited local students to participate in hands-on activities focused on biomechanics research. Among these activities, members of the faculty demonstrated various tools used to analyze and describe human motion during exercise. Students were also given the chance to test their strength compared to Michigan Tech football players and to make imprints of their feet, allowing them to analyze how different foot types impact movements across multiple joints.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
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 in the area.
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
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.
Published in Blog
Monday, 10 April 2017 00:00
Shoes Can Give Foot Massages Now
It seems today like new technology is constantly shaping and reshaping the world. The medical field is certainly no exception. Father and son team David and Matt Mayer are currently manufacturing “therapeutic shoes” under the brand name Footbeat. The shoes are knit sneakers with a tiny engine built into the insole. This delivers cyclic pressure to the sole of the foot. The goal is to increase blood circulation by giving what amounts to an automated foot massage. This may prove to be very useful to people suffering from poor blood flow. The price of the shoes comes in at $450, so before you shell out the cash be sure to talk to your podiatrist first.
Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.
Causes
Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:
- Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness
- Numbness or cramping in the legs
- Skin discoloration
- Slower nail & hair growth
- Erectile dysfunction
Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
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.
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 04 April 2017 00:00
High Heels Can Create Anxiety
New findings published by scientists in Brazil have concluded that wearing improper-fitting high heels can potentially cause the wearer to suffer anxiety. By wearing ill-fitting shoes, conditions such as bunions and ingrown toenails become more prevalent. In turn, this can lead to frequent falls and an anxious disposition. Researchers previously found that 83 percent of people don’t wear the correct shoe size. To prevent the development of foot conditions, be sure to wear proper footwear that is comfortable and well-fitting.
High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal. Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?
- Ankle Joints
- Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
- Balls of the Feet
- Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
- Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.
What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?
- Corns
- Calluses
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Plantar Fasciitis
How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available.
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.
Published in Blog
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