Blog - Foot Doctor, Chambersburg and McConnellsburg, PA
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
Monday, 04 May 2015 00:00
Ronnie O’Sullivan contends with Shoe Issues
Ronnie O’Sullivan has been asking for help with his shoe problems with his World Championship showdown against Matthew Stevens. O’Sullivan has been using the same shoes for the last ten years that are now battered and problematic. During his most recent match, he played shoeless, breaking the dress code. “I’ve bought some new shoes before the tournament and it was a bad, bad move,” the pool star stated. Although O’Sullivan will not be fined for playing shoeless, he would like to be fitted with a comfortable new pair soon before the next match!
Whether you are an athlete or a waiter, working on the feet can be detrimental for your foot health. To learn more contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Dr. Schwartz will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – choosing this shoe places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – our feet were not designed to be enclosed for hours, or all day. Try allowing yourself to expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and stretches is beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – stretching the foot out flat on the floor, will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
Keep your feet healthy and your body will thank you for it.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices in Chambersburg and Mcconnellsburg, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Published in Blog
Monday, 27 April 2015 00:00
New Hammertoe Procedure Can Correct Pain and Aesthetic of the Condition
Having shoes that correspond with today’s fashion is almost a necessary part of life today; unfortunately when people suffer from hammertoes it feels as though any shoe is too painful to wear.
Recently, a new procedure has been set in place where implants would be used to permanently straighten the joints in the foot. The implant, called TENFUSE, is said to be made out of cortical bone and will not have to be removed since the implant will eventually become a part of the bone. If the implant works as well as expected, this could be great news for the 10 to 20% of Americans suffering from the condition.
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. If you are suffering from hammertoes, contact Dr. Stephen Schwartz DPM of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
- Pain in the affected toes
- Development of corns or calluses due to friction
- Inflammation
- Redness
- Contracture of the toes
Causes
- Genetics – people who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
- Arthritis – because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
- Trauma – direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
- Ill-fitting shoes – undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
- Orthotics – custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
- Medications – oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
- Surgery – in more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
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.
Read More about Hammertoes
Published in Blog
Monday, 20 April 2015 00:00
Real Madrid Star Ends Season Early With Broken Toe
Gareth Bale of Real Madrid could have an early end to his season due to a broken toe. The winger injured the toe during training had to miss the team’s game against Rayo Vallecano. Coach Carlo Ancellotti does not want to put Bale at risk for it may hurt him in the long run. Experts believe that his toe may be fracture which will take considerably longer to heal. Bale’s club mate James Rodriguez faced a similar problem earlier in the season and was out for two months.
A broken toe is extremely painful and needs immediate attention. If you have any concerns about your feet contact podiatrist Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What to Know About a Broken Toe
Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
- throbbing pain
- swelling
- bruising on the skin and toenail
- the inability to move the toe
- toe appears crooked or disfigured
- tingling or numbness in the toe
Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.
Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.
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, 13 April 2015 00:00
Exercising the Feet is a Great Way to Prevent Future Injury
According to Dr. Howard Osterman, AMPA spokesperson, feet are the most neglected part of the body and many foot injuries occur because of overuse without the proper support. With the right amount of exercise of the feet, strength can be built and injury and be reduced. Osterman recommends trying to pick up a towel or marbles with the toes and standing on one foot for ten seconds to build arch strength. “Every exerciser is worried about the position of their ankles, knees, and hips, but so much of that stability starts at the foot,” Osterman advises.
Exercising your feet regularly 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.
Read more about exercising your feet.
Published in Blog
Monday, 06 April 2015 00:00
Study Finds Pregnancy can Permanently Alter Women’s Feet
According to a study conducted by the University of Iowa, pregnancy can permanently change the size and shape of women’s feet. Typically pregnant women experience a range of different foot problems: flattened arches, swollen feet, and because of the weight gain, these changes can become long term effects.
The study included 49 pregnant women that had their arches measured during their first trimester of pregnancy and five months after birth. Nearly 60 – 70% of women showed signs of longer and wider feet. Women who were experiencing their first pregnancy also showed the greatest amount of foot change. “
It is possible that these foot changes that occur during pregnancy may help explain why, in comparison with men, women are at higher risk for pain or arthritis in their feet,” stated Neil Segal, researcher of the University of Iowa.
Pregnancy can put a significant strain on women’s feet. If you have any concerns on pregnancy and the feet contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What foot problems can arise during pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is over-pronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy, but tends to occur in the later stages.
How can I keep my feet healthy during pregnancy?
- Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
- Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
- Wear shoes with good arch support
- Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
- Elevate feet if you experience swelling
- Massage your feet
- Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet
If you have any questions 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.
Read more about pregnancy and the feet.
Published in Blog
Monday, 06 April 2015 00:00
Study Finds Pregnancy can Permanently Alter Women’s Feet
According to a study conducted by the University of Iowa, pregnancy can permanently change the size and shape of women’s feet. Typically pregnant women experience a range of different foot problems: flattened arches, swollen feet, and because of the weight gain, these changes can become long term effects.
The study included 49 pregnant women that had their arches measured during their first trimester of pregnancy and five months after birth. Nearly 60 – 70% of women showed signs of longer and wider feet. Women who were experiencing their first pregnancy also showed the greatest amount of foot change.
“It is possible that these foot changes that occur during pregnancy may help explain why, in comparison with men, women are at higher risk for pain or arthritis in their feet,” stated Neil Segal, researcher of the University of Iowa.
Pregnancy can put a significant strain on women’s feet. If you have any concerns on pregnancy and the feet contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What foot problems can arise during pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is over-pronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy, but tends to occur in the later stages.
How can I keep my feet healthy during pregnancy?
- Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
- Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
- Wear shoes with good arch support
- Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
- Elevate feet if you experience swelling
- Massage your feet
- Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet
If you have any questions 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.
Read more about pregnancy and the feet.
Published in Blog
Monday, 30 March 2015 00:00
The Standing Desk is the New Way to Work Out and Work
The standing desk has recently taken office culture by storm for those that work regular nine to five hours and do not have the time to go to the gym every day. Experts say that this drastic change can have positive effects on overall health, but new pains in the feet may appear. Foot health professionals suggest that those making the change alternate between sitting and standing each day to balance the body and avoid any injuries. It is also important to adjust office footwear; wearing comfortable flat shoes will be a better idea than wearing high heels all day.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – choosing this shoe places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – our feet were not designed to be enclosed for hours, or all day. Try allowing yourself to expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and stretches is beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – stretching the foot out flat on the floor, will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
Keep your feet healthy and your body will thank you for it.
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, 23 March 2015 00:00
University of Queensland Discover more Muscles Aid in Arch Support than Plantar Fascia
Recent research from the University of Queensland scientists has shed some light on the role foot muscles, other than the plantar fascia, play in arch support. The scientists conducted an experiment involving weights to prove this. Upon studying the movement of the muscles in the foot, it became clear that more muscles aid in arch support than originally thought.
Dr. Glen Lichtwark and his colleagues at the university conducted another experiment using electrical stimulation. When the electrical points were activated, the tissues in the arch began to rise. Lichtwark believes that this could play an innovative role for the feet when it comes to designing footwear, injury rehabilitation and understanding bipedalism.
The biomechanics are the cogs behind the gears that manage your feet. If you would like more information, see Dr. Steven Schwartz at Pennsylvania. Our doctors can provide in-depth information as well as measure your personal foot biomechanics.
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 Chambersburg and Mcconnellsburg, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Published in Blog
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