Blog - Foot Doctor, Chambersburg and McConnellsburg, PA
Monday, 19 January 2015 00:00
Avoid Drug Side Effects by using Natural Remedies to treat Athlete’s Foot
To avoid the possible side effects that accompany prescription drugs, natural remedies are available for use to treat Athlete’s foot. Apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil can be rubbed directly onto areas affected by Athlete’s foot. To create a solution to soak your feet in, mix one part white vinegar and two parts warm water. Soak the feet in this for fifteen minutes. Similarly, garlic can be grinded into a fine paste, mixed into a tub of water, and used as a fifteen-minute soak for the feet. Another remedy can be found in neem leaves, which can be boiled in water for ten minutes. After the water has cooled, wash feet twice a day in the solution to treat Athlete’s foot.
Athlete’s foot can be treated successfully using any of the aforementioned methods. If you would like assistance with the treatment of Athlete’s foot, consult with podiatrist Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Dr. Schwartz will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and answer any of your related questions.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
If you suffer from itching, burning, dry, and flaking feet, this may be a sign of athlete's foot. Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be extremely contagious, and it often infects shower floors, gyms, socks and shoes, and anywhere else feet may come in contact with. It is commonly found in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal product
- Examine feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts are present.
What is Tinea?
- Athlete’s foot is often caused by the same fungus that causes ringworm (tinea).
- Tinea can invade other parts of the body as well, if the proper thriving conditions for it are met.
- Tinea thrives in mostly dark, warm and moist environments.
- Although many people never experience athlete’s foot, around 70% of the population may suffer from tinea at some point.
For more information about Athlete’s Foot, follow the link below.
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.
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Monday, 12 January 2015 00:00
Westwood Designs Blister Virgin Atlantic Employees
Virgin Atlantic has recently signed on Vienne Westwood to be the new designer of their flight attendant and crew member uniforms. Westwood is following the lead of past designer-airline collaborations such as Pierre Balmain for Singapore Airlines and Christian Lacroix for Air France. The initial global wearer trial for the uniforms has been generally successful; unfortunately some of Atlantic’s 7,500 employees have been reporting blisters as a result of wearing Westwood’s shoes. The shoe is an adaptation of Westwood’s signature heel. In response to the reports, a Virgin Atlantic spokesperson stated that the company is working to ensure its employees are “happy and comfortable in their working environment.”
If you work in an environment that requires extensive standing and walking, you may develop blisters on the feet. To learn more about blister treatment and prevention, speak to Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Dr. Schwartz will assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns and answer any of your related questions.
Blisters on the Feet
When tight or ill-fitting footwear is worn, many times a foot blister may develop. Blisters can even develop by constant rubbing from the shoe, often times leading to pain.
What is a Foot Blister?
A foot blister is a small pocket that is filled with fluid, forming on the upper most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid, and may lead to drainage of blood or pus if the area has become infected.
How do they Form?
Blisters of the feet are almost always the result of shoe rubbing and constant friction of the skin and material. Long periods of walking in shoes, sandals, or boots which don’t fit properly can result in a blister. Those who often have moisture or humidity in the feet, are prone to blister formation easily.
Prevention & Treatment
Proper care is vital to alleviate pain and prevent infection to the affected area of the foot. The best treatment is to leave them alone. New skin will develop under the blister and during the healing stages, your blister will pop.
For more information about Blisters on the Feet, follow the link below.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Chambersburg and Mcconnellsburg, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Monday, 05 January 2015 00:00
University of Nottingham Study Finds Ingrown Toenails Associated with Over Grooming
A recent study conducted at the University of Nottingham found that trimming nails too often may actually lead to certain nail problems including ingrown toenails. After examining how the nails stick to the nail bed and grow forward, researchers found that cutting the nails daily puts a certain force on the nail that can make nails grow too slow or too fast as well as causing additional problems.
Lead study author, Cynthia Rauch, also used the research to find ways to avoid ingrown nail problems. She states, “Looking at our results, we suggest that nail beauty fanatics who trim their nails on a daily basis opt for straight or parabolic edges, as otherwise they may amplify the imbalance of stresses which could lead to a number of serious conditions.”
Ingrown toenails are terribly uncomfortable, and in the worst cases surgery might be required to get rid of them. If you think you have an ingrown toenail, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Dr. Schwartz will confirm your diagnosis and do everything he can to treat your problem.
Ingrown Toenails Causes
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
There are a number of risk factors for ingrown toenails. Some include cutting your nails too short, participating in strenuous sports, diabetes, obesity, and fungal infection. Some are genetically predisposed to ingrown nails, although wearing ill-fitting or damp shoes can exacerbate the problem.
Treatment
There are a number of steps you can take to treat ingrown nails:
-Let your toenails grow out
-Soak the toes in hot water with antibiotic soap or Epsom salts
-Placing a piece of cotton under the affected nail may allow the toe to grow up instead of into the nail bed
-Rest with your feet up
If however, your pain is severe, or you see red streaks running up your leg, you should see a podiatrist. Your podiatrist may make a small incision and remove part of the toe nail to relieve the pressure. A local anesthetic may be used to lessen the discomfort of the operation. Topical medication may also be prescribed to prevent the regrowth of the problem nail.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact one of our offices located in Chambersburg and Mcconnellsburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.
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Monday, 29 December 2014 00:00
Treatment for Plantar Wart Sufferers
Plantar warts are typically hard and grainy growths that appear on the heels and balls of the feet. Warts occur when the human papilloma virus (HPV) enters your body through cuts or weak spots on the bottom of the feet. Once plantar warts start to grow, they can take as long as two years to go away if not treated. Luckily there are plenty of treatments to reduce, remove, and prevent the inconvenience. Cryotherapy, also known as freezing therapy, is the most widely used method is removing warts, but it may not always work if the treatment does not reach the entire wart. Over-the-counter salicylic acids and prescription medications are also available aid wart removal process. If a plantar wart is particularly thick, a mixture of cryotherapy and salicylic acid treatments may ultimately do the trick.
Plantar warts can be painful and can worsen if not treated properly. If you would like to be treated for plantar warts, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Dr. Schwartz will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are found on the feet. These warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) getting into open wounds on the feet. You can recognize plantar warts by a hard bump on the foot. They are usually found on the heels or balls of the feet. Plantar warts are usually not a sign of anything dangerous but do not ignore them if they do cause pain or embarrassment.
If you do have a plantar wart, you may notice some pain when standing but since these warts are not cancerous or dangerous, a podiatrist only needs to be seen if there is excess pain. Although plantar warts don’t often call for treatment, there are options available. They can be frozen off, removed by an electric tool or burned off using laser treatment.
Home remedies are also available to help with plantar warts. An apple cider vinegar soak can help remove the wart. You can soak your feet in the vinegar for 20 minutes before using a pumice stone to remove any loose skin from the wart.
For more information about Plantar Warts, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices located in Chambersburg and Mcconnellsburg, PA. We offer all the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet your needs.
Read more about Plantar Warts
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Monday, 22 December 2014 00:00
Blistered Feet do not deter Natalie Imbruglia’s Hike across Switzerland
Natalie Imbruglia revealed extremely swollen and blistered feet after hiking over one hundred miles across Switzerland. As a part of the Strive challenge, the Australian actress and singer embarked on a seven-day journey across Switzerland on August 23rd. The challenge was in support of non-profit organization Virgin Money Giving, which is raising funds for projects dedicated to changing the way young people think. Imbruglia had a physiologist visit and tape up her beaten feet on the sixth day of her journey. The hike spanned from Switzerland’s south-western village of Verbier all the way to Zermatt in the Swiss Alps.
Untreated blisters can worsen and make mobility extremely difficult and painful. For quality blister treatment, see Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Dr. Schwartz will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and answer any of your related questions.
Blisters on the Feet
When tight or ill-fitting footwear is worn, many times a foot blister may develop. Blisters can even develop by constant rubbing from the shoe, often times leading to pain.
What is a Foot Blister?
A foot blister is a small pocket that is filled with fluid, forming on the upper most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid, and may lead to drainage of blood or pus if the area has become infected.
How do they Form?
Blisters of the feet are almost always the result of shoe rubbing and constant friction of the skin and material. Long periods of walking in shoes, sandals, or boots which don’t fit properly can result in a blister. Those who often have moisture or humidity in the feet, are prone to blister formation easily.
Prevention & Treatment
Proper care is vital to alleviate pain and prevent infection to the affected area of the foot. The best treatment is to leave them alone. New skin will develop under the blister and during the healing stages, your blister will pop.
For more information about Blisters on the Feet, follow the link below.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of 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 Blisters on the Feet
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Monday, 15 December 2014 00:00
Gout Occurs depending on Certain Temperatures
Students at Boston University School of Medicine conducted research experiment that shows a correlation between high temperatures and the reoccurrence of gout attacks. The head scientist, Tuhina Neogi, MD, PhD, and other faculty members started by gathering data from over 600 patients with suffering from gout using a questionnaire. The ages of the patients ranged from 21 – 88.
According to the data, it was discovered that temperatures of 70°-79° F were associated with a 43% increase of a potential gout attack occurring. When the temperature reached over 80° F the risk changed to 40%. Following their findings, researchers stated, “Patients with gout may be advised that under conditions of hot and/or dry weather, appropriate measures, such as increased water intake, should be considered to minimize the risk of recurrent gout attacks.”
The severity of gout attacks can vary, but they should always be granted proper medical care. For assistance with a foot condition like gout, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz. Dr. Schwartz can figure out why you keep getting flare-ups and work with you to treat the root of the problem.
What is gout?
Diseases of the feet can affect the whole body, and symptoms usually arise within the feet. A condition like gout can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. The pain caused by this disease is often so agonizing that it requires elevation of the feet and some time off for them to fully recover.
Known in the past as “the disease of kings”, Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Some common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. This buildup of acid is typically seen on the big toe of the foot and can cause inflammation, redness and swelling. Although these are common symptoms of the diseases others include joint pain, extreme fatigue and a high fever.
Gout can be treated by NSAIDs, which relieves pain and inflammation and other drugs which lowers the acid levels in the body.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office for more information. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Gout
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Monday, 08 December 2014 00:00
Women more likely to develop Stress Fractures
Studies have shown that women are at a greater risk of developing stress fractures than men. Reasons for this increased risk include hormonal differences, increased bone density, and higher rates of inadequate nutrition. While athletes in general are at highest risk after changes in intensity, frequency or duration of their workouts; in women, irregular menstrual cycles and weight less than 75 percent of ideal body weight are factors that make for an increased risk for stress fractures. Stress fractures are small cracks that develop in the bone after being stressed, and are most common in the foot, ankle, and lower leg but can occur on bones throughout the body.
Stress fractures can become painful if left untreated for an extended period of time. If you would like assistance in treating a stress fracture in the foot or ankle, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Dr. Schwartz can determine the severity of your condition and provide you with quality care.
Coping with Podiatric Stress Fractures
Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken as a result of overexertion or underuse. As a result, the ankles and feet lose support when walking or running from the ground. Since these bones are not protected, they receive the full impact of each step. The stress on the feet causes the bones to form cracks.
What are Stress Fractures?
Stress Fractures are very common among those who are highly active and involved in sports or activities that make excessive use of their legs and feet. Stress fractures are especially common among:
-athletes (gymnasts, tennis players, basketball players)
-runners/joggers
-osteoporosis patients
-those who engage in high-intensity workouts
Stress Fracture Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures, and can be either constant or periodic. The pain is usually sharp or dull, accompanied by swelling and tenderness. Engagement in any kind of high impact activity will exacerbate the pain.
For more information about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office for more information. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Stress Fractures
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Monday, 01 December 2014 00:00
Obesity Causing Limb Amputation Epidemic in Scotland
According to new data from the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, about one hundred Scottish citizens have limbs amputated every month due to health conditions they developed as a result of being obese. The most common of these conditions are peripheral vascular disorder and type 2 diabetes, which can both be caused by the same lack of exercise and a healthy diet that cause people to become overweight.
These hand and foot amputations are costing the NHS about $82 million a year, way more than the public healthcare sector is able to afford. Those who lose limbs are also entitled to cost-of-living benefits, a $46 million annual expense for the government.
While obesity can sometimes result in the drastic consequence of amputation, this condition is also known for causing many other less life-threatening foot and ankle problems. If you’re an obese individual and you’re concerned about your feet, talk to podiatrist Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Dr. Schwartz can determine if your weight has caused you to develop any complications in your lower extremities and get you the care that you need.
Obesity and your Feet
Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.
Problems & Complications
Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.
Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.
Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot.
For more information about Obesity and Your Feet, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please contact our office for more information. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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Monday, 24 November 2014 00:00
Dark Chocolate May Help Patients with Circulation Difficulties
A study shows that polyphenols featured in dark chocolate can provide aid for some of the symptoms of peripheral artery disorder (PAD). The study was conducted by Sapienza University scientists and involved 20 participants. Half of the participants were given 1.5 ounces of dark chocolate while the other half were given milk chocolate to consume.
After eating the chocolate the test subjects were ordered to walk on treadmills for a set amount of time. As the scientists monitored the patients, they found that patients who consumed the dark chocolate had better circulation and were able to walk a little over 10% farther than those who had eaten the milk chocolate.
Poor circulation is difficult to live with. If you have poor circulation in your feet or ankles, consider calling Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Dr. Schwartz can treat your podiatric needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is 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. It usually restricts 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 -numbness in legs
-cramps -skin discoloration
-weakness -slower nail & hair growth
-stiffness -erectile dysfunction
Those who have diabetes and or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, or 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.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office for more information. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Monday, 17 November 2014 00:00
Indiana Pacers Lose Last Quality Player to Sprained Ankle
Indiana Pacers’ best remaining player, David West, was escorted off the court after a sprained ankle occurred near the basket during a preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks. It appeared as though the forward’s foot rolled during an attempted layup to the point that his foot came out of his shoe, keeping him on the ground until his benched teammates came out to aid him. West was seen being carried to the locker room with the help of two of his team mates. Although it is only the preseason, many of the Pacers’ top players are already out on injury. If West is unable to play again for the season, things will not look so good for the rest of the team.
Some sprained ankles can be worse than others, in any case it is always best to make sure your ankle is fully healed before engaging in strenuous activity. If your ankle is sprained, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Dr. Schwartz will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and answer all of your related questions.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Happen?
This type of injury takes place when the ligaments are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured; however, even the simple act of walking may cause a sprain. If footing is lost or you are walking on uneven terrain, ankle damage may occur.
What are the Symptoms?
- Mild to moderate bruising
- Limited mobility
- Swelling
- Discoloration of the skin, depending on severity
Is there a Way to Care for my Ankle at Home?
Self-care for ankle sprains includes propping the ankle up and keeping it elevated, applying ice packs as needed, and remaining off your feet. Some may also find that wrapping the ankle with an ACE bandage and taking over-the-counter pain relievers are helpful. One of the most important things is to avoid further stress to the affected area.
Preventing a Sprain
- Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
- Stretching before exercises and sports
- Knowing your limits can aid in prevention
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast, which will allow you to walk while stabilizing the ankle.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices for more information. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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