Blog - Foot Doctor, Chambersburg and McConnellsburg, PA
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
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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.
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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.
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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
Monday, 16 March 2015 00:00
Cold Temperatures cut off Blood Supply to Toes
A loss of blood circulation in the feet and legs is often caused by peripheral artery disease. Come the winter season, many people suffer from numb fingers and toes as a result of losing blood circulation to their extremities due to colder temperatures. Raynaud’s disease, a condition in which the blood vessels in the fingers and toes contract in response to drops in temperature, is behind an estimated ten million people’s loss of blood supply. The ceasing of blood flow to the fingers and toes often causes them to turn icy wait. Raynaud attacks can last from a few minutes to an hour. When blood flow returns, the fingers or toes will turn blue and eventually red, accompanied with a burning sensation. Due to winter’s drop in temperature, attacks often peak during the cold months.
Diseases that cause poor circulation in the feet can be extremely dangerous. If you are having difficulties with reduced circulation, see Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will identify the cause of your decreased blood flow and help you get the care you need.
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 maintain a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.
If you have any questions, please contact one of 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
Monday, 09 March 2015 00:00
APMA Study Finds Americans Don’t Care About Their Feet
The American Podiatric Medical Association recently published a study revealing that much of this nation’s foot pain goes untreated. In a survey of 1,000 people over the age of 18, 77% reported experiencing foot pain, but only a third of those claim they would see a podiatrist. Half of the participants with foot pain say that the pain has hindered walking, exercising, playing with grandchildren, and other daily activities.
Among the group who sought podiatric help, 88% reported a quick diagnosis and 76% received treatment that eliminated the problem. A third of the group said that their visits to the podiatrist exposed other health concerns, such as diabetes, circulatory issues, and nerve issues.
"It's not surprising to see how many people are affected by foot pain, when survey results show that we view our feet as the least important body part in terms of our overall health and wellbeing," said AMPA President Frank Spinosa. "Our feet are literally and figuratively the furthest things from our minds."
If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Seek the assistance of Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.
What is a Podiatrist?
Someone would seek care of a podiatrist when they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as: heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems etc.
Podiatric Treatment
A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:
- physical therapy
- drugs
- perform surgery on lower extremity fractures
- orthotic inserts or soles
A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.
For more information about Podiatrists, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Chambersburg and Mcconnellsburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.
Read more about What is a Podiatrist
Published in Blog
Monday, 02 February 2015 00:00
American Women Getting Bunions from Wearing Wrong Shoe Sizes
According to a study done by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, 88% of women living in the United States don’t wear shoes that are large enough for their feet. 55% of U.S. women also have bunions, which often develop in people who wear ill-fitting shoes often.
People’s feet change size as they get older, but they rarely take the time to get them measured. Now with the increased popularity of online shoe shopping, more and more women are buying footwear without trying them on first, which often causes them to get the wrong size. Then when they wear them, they become prone to developing corns, bunions, hammertoes, and more.
Bunions are extremely painful and eventually require surgery in some cases. If your feet are plagued by this irritating condition, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Dr. Schwartz can teach you about how bunions form and help you decide how you would like to proceed with treatment.
What is a Bunion?
A bunion is an enlargement of the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The enlargement is formed of swollen tissue or boney growth. This swelling is caused by a shifting of the bones in the big toe inward, impacting the other toes of the foot. The area around the base of the big toe may become inflamed, red, and/or painful.
Formation
Genetics – people who are susceptible to bunions are often genetically predisposed.
Stress on the feet – wearing improperly fitting shoes or running and walking with improper form may cause stress on the feet. Wearing high heeled shoes puts the weight from the body onto the toes, causing further stress and bone displacement.
Diagnosis
A podiatrist who specializes in foot structure and bio-mechanics will be able to diagnose bunions.
Blood Tests - testing the blood for gout or arthritic conditions can help identify the causes.
Radiological Exam – a podiatrist will request an exam to identify the bunion by taking a look at the bone structure. If the x-ray shows an enlargement of the joint near the base of the toe, shifting toward the smaller toes, this usually indicates a bunion.
For more information about Bunions, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, contact one of our offices located in Chambersburg and Mcconnellsburg, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Bunions
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