June 2020

Gout is an inflammatory form of arthritis that can cause a great deal of foot pain. When the uric acid levels in the body are too high, the acid can crystallize and build up in your joints, creating gout symptoms. Typically, foods that are high in purine, such as red meats and shellfish, can be contributing factors that may lead to the development of gout. Some common symptoms that can be key indicators that gout is present are intense pain in the joints, specifically the big toe, redness and swelling of the joints, difficulty being able to move the joints, and the appearance of large lumps under the skin, typically referred to as tophi. If left untreated, gout can lead to a number of serious health complications including heart disease, type two diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. For more information on how to control gout symptoms and manage the pain that coincides, it is extremely important that you are under the care of a podiatrist.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

If you are someone who struggles with diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation, you may be aware of the benefits stretching has for the body, particularly the feet. Staying active by going for walks or performing routine stretches and exercises can be helpful for improving blood circulation within the feet. Ankle pumping, for example, is a great stretch you can perform by laying down on your back with your feet straight ahead, and flexing your toes upwards. You can even perform useful stretches while seated. Heel raises, for example, is a stretch that is done by sitting in a chair, and slowly raising your heels, holding for three seconds, and lowering them back down. You can do one heel at a time, or raise both heels together. This stretch can also be performed standing straight up and lifting the heels as well. For more advice on what stretches can help to benefit the functionality of your feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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 care needs.

The uncomfortable condition that is known as cracked heels can cause difficulty in walking and wearing shoes. They are described as deep cracks, or fissures in the heel of the foot, and bleeding may occur in severe cases. There are several reasons why this condition may develop. These can include frequently wearing shoes that have an open back, or standing for long periods of time. Additionally, existing medical conditions such as psoriasis or eczema may cause the skin to become dry, and cracked heels may develop. Research has indicated it may be beneficial to drink plenty of water, as this may help the body to stay hydrated. If you notice your heels are dry, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can recommend the best treatment options for cracked heels.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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 care needs.

There are twenty-six bones in each foot, and the cuboid bone is located on the outside edge below the ankle. The condition that is known as cuboid syndrome can occur as a result of overstretched or torn tendons which connect to the cuboid bone. It can be a common ailment among people who frequently participate in running and jumping activities, and cause pain and discomfort. Common symptoms that can be associated with cuboid syndrome can consist of a dull ache when this condition occurs from repetitive strain. If a sudden injury occurs, a sharp pain is immediately felt, and it may be difficult to walk. Effective treatment can consist of resting the affected foot,  followed by introducing techniques that can return the tendons to their normal alignment. If you are experiencing pain in the outside of your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose cuboid syndrome.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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 care needs.

Although sweating while working out is common, if you find yourself excessively sweating, especially in the foot region, you may have developed a condition that is known as hyperhidrosis. This can cause excessive sweating even with minimal physical activity. Gout, diabetes, low blood sugar, and issues with the thyroid or nervous system, may all be additional causes to hyperhidrosis. Genetics and body weight can be factors as well. This condition can also cause an unpleasant odor to come from the affected area. If you are experiencing more than normal sweating of the feet, and would like information on treatment techniques, please consult with a podiatrist.

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.