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December 2022

Tuesday, 27 December 2022 00:00

A Broken Foot Is a Common Foot Injury

It is easy to slip, fall, and incur a broken foot. A fractured foot is a common injury that can happen suddenly or from chronic overuse. It may also occur from twisting it beyond its normal range of motion or when a heavy object drops on it. The symptoms often experienced with a broken foot include consistent pain, the inability to walk, and the foot may be bruised or swollen. In severe fractures, a bone may have become displaced, and will need to be put back into place, often through surgery. Many people who have a broken foot will have a proper diagnosis performed, which consists of having an X-ray taken. This is helpful in determining the severity of the fracture and treating it accordingly. It is common for patients who have fractured their foot to wear a protective boot or a cast, which is helpful in maintaining stability as the healing process occurs. If you have endured a broken foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist sooner rather than later who can help you with the correct treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 20 December 2022 00:00

Common Symptoms of Neuropathy

The feet are typically affected with the condition that is known as peripheral neuropathy. It causes the inability to feel sensations on the feet, and existing cuts, bruises, and scrapes may go unnoticed. There are various categories of specific types of nerves, consisting of sensory, motor, and autonomic nerves. Pain and touch are products of the sensory nerves, while the motor nerves control the muscles. Automatic functions of the body come from the autonomic nerves, and bladder function and blood pressure fall into this area. The symptoms that many people experience with neuropathy can include a loss of balance, weakness in the feet, in addition to a tingling or numbing sensation in the hands and feet. Diabetic patients may be prone to developing neuropathy, and infected cuts on the feet may go unnoticed, possibly leading to serious complications. If you have any symptoms that may indicate neuropathy, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Read more about Neuropathy
Published in Blog

Foot massages have many benefits and may relieve existing foot pain. Reflexology and massages are performed on the feet and can positively affect the organs in the body. There are differences between the two types of foot therapy. Foot massages can be described as more of a general term for manual techniques that are applied to the feet, and this differs from reflexology in which specific practices and theories are applied. Foot reflexology uses the pressure points on the feet that correspond to various organs in the body. This can be helpful in stimulating the central nervous system which may help to promote healing. Additionally, there may be different types of foot massages, including Swedish, Shiatsu, and Thai massages. Having any type of these massages may improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and reduce stress and pain. If you would like more information about the benefits of these types of foot therapies, please contact a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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.

Read more about Foot Therapy for Sports Injuries
Published in Blog
Monday, 12 December 2022 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 06 December 2022 00:00

The Strong Achilles Tendon

A common Achilles tendon injury is called Achilles tendinopathy. This is defined as damage that occurs in the Achilles tendon, which is located in the calf. The function of the Achilles tendon is to connect the calf muscles to the heels. It is known as the strongest and thickest tendon in the body, and is responsible for walking, running, or jumping movements. A sports mishap can result in a serious Achilles tendon injury. Achilles tendinopathy occurs when this tendon has become irritated and inflamed, and often causes severe pain and discomfort. Many people can experience this type of injury from increasing speed and mileage too quickly while running, in addition to eliminating a proper warm-up and cool-down. Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may result in experiencing this type of injury, and this may put excess stress on the heels. The common symptoms many people have include swelling that appears at the back of the ankle, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to point and flex the foot. If you have endured this type of injury, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with effective relief methods.

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.

Read more about The Causes, Types, and Treatments of Achilles Tendon Injuries
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