Items filtered by date: April 2018

The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch will typically become noticeable when the child reaches age 2. Occasionally, some children may be born with an additional toe, and this is often removed so the child can walk more comfortably. If the skin between the toes does not separate, a condition referred to as webbed feet may be apparent. Walking may be hindered by this condition, and surgery may be performed to remove the excess skin. An additional condition that parents may notice is called toe walking. If this ailment is not treated, it may lead to problems concerning the foot, including a tight Achilles tendon. Some children are born with toes that point inward, and is typically referred to as pigeon toes. A common cause for this condition may be a predisposed inherited gene and may require surgery to be performed for the necessary correction. Consult a podiatrist who can perform an examination of your child’s feet to answer any concerns that you may have.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Peter C. Smith of Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A corn on the foot appears as a small, hard circle which acts as a skin protector against pressure that poorly fitting shoes may cause. There are typically two types of corns that can develop. Hard corns are generally caused by shoes that fit tightly and appear on the side of the pinky toe. The toe and surrounding area may become inflamed from the added pressure, causing friction and aiding in the development of corns. Soft corns are known to develop in between the toes and thrive on the sweat and moisture in that area. Occasionally, soft corns may develop as a result of a predisposed inherited bone malformation, causing the skin on two toes to rub together, generating friction. Research has shown that wearing wider shoes while performing daily activities may prevent the formation of corns. If you are afflicted by this condition, please consider a consultation with a podiatrist for proper treatment options.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Peter C. Smith of Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The tendons, ligaments, and 26 bones that the foot is comprised of are responsible for standing, walking, and absorbing the weight of the body. Painful conditions involving the feet may occur as a result of improper foot care, working on your feet, or sporting activities. If you experience pain in the feet, in addition to any swelling or tightness, you may have what is referred to as arthritis. You may notice tingling in the feet, which may indicate a circulatory condition, and the joints may begin to look deformed. It’s important to maintain proper foot care, and this may be accomplished by washing and drying the feet completely and following by applying a moisturizer. The flexibility and movement of the feet may be significantly improved by incorporating exercise into your daily routine. Please consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist for additional information on how to take care of arthritic feet.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters on the feet typically develop as a result of increased friction. A blister generally looks like a small area resembling a bubble and consists of fluid that protects the raw skin. It’s advised to not pop or drain the blister, as the blister can possibly prevent an infection from developing and can promote healing. A common reason friction on the feet can occur may be wearing shoes that fit poorly, causing the toes to rub on the inside of the shoe. Additional reasons may include wearing shoes without socks and walking for extended periods of time. If you experience blisters forming on the feet, it’s suggested to stop wearing the shoes that caused this condition to develop, and walk barefoot as often as possible. The majority of blisters will heal naturally, although complications such as wound infections may occur typically in patients who have diabetes or poor circulation. A consultation with a podiatrist is recommended if you are experiencing pain or if the blisters are not healing properly.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Peter C. Smith of Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The foot may appear deformed if a condition known as hammertoe occurs. When the toes bend at the joint and the top of the toe bends down, a claw-like or hammer formation is apparent. This is possibly caused by a predisposed inherited gene originating from having little or no arch in the foot, or if the second toe exceeds the length of the first toe. Additional causes of this condition may be attributed to shoes that fit poorly, often crowding the toes into a space that is extremely small. There are symptoms that are easily noticed that are associated with hammertoes, such as observing if your toe is curling, in addition to experiencing discomfort and pain when the toes are stretched. Possible prevention of this aliment may include choosing to wear the correct shoes that provide adequate room for the toes, and avoiding shoes that are too short or tight. Treatment is necessary to lessen the discomfort, which may typically consist of exercises being performed that can aid in strengthening the tendons in the toes, or stabilizing the toe by applying a splint. A consultation with a podiatrist is advised if you would like additional information and treatment options for hammertoe.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

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 office located in Lancaster, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.