Items filtered by date: May 2018

The feet are considered to be the foundation of the body, and research has shown that proper stretching and exercising the feet may aid in preventing many injuries from occurring. The feet will generally benefit when proper foot exercises are performed in addition to enhancing mobility and power. Many people do not wear the correct shoes and certain foot conditions may develop as a result of this. The foot and ankle muscles may not get the support that’s needed for optimum support when poorly fitting shoes are worn. Athletes have found that when the feet feel strong, many facets of daily exercising may be improved, including core workouts and improved posture. Please consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist to learn about additional benefits of exercising the feet.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you 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 we often 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 enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

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

If you have a heel spur, you have most likely experienced pain emanating from a bony growth that formed on your heel bone. Severe pain may develop when the band of tissue that runs under the sole of the foot becomes inflamed. This is referred to as the plantar fascia, and it connects to the bone in the heel. There can be several reasons why heel spurs may form including certain types of arthritis, or a sports injury that’s typically caused by overuse. Temporary relief may be achieved by taking anti-inflammatory medications, and orthotic devices may be used to alleviate the pressure on the heel. When purchasing shoes, research has shown that additional cushioning in the heel area will not only feel good, but will benefit the foot by helping to reduce existing inflammation. It’s advised to consult with a podiatrist if you have heel spurs or any type of heel pain.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, PA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Athletes foot is a condition that typically affects the skin between the toes. A fungal infection is generally the cause of this ailment, and in severe cases, it may cause the skin to crack and bleed. The skin may appear to be warm when touched, and pain is often experienced. This type of infection is contagious and is typically found in public places where people walk barefoot. Pools, showers and changing rooms are among the places where this fungus may live and it’s suggested to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas. If your immune system is weak as a result of other conditions, you may be more susceptible to being afflicted with this ailment. Research has shown that it’s beneficial to consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis and treat athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

When weight gain is experienced in pregnancy, the feet will typically be affected. Retaining fluid in the body is a common side effect of pregnancy, and this is often evident in the ankles and feet. This condition is known as edema and may be a result of the enlarging womb affecting circulation in the feet. Additionally, many pregnant women experience flat feet, also known as fallen arches. This is a frequent ailment that develops as a result of the excess weight that is gained, and may often lead to pain in the heel or the ball of the foot. There are several ways to treat swollen feet including elevating and resting your feet as often as possible, ingesting a diet that is low in sodium, and partaking in a gentle stretching and exercise routine. If you experience severe pain in your feet while pregnant, please consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist for additional information and treatment options.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, 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 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.