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A stress fracture is considered to be an overuse injury of the bone. For people that are putting a lot of stress on their feet from standing on a daily basis, this can cause small cracks to form on the bone due to the amount of pressure being put on them. This will usually cause a stress fracture. They can occur in the feet on the metatarsal bones, the navicular bone and the calcaneus which is also known as the heel bone. Some causes are muscle weakness or fatigue, weak bones and improper muscle or bone alignment. Symptoms of a stress fracture include pain during exercise, pain while trying to sleep and swelling or tenderness at the site of injury. If you are dealing with persistent foot pain and it has the signs of a stress fracture, it is advised that you visit a podiatrist as soon as you can.
Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.
How Are They Caused?
Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon. Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.
Risk Factors
Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.
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.
Since your feet feel the pressure of most of your body weight, being overweight can cause a variety of foot problems. Extra weight tends to bring the knees together, putting stress on the insides of the feet and arches. There are also several specific conditions that are known to be affiliated with additional weight. Gout causes severe pain in the big toe. It begins with an accumulation of uric acid in the body, which is more common for overweight individuals. You are also more likely to develop diabetes, which reduces blood flow to the feet. When you accumulate too much plaque in the arteries, you could develop peripheral arterial disease, which reduces blood flow to the feet as well. Losing weight is a practical way to avoid foot and ankle complications. If you feel that your weight may be affecting your feet, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist.
The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.
Obesity and Your Feet
People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.
Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity
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.
There are several ways to fracture a toe. These can include dropping a heavy object on it, unexpectedly stepping off of a curb, or hitting it against a piece of furniture. The symptoms that are associated with broken toes often include severe pain and discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Many patients hear a popping sound as the toe fractures, and it may appear deformed. It is generally difficult to wear shoes with a broken toe, and walking may be challenging. Mild relief may be found when the toe is elevated, as this is often helpful in reducing any existing swelling. It may be beneficial for the affected toe to be taped to the toe next to it, so it can have the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. If you have fractured your toe, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.
Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is a Broken Toe?
A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.
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.
There are many elderly people who experience foot problems as the aging process occurs. It is normal for the nails and skin to become dry and brittle, and this is often the result of a loss of cushioning in the feet. The feet will feel better when shoes that are worn fit properly, which may prevent blisters, corns, and calluses from developing. Poor circulation is a common ailment among seniors, and this can be prevented by quitting smoking, walking daily, and performing gentle stretching techniques. Athlete's foot can cause pain and discomfort, and can easily be prevented. This can be accomplished by changing the socks and shoes daily, wearing appropriate shoes while in public pools and shower areas, and choosing to wear shoes with an open toe as often as possible. If you have questions and concerns about foot conditions for seniors, it is advised to counsel with a podiatrist.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
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.
Tinea pedis, which is also referred to as “athlete’s foot,” is a skin infection that is caused by a fungus. It lives and thrives in warm and damp environments, so it is suggested to wear appropriate shoes while in these places. These include public swimming pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition often consist of peeling skin between the toes, redness on the bottom of the feet, blisters and cracked skin. For mild cases of athlete’s foot, treatment generally consists of applying an antifungal spray between the toes for several weeks. There are measures that can be implemented which can help to prevent athlete’s foot. These include washing and drying the feet daily, wearing cotton socks that can absorb moisture, and not sharing towels or shoes. If you feel you have this condition, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this affliction.
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:
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:
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.
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