Items filtered by date: February 2021

Hammertoes when the second and third toes are bent at the middle joint. They are considered to be a deformity and can cause the toes to resemble hammers. Many patients have calluses that develop on top of the bent joints, which happen when the toes rub against your shoes while walking. Patients who have hammertoe may have weakened nerves or a muscle imbalance.  Buddy taping, which is accomplished by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, may be effective in providing stability. Additionally, it is beneficial to perform specific stretches that can help to strengthen the toes and overall foot. It is recommended that you confer with a podiatrist if you notice the signs of a developing hammertoe.

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

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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.

As the feet get older, they can become worn down from years of supporting the body. The skin becomes less elastic, which can lead to issues such as blisters and cracked heels. Because of the complexity of issues that can arise, wearing the right footwear is one of the most important factors in caring for your feet. Shoes should have a proper grip and gently hug the feet. Keeping the feet clean, warm, and dry is important as well in order to prevent an infection. The toenails should be cut short and straight across in order to prevent ingrown toenails. Any issues with the feet should be checked by a podiatrist in order to prevent them from getting worse. This includes any sores or other abnormalities. A podiatrist will also be able to provide other recommendations on how to care for your feet.

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 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

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.

Heel pain can be debilitating and can form due to a variety of reasons. The most common cause of heel pain occurs when the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, known as the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed causing plantar fasciitis. When the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed Achilles tendonitis may occur, and this can lead to heel pain too. Heel pain can also be caused by a natural wearing of the fat pad which is connected to the heel, as well as stress fractures, bursitis, or a variety of diseases such as arthritis and gout. If you are suffering from heel pain it is highly recommended that you visit a podiatrist who can determine what the cause of your pain is. A podiatrist will be able to provide a proper treatment plan for your heel pain as well.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Peter C. Smith of Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

Do your feet feel like they are burning, tingling, or feel like they're getting an electric shock? These symptoms are indicative of nerve pain. This type of pain in the feet can be concerning and has a variety of causes. Baxter’s neuropathy is a condition in which the nerve located just under the base of the foot’s arch is compressed. This can cause nerve pain and may be more common in individuals who have other foot problems, such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, bone spurs, and those who are obese. Morton’s neuroma refers to a compression of the nerves between the toes, caused by thickened tissues. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the posterior tibial nerve and can result in nerve pain in both the foot and the ankle. Both peripheral and diabetic neuropathy are serious conditions that are the result of nerve damage in the lower limbs. To find out what is causing the nerve pain in your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.