Items filtered by date: May 2021

Ankle sprains are a common injury among those who participate in sports that require a lot of running, jumping, or turning. An ankle sprain can occur when one or more ligaments in the ankle overstretch or tear. Depending on the severity of the injury, symptoms may include pain, soreness, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg. Following an ankle sprain, it is very important to rest the ankle so that it can recover fully. Springing back into action without achieving full recovery can lead to reinjury and chronic ankle pain. If you have sprained your ankle, you can return to playing your sport following approval from your podiatrist. This will usually occur after swelling has gone down, you have normal strength, a full range of motion, and can comfortably bear weight on the affected leg. If you are an athlete and have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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 Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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 feet change as the aging process occurs, which can make elderly individuals more prone to developing foot complications. In the warmer months, many people wear shoes that have an open back, including elderly patients. This can lead to painful foot conditions consisting of cracked heels, plantar fasciitis, and toe injuries. It is beneficial to instead wear shoes that fit correctly, in addition to washing, drying, and moisturizing the feet as part of your daily routine. Shoes that are made from breathable materials may help to avoid foot fungi, including athlete’s foot. Patients who are diabetic must pay extra attention to their feet, and it is important to promptly treat cuts or bruises that appear. If you would like more information about how to care for elderly feet, it is suggested that you confer 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 

• 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.

Orthotics are inserts for your shoes that provide additional support, cushioning and structure for your feet. There are over-the-counter varieties as well as custom-made orthotics. Custom orthotics from a podiatrist are specifically sized and manufactured for your individual foot structure and specific foot malady. They may help correct any misalignment issues or alleviate certain foot disorders such as plantar fasciitis—when the connective tissue on the bottom of feet (from heel-to-toe) becomes painful and inflamed. Since every person’s feet are different, a custom orthotic can offer better, more targeted structure and support than a one-size-fits-all OTC insole. If you have any pain in your heel or feet, make an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam and diagnosis, and to see if custom orthotics can provide the relief you need.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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.

Peroneal tendonitis is a condition in which the peroneal tendons, which run down the lower leg bone and behind the bony bump on the outside of the ankle, become inflamed. This is common among people who play sports that involve repetitive ankle movements and may occur due to overuse, a sudden increase in training, using improper training techniques, or wearing unsupportive footwear. People who have high arches or muscle imbalances are more likely to develop peroneal tendonitis. The symptoms of this condition include pain at the back of the ankle that worsens during physical activity, swelling at the back of the ankle, and ankle instability. If you have pain in your ankles, please consult with a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.