Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!
Severely cracked heels are referred to as heel fissures. They are defined as cracked skin that appears on the heels, and they can often cause pain and discomfort. This condition can occur for several reasons, including being overweight, wearing shoes that have an open back, or standing for the majority of the day. Additionally, medical conditions consisting of psoriasis or eczema may contribute to the development of cracked heels. It is helpful to wash and dry the feet thoroughly, followed by applying a good moisturizer. Cracked heels can be an unsightly, uncomfortable nuisance, and it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist if this condition is affecting you.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The nerve tissue between the third and fourth toes are affected when a condition known as Morton’s neuroma is present. It can cause significant pain, and some people say it feels as if there is a rock or pebble inside the ball of the foot. The most common pain consists of a stabbing or burning sensation that typically worsens over time. This condition can develop as a result from wearing shoes that are too narrow or from medical conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet. Mild relief may be found when the affected foot is elevated or massaged. It can also be beneficial to perform certain exercises to maintain and strengthen the arch of the foot. Fill a plastic bottle with ice and roll it back and forth along the bottom of the foot. (This will help with inflammation too) Another stretch can be performed while sitting down with your legs straight in front of you. Place the ball of your foot in the middle of a towel, then grab both ends of the towel and gently pull towards your shin. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Heel cups are a type of orthotic device. They are placed directly under the heel and provide cushioning and support. Heel cups can help treat heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis, prolonged standing, and more. They can make your shoes more comfortable as you go about your daily activities. Heel cups are typically made of gel, foam, or some other type of cushioning material. They can be bought over-the-counter at many drug and shoe stores. It is best to check with a podiatrist prior to purchasing heel cups to determine if this is the right type of orthotic for you.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors 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 Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries to occur when playing sports. They occur when the ligaments that connect the bones to the joints become over stretched or torn because of a sudden twist or force. Signs of an ankle sprain include ankle swelling, bruising, pain, difficulty bending the ankle, or difficulty bearing weight with the ankle. Patients who are unable to walk with their injured ankle, have significant swelling, or haven’t seen any signs of progress after a few days, should consult with a podiatrist for treatment. Ultimately, differentiating between an ankle sprain and an ankle fracture can be very difficult. Therefore, patients who believe that they have sprained their ankle should consult with a podiatrist who can evaluate and diagnose the injury.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors 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?
Preventing a Sprain
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 Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Many rheumatoid arthritis sufferers find that ingrown toenails have become an ongoing problem. An ingrown toenail occurs when the outer edge of the nail gets embedded in the surrounding skin. This can cause pain, swelling, and possibly an infection. If this happens regularly, surgery to remove the nail may be an option to consider. If you still have a good blood supply to the feet and toes, and if you are not currently having a rheumatoid flare-up, removal of the toenail is a viable option. Surgery, which can be carried out by a podiatrist, is a long-term solution. But it’s important to remember that because of rheumatoid arthritis the healing process may be slow. Other options can include changing your footwear to a larger size and seeing a podiatrist to set up a series of regular foot-care appointments as a preventative measure.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you drop something on your foot, it will likely turn purple or blue from bruising. This is normal, and the common solutions of rest, ice, elevation, and compression should help ease the pain as your foot heals. However, chronic discoloration of the feet can be a sign of restricted blood flow brought on by other conditions. Among them are diabetic neuropathy, peripheral artery disease (PAD), lupus, or Raynaud’s disease. In some way all of these conditions limit the flow of blood to the extremities and can cause foot swelling, discoloration and numbness. If you notice that your feet have changed color for longer periods, it may be wise to consult a podiatrist who can offer a complete examination and diagnosis of your feet and recommend the best treatment options for you.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
One common sports injury that occurs in the big toe is known as turf toe. This condition, which is most common among football and soccer players, happens when the big toe is sprained because of a repetitive upward bending of the joint. This action usually takes place when the big toe is jammed or injured when pushing off while jumping or running. Turf toe is extremely common when playing on turf, particularly because the foot is more likely to stick to the hard surface under it and jam. Common indications of turf toe include pain, swelling, and a lack of joint movement in the big toe. Turf toe is often treated by rest, ice, compression and elevation, but in extreme cases, surgery may be necessary. Athletes who notice that they have symptoms similar to turf toe would be wise to check with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat the injury.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Sesamoiditis, an inflammation of the two tiny sesamoid bones located just beneath the big toe, can cause foot pain in the ball of the foot. A bone scan or MRI, in addition to a physical examination, are typically needed to diagnose this condition. There are various means for managing sesamoiditis. These include immobilizing and resting the affected foot, wearing orthotics, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain, applying ice to the area, and going to physical therapy. If these management strategies don’t provide adequate relief, corticosteroid injections directly into the foot may help. If you are suffering from foot pain, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.
Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Lovely Foot Associates, PC. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.
Causes of Sesamoiditis
Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Johnstown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
