Items filtered by date: October 2014

A recent study conducted at the University of Nottingham found that trimming nails too often may actually lead to certain nail problems including ingrown toenails. After examining how the nails stick to the nail bed and grow forward, researchers found that cutting the nails daily puts a certain force on the nail that can make nails grow too slow or too fast as well as causing additional problems.

Lead study author, Cynthia Rauch, also used the research to find ways to avoid ingrown nail problems. She states, “Looking at our results, we suggest that nail beauty fanatics who trim their nails on a daily basis opt for straight or parabolic edges, as otherwise they may amplify the imbalance of stresses which could lead to a number of serious conditions.”

Ingrown toenails are terribly uncomfortable, and in the worst cases surgery might be required to get rid of them. If you think you have an ingrown toenail, consult with podiatrists Angelo Sutera and Scott Jones of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will confirm your diagnosis and do everything she can to treat your problem.

Ingrown Toenails Causes

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

There are a number of risk factors for ingrown toenails. Some include cutting your nails too short, participating in strenuous sports, diabetes, obesity, and fungal infection. Some are genetically predisposed to ingrown nails, although wearing ill-fitting or damp shoes can exacerbate the problem.

Treatment

There are a number of steps you can take to treat ingrown nails:

-Let your toenails grow out
-Soak the toes in hot water with antibiotic soap or Epsom salts
-Placing a piece of cotton under the affected nail may allow the toe to grow up instead of into the nail bed
-Rest with your feet up

If however, your pain is severe, or you see red streaks running up your leg, you should see a podiatrist. Your podiatrist may make a small incision and remove part of the toe nail to relieve the pressure. A local anesthetic may be used to lessen the discomfort of the operation.  Topical medication may also be prescribed to prevent the regrowth of the problem nail.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pennsylvania. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.

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 Samaritan’s Feet International recently held the successful Samaritan’s Feet event with the aided efforts of Northeastern Indiana Credit Union Chapter (NEICUC). The event provided three hundred members of the Boys & Girls Club and the Euell A. Wilson Center with a new pair of shoes. Members were also able to have their feet washed by one of the volunteers. The event was financed and logistically coordinated by NEICUC who also recruited volunteers. Samaritan’s leaders also believe they can show the youth that they are capable of fulfilling their dreams. “It is wonderful to see the collaborative efforts that have been done on behalf of the youth in our community,” said Joe Jordan, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne.

To ensure that their feet will grow and develop healthily, children need to proper fitting shoes on their feet. For more information about determining proper shoe fitting for children, see podiatrists Dr. Angelo Sutera and Dr. Scott Jones of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in properly fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improperly fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

For more information about Proper Shoe Fitting, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices located in Pennsylvania. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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 Throughout the years there have been a few partnerships between airlines and household name fashion designers. Some designers include Pierre Balmain for Singapore Airlines and Christian Lacroix for Air France. A few months ago, Virgin Atlantic has made an agreement with Vivienne Westwood on creating the new flight attendant and crew member uniforms. The global wearer trial for the uniforms has had mostly rave reviews; however, a handful of employees have found blisters on their feet from the designer’s shoes. The shoes are an adaptation of Westwood’s signature heels.  A spokesperson for the airline responded to the reports declaring that the company is working to ensure that its employees are “happy and comfortable in their working environment.”  

If you work in an environment that requires extensive standing and walking, you may develop blisters on the feet. To learn more about blister treatment and prevention, speak to Dr. Angelo Sutera and Scott Jones at Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns and answer any of your related questions. 

Blisters on the Feet
When tight or ill-fitting footwear is worn, many times a foot blister may develop. Blisters can even develop by constant rubbing from the shoe, often times leading to pain. 

What is a Foot Blister?
A foot blister is a small pocket that is filled with fluid, forming on the upper most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid, and may lead to drainage of blood or pus if the area has become infected. 

How do they Form?
Blisters of the feet are almost always the result of shoe rubbing and constant friction of the skin and material. Long periods of walking in shoes, sandals, or boots which don’t fit properly can result in a blister. Those who often have moisture or humidity in the feet, are prone to blister formation easily. 

Prevention & Treatment
Proper care is vital to alleviate pain and prevent infection to the affected area of the foot. The best treatment is to leave them alone. New skin will develop under the blister and during the healing stages, your blister will pop.
For more information about Blisters on the Feet, follow the link below.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices, located Pennsylvania. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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 Scientists at Guangzhou Dongsheng Hospital and Guangzhou Social Welfare House were behind a research study focusing on acupuncture. The study indicates that acupuncture is highly effective in treating heel pain, especially when it comes to treating plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.

A group of scientists used sixty-six patients that were dealing with ongoing heel pain. Some of the subjects were provided a filiform acupuncture needle treatment, while the rest of the patients received the typical pharmaceutical drugs. After a six month period, the scientists found that the patients that completed the acupuncture treatment gave it an effectiveness rating of 97% while the drugs were only granted a 76% rating.

Your life can greatly be affected by even simplest heel pain. If your heel hurts, see Dr. Angelo Sutera and Dr. Scott Jones of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Dr. Sutera and Dr. Jones can treat your heel pain.  

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 thing of the past.

With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pennsylvania. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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