Items filtered by date: July 2018

There are many causes for ingrown toenails. Tight-fitting shoes, sweaty feet, and the shape of your nails are all factors that may determine whether or not you develop this painful ailment. Poorly cut toenails can cause you to develop an ingrown toenail; if you want to avoid this, you should practice cutting your nails properly. It is advised that you trim your nails straight across so that the edges cannot dig into the surrounding skin. Another way to help prevent ingrown toenails is to keep your feet clean and wear shoes and socks that provide enough space for your feet to move. A helpful way to move your skin away from the nail is to soften it with olive oil, and then use a cotton bud to shift it away. If you are struggling with pain from an ingrown toenail, you should visit your podiatrist right away.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

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

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Hereditary Erythromelalgia, a condition more commonly known as “burning man syndrome” is a condition that causes a scorching pain in your foot. This sensation may feel as if your feet are stepping on hot coal. This pain can be caused by a light touch of air or a small splash of water. The pain can occur several times per week and it can potentially wake you up in the middle of the night. This is a rare neuropathic disorder that can cause severe burning pain and redness. The attacks of the condition is typically triggered by heat, pressure, exertion, and stress. It has been discovered that the underlying cause of this disorder is the SCN9A gene. Research has shown that similar problems in this gene may cause the hereditary type of small fiber neuropathy. If you suspect that you have a nerve disorder in your foot, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist to learn what is happening with your feet.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

One of the best things that most people can do for their feet is to purchase shoes that fit comfortably. This is especially true for elderly people, who may be concerned about a loss of cushioning the feet may experience as the aging process progresses. Shoes that put pressure on the feet are best to be avoided such as high heels, which may possibly cause uncomfortable foot conditions such as corns. If you already have an existing case of bunions, wearing shoes that apply pressure on the feet could cause this condition to become worse. The importance of properly measuring the feet is necessary in older patients and this may possibly accommodate for the feet getting wider, which is common in elderly people. If the majority of the day is spent in a sitting position, it’s beneficial to frequently walk and stretch the legs, which may improve circulation. If the skin on the heels should appear dry and cracked, utilizing a good moisturizer will not only feel good, but will positively affect the general health of the foot. If you have questions and would like additional information about how to take care of elderly feet, it’s suggested to speak with a podiatrist who can provide the necessary answers.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Media and Glen Mills, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The skin condition referred to as cracked heels may be a result of several different causes. If the shoes that are worn do not have adequate padding in the heel area, the skin on the heels may become dry and form fissures, which are deep cracks in the skin. Some people develop this condition because of their style of walking, and possibly from standing for extended periods of time. Additionally, specific skin conditions may be a contributing factor and these may include psoriasis or eczema, which typically causes the skin to become dry. Wearing sandals without a back may often cause the formation of cracked heels, and this condition may cause discomfort and pain. If you are afflicted with this ailment, it may be beneficial to wash and dry the feet thoroughly followed by utilizing a good moisturizer. For more severe cases, it’s suggested to speak with a podiatrist for correct treatment options.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

A condition known as hyperhidrosis is commonly referred to as sweaty feet. This condition can be embarrassing and can produce foot ailments such as athlete's foot and other infections. This is particularly true of diabetic patients where excessive moisture can contribute to cuts in the skin, which may possibly lead to serious foot infections. There are several reasons why some people may experience sweaty feet more than others, including emotional stress, nerve damage, obesity, and wearing improper footwear. Certain medications may contribute to the onset of this ailment, in addition to having an overactive thyroid or a heart valve disorder. If you suffer from hyperhidrosis of the feet, it’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist to discuss the best possible treatment options for you.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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