Items filtered by date: July 2018

Each year, approximately 1.5 million children suffer some sort of sports injury. Research has found that kids who are only involved in one sport are more likely to suffer serious injuries compared to those who play different sports. A study was conducted on NBA draft picks to see which players played multiple sports in high school and which players only played basketball. Those who conducted the study looked to see if the amount of sports an athlete played had any impact on the amount of injuries they had. The benefit of playing a variety of sports is that the body is forced to use different ligaments and muscles instead of overusing and straining the same muscles that are used in one sport. The idea is that a player will perform better in a single sport if he exercises other muscles in addition to the ones that are typically used in that sport.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Jim Maxka, DPM of South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor 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:

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Plantar Fasciosis
  • Achilles Tendinitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains

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 Hanover, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes a person to sweat excessively. People with this condition do not necessarily sweat due to heat or exercise. The condition worsens when people start to stress or get nervous. The purpose of sweat is to cool down the body when its temperature begins to rise. Primary hyperhidrosis occurs when the sweat glands simply become overactive. Secondary hyperhidrosis occurs due to a medical condition. People who have secondary hyperhidrosis often have an underlying medical condition such as thyroid problems, diabetes, menopausal hot flashes, or low blood sugar. If you are suffering from sweaty feet, you should wear clothes that don’t trap the sweat. You should look into antiperspirants to treat your condition, however if this does not work, you should try seeking help from a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Jim Maxka, DPM of South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor 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 our office located in Hanover, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 16 July 2018 00:00

How to Deal with an Ankle Sprain

Approximately 40 percent of sports injuries are ankle sprains. These injuries are common because they can easily be caused by one misstep. If you suspect that you have an ankle injury, it is important that you know the differences between a strain, a sprain, and a fracture. The main difference between a strain and a sprain is the degree of damage to the tendon or ligament. Sprains are considered to be more severe than strains. On the other hand, fractures are breaks in the bone and do not occur in tendons and ligaments. The ankle joint is important to the body because it supports the entire weight of the body when you walk, stand, and run. It has been found that children are less likely to suffer from ankle sprains. This is because children are typically more flexible than adults, and this flexibility is what allows them to avoid injury. The best way to treat ankle sprains is by using the RICE method which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. However, if you are still experiencing issues with your ankle, it is best to see a podiatrist for proper treatment.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Jim Maxka, DPM from South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. 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 Hanover, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Elderly people may develop conditions concerning the feet as they age. There are several reasons why this may occur, including a loss of natural cushioning the foot possesses, poor circulation, and brittle nails. Some of these ailments may include athlete’s foot, dry skin, which may cause cracked heels, or additional uncomfortable conditions known as heel spurs and hammertoes. Research has shown that an important part of maintaining healthy feet is to choose shoes and socks that fit comfortably. It’s common for feet to get wider as we age, which makes it beneficial to have the feet routinely measured. It’s crucial for diabetic seniors to practice proper foot care, and this may possibly prevent wounds and cuts from becoming worse, which may be a result of a loss of sensation in the feet. If you would like additional information about how to care for elderly people’s feet, please consult 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 Jim Maxka, DPM from South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. 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 Hanover, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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If you want to keep your feet in great shape, you should take precautions each day to ensure they stay healthy. One of the most important tips for healthy feet is to keep them moisturized. Although many people choose to moisturize their feet at night, it may also be effective to moisturize your feet in the morning too. Moisturizing in the morning will make your skin feel supple throughout the day. Prior to moisturizing, it is best to exfoliate your skin with a pumice stone. Exfoliating will help you remove any dead skin from your feet so they they look and feel fresh and renewed. Another tip is to trim your toenails on a regular basis, and apply a drop of tea tree oil under the nail to help prevent toenail fungus.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Jim Maxka, DPM from South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor 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 Hanover, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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