Items filtered by date: June 2019

Sunday, 30 June 2019 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Research has shown it is beneficial for runners to develop habits that may help to prevent running injuries. Warming up before a run can improve range of motion and improve flexibility. Many runners find it helpful to begin their run with a purpose. This may include focusing on speed one day, and endurance the next day, in addition to deciding on what type of road to run on. Implementing breathing techniques may help to reduce any stiffness and tension that has developed during the run. It is important to stretch the body daily before a running practice begins, as this can help the hips, ankles and knees to remain flexible. If you would like additional information about how to prevent running injuries, it is suggested to counsel with a podiatrist, who can provide you with the correct techniques.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jim Maxka, DPM of South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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, 17 June 2019 00:00

Are Plantar Warts Contagious?

A plantar wart is defined as a wart that forms on the bottom of the foot. They can develop on the heels or on the balls of the feet, and can cause considerable pain and discomfort. Many of these types of warts have tiny black dots in the center, and can appear disfigured. As this type of wart develops, it grows into the sole of the foot as a result of standing or walking for the majority of the day. Plantar warts are considered to be contagious, and the virus that causes this condition thrives in moist and warm areas. Research has indicated that it is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in public pools, locker rooms, and surrounding areas. There are several treatment options that are available which can provide relief. If you feel you have developed a plantar wart, please consult with a podiatrist who can guide you towards proper treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Jim Maxka, DPM from South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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, 10 June 2019 00:00

What Is Plantar Hyperhidrosis?

The medical condition that is known as plantar hyperhidrosis refers to feet that sweat excessively and frequently. Fungal skin infections including athlete’s foot can develop as a result of this condition, and a foul odor may exist. It is important to wear shoes and socks that are made of breathable materials, as this may help to control a portion of the sweating. Additionally, patients who are affected with this condition find it beneficial to wash and dry the feet daily, followed by using foot powder. Mild relief may be found when the socks are changed numerous times throughout the day.

If you feel you have this ailment, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis and treat plantar hyperhidrosis.

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, 03 June 2019 00:00

Methods to Measure Your Feet

Research has indicated that many people have admitted their shoes, which are frequently worn, do not fit correctly. This can produce unwanted foot conditions that include bunions, hammertoes, and general foot pain. It is important to determine the correct shoe size in order to select shoes that fit properly. This can be accomplished by having them professionally measured using a Brannock device, or measuring the feet yourself by tracing them on a piece of paper. This is done by placing your bare foot on a sheet of paper while sitting down, followed by tracing the length and width of your foot. After using a ruler to determine how long and wide your foot is, it can be compared to a chart that is comprised of different shoe sizes. If you would like additional information about how to properly measure your feet, it is suggested to counsel with a podiatrist.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Jim Maxka, DPM from South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

  • When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
  • Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
  • Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
  • Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
  • If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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 care needs.

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