Items filtered by date: April 2023

Tuesday, 25 April 2023 00:00

Relief Options for Bunions

A small hardened lump on the outside of the big toe may indicate a bunion has formed. It can grow in size if treatment is not sought, and can cause the other toes to shift toward each other. Bunions form as a result of genetic factors, or they may happen from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move in freely. It is considered to be a deformity and may be painful, often causing difficulty in walking. Some patients notice there is redness and swelling surrounding the bunion, and it may reduce range of motion in the big toe. Relief may be found when the correct size shoes are worn, with enough room for the toes to move in. Additionally, orthotics may be worn which may improve comfort and foot alignment. Corns may form on top of the bunion, where it rubs against the shoe, and wearing a protective pad over the bunion may temporarily provide relief. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you treatment solutions, which may include minor surgery for permanent removal.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • Surgery

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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Tuesday, 18 April 2023 00:00

Toe Fractures in Children

When a child breaks a bone in their toe, it is called a toe fracture. Such a fracture will often result in pain, redness, swelling, and bruising. It might be difficult to bend their toe or put weight on it. If a bone is protruding from the toe or bent at an abnormal angle, immediate medical care should be sought. An X-ray or MRI may be needed to properly diagnose a toe fracture and differentiate it from a possible sprain. If your child has sustained a toe fracture, the buddy taping method or splint may be used to support the toe in its correct position during healing. Buddy taping means taping the broken toe to the toe next to it. A walking boot, hard-soled shoe, or other supportive devices may also help your child move while their toe is undergoing healing. If you think your child may have a broken toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to have it examined, have necessary tests taken, and obtain treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jim Maxka, DPM from South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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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Wednesday, 12 April 2023 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

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.

Tuesday, 11 April 2023 00:00

Dealing With Your Child’s Gait Disorder

The gait, which is the way we walk, starts to develop as soon as a child stands up. As they age children go through different stages of gait development, and it is a good idea for parents to monitor these patterns and take note of abnormalities. Three recognizable gait disorders in children are in-toeing, out-toeing, and toe-walking. While in-toeing, also termed pigeon toe, is typical in many children under the age of 3, it also can be caused by a condition where the front of the foot curves inward instead of remaining straight. This can result in a child falling more often than normal. Out-toeing refers to walking with the toes pointed outward instead of straight ahead. It can be the result of flat feet, lower leg misalignment, or hip joint abnormalities. Toe walking is just what it sounds like the child walks on its toes. This can produce tight or shortened calf muscles and may affect balance and cause muscle soreness. If your child displays these or other gait abnormalities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can assess the situation and provide guidance on how to handle it.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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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Tuesday, 04 April 2023 00:00

Flexible and Rigid Hammertoe

Hammertoe is an ailment that affects the toes in the feet. Specifically, the second, third or fourth toes are targeted with this condition and this can happen due to genetics. Patients who have this ailment notice their toes bend downward, and can resemble a hammer. It may also develop from wearing shoes that do not have ample room for the toes to move freely in. This may cause a muscle imbalance, and common symptoms can include swelling and pain, and it can be difficult to walk. This condition develops gradually, and the toes are flexible when first noticed. Prompt medical treatment is necessary to prevent the toes from becoming rigid, because at that point treatment may be difficult. Patients can find mild relief when different shoes are worn, preferably with a low heel and plenty of room that can accommodate the toes. This can be followed by practicing specific exercises that can strengthen the toes. If you have developed hammertoe, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the treatment method that is right for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Jim Maxka, DPM of South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

  • Painful and/or difficult toe movement
  • Swelling
  • Joint stiffness
  • Calluses/Corns
  • Physical deformity

Risk Factors

  • Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
  • Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
  • Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
  • Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best 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 care needs.

Read more about What Are Hammertoes?

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