If you need a more accessible version of this website, click this button on the right.Switch to Accessible Site
Our office is currently open to care for the podiatric needs of our community.
Call today and book an appointment!
Littlestown, PA

 (717) 359-5300

October 2017


Tuesday, 31 October 2017 00:00

What is Hammertoe and Mallet Toe?

An imbalance in either the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the foot that keep the toes straight can cause hammertoe or mallet toe. Causes of this imbalance can stem from improperly-fitted shoes, trauma, and even foot structure. An abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe is called hammertoe. When the joint nearest to the toenail is affected, this condition is called mallet toe. Poorly-fitted shoes can result in the toes becoming compressed which can result in the condition. Simply wearing properly-fitted footwear may cause the toes to become uncompressed and restore balance in the foot. However, surgery may be needed if the issue stems from trauma or foot structure, and if symptoms become more severe or do not go away.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg from Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the affected toes
  • Development of corns or calluses due to friction
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Littlestown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What Are Hammertoes?
Published in Blog

Monday, 23 October 2017 00:00

Tips on Preventing Running Injuries

Running can be a great way to stay healthy, however it can also lead to injuries. Knowing what to do to prevent running injuries is essential to ensure a healthy outcome. In addition to basic steps like drinking plenty of water, avoiding overuse, running properly, and wearing the right footwear for you, there are more advanced steps you can take to help prevent injury. Stretching daily, even during down times like at a work, helps keep the body loose. Working out both legs individually can help ensure that each leg is strong on its own. Stability exercises, even ones as simple as balancing on one leg, and strength and flexibility exercises can help promote overall fitness that makes the body more resilient to injury. Following these steps won’t prevent every injury, but they can help significantly.

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 Dr. Todd Goldberg of Complete Family Foot Care Center. 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 Littlestown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about How to Prevent Running Injuries
Published in Blog

Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker recently suffered an ankle injury while playing against the Tennessee Titans. He was doubtful for the game against the Falcons and wound up not playing. Parker, who was a first round draft pick for the Dolphins, was considered to have the potential to have a good season. Regardless of whether the injury will take him out for an extended period or just one game, losing Parker for any length of time will be a blow for the Dolphins.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg of Complete Family Foot Care Center. 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 Littlestown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Sports Related Foot And Ankle Injuries
Published in Blog

A recent study published in the Arthritis Care and Research journal found that those who are obese and have rheumatoid arthritis may benefit greatly from bariatric, or weight-loss, surgery. While the study needs more research before conclusive results can be firmly established, early statistics note huge improvements in patients.  Out of the 53 patients who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and undergone bariatric surgery, only six percent were found to have moderate to severe disease activity 12 months after surgery. Six years after having the surgery, 74 percent of the patients were classified as being in remission. This contrasted with the only 24 percent achieving remission with RA medications before surgery.  While these results are excellent, there are many factors that are unknown; one such factor is whether bariatric surgery is more effective in reducing RA symptoms than diet and exercise. Furthermore, bariatric surgery may potentially lead to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones.. Ultimately, for those who have RA, are obese, and considering bariatric surgery, there are many factors that have to be taken into account. If you are overweight and suffer from arthritic pain in your feet, consulting with a podiatrist is recommended. 
 

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg of Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

  • Swelling and pain in the feet
  • Stiffness in the feet
  • Pain on the ball or sole of feet
  • Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Littlestown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Feet
Published in Blog

Tuesday, 03 October 2017 00:00

Treating Corns and Calluses at Home

Many people will develop either a corn or callus on their foot at some point in their lives; but what are they? Corns and calluses are areas where the skin has thickened due to constant friction on the area. Corns are smaller and harder than calluses and usually develop on the toes. Calluses, meanwhile, are not usually painful compared to corns and usually occur on the bottom of the foot. Typically, either will go away if the source of friction is taken away. There are some at-home treatments that may help; however, you should consult a podiatrist first to see if they will be effective and appropriate for you. Soaking your feet can soften corns and calluses, as can moisturizers. Over-the-counter pads can help remove both but require caution in their use, as some pads contain salicylic acid—which should be avoided. Finally, one of the most important ways to prevent corns and calluses is to wear fitted and comfortable shoes that prevent friction against the area.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg of Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Littlestown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Corns: What Are They, and How Do You Get Rid of Them
Published in Blog



Connect with us
Copyright © Complete Family Foot Care Center, P.C | Site Map | Design by: Podiatry Content Connection