A bunion is considered to be a deformity where a bony lump that forms on the side of the big toe. It happens as a result of the big toe becoming misaligned, and it can push against the side of the shoe. Many people develop a bunion from genetic reasons, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. High heels fit into this category, and it is suggested to wear a shoe that has a lower heel and a bigger toe area. Some people have an abnormal foot shape, and this may also lead to developing a bunion. There are specific symptoms that are associated with a bunion. These can include pain that gets worse when tight shoes are worn and the big toe may become stiff. Additionally, the skin surrounding the joints in the big toe may be swollen and red. Severe bunions may require surgery for permanent removal and proper alignment of the joints. If you have a bunion, please confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the treatment that is correct for you.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Symptoms
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
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 care needs.
Research has shown that one of the leading causes of injury among older people is falling. It can lead to a fractured foot and other bones may break when falling occurs. As we age, our bones can become brittle and the risk of falling increases. There are preventive methods that may help to prevent falling. These can include having routine medical examinations performed which can also be useful in updating existing medication. Additionally, it is beneficial to remove worn rugs in the living area and to improve lighting in the house. Many people have installed grab bars in the shower and toilet areas as this can help to provide stability. Incorporating a gentle exercise regime as part of your daily routine can help to improve muscle strength and wearing shoes that fit correctly is instrumental in the prevention of falls. Using walkers or canes can be crucial in maintaining balance and it is important to refrain from drinking excess alcohol. Several foot conditions can result from falling so it is advised that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you with effective prevention methods.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Todd Goldberg from Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
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 care needs.
A common symptom that many pregnant women notice is edema. This causes considerable swelling, and often affects the feet. It is considered to be a normal part of pregnancy, despite the fact that it may cause discomfort. Edema generally begins in the 5th month, and other factors may contribute to it. These can include spending too much time on the feet, not having enough potassium, or eating foods that have elevated sodium levels. Many pregnant women have found relief from drinking plenty of fresh water daily, sleeping on their left side, and limiting time on their feet. It is important to wear shoes that fit comfortably, and it may help to apply cold compresses to swollen ankles and feet. Swimming in a pool may help to compress tissue and provide temporary relief. Additionally, it is suggested to avoid foods and drinks that have high sodium levels, and drinking and eating foods with caffeine. If you would like more information about how pregnancy can affect the feet, please confer with a podiatrist.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Todd Goldberg from Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
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.
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.
Diabetes can impair a person’s ability to feel differences in temperature or pain in their feet. This is because high levels of blood sugar can cause nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy. Any little cut, scrape, pressure point or disturbance in the skin that goes undetected has the potential of becoming a more serious wound. Wounds can be dangerous to a person with diabetes because their heightened levels of blood glucose can also restrict circulation in the feet and their body’s ability to heal itself. Daily foot care then becomes essential for the diabetic to stay healthy and to prevent wounds and infections from developing. Feet should be kept clean, but never washed with water hot enough to scald the skin. Moisturizing the skin will help keep skin healthy and prevent it from cracking. Toenails should be kept trimmed straight across, and not too short. Jagged or long nails may cut into skin on surrounding toes, and toenails that are rounded or too short may lead to ingrown toenails. Feet should be inspected at least once a day to make sure no trauma has occurred to the skin. If anything unusual is detected, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist right away. In fact, regular visits with your podiatrist will be an important part of maintaining foot health and preventing wounds and ulcers from developing.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg from Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
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.
When the feet and ankle swell closer to the end of the day, it may indicate that you’ve been standing or walking for too long. Elevating your feet can help to reduce the swelling (a.k.a. edema). Another cause of swelling is inflammation after an injury, which usually affects only one ankle. When both ankles are swollen, it may be a sign of fluid imbalance. The collection of fluids in the lower extremities can be caused by far more serious problems involving blood circulation, heart disease, liver damage or kidney malfunction. Other causes of swelling are overuse, not enough use, and trauma or injury. Still other underlying factors that can contribute to edema include pregnancy, autoimmune problems, blood clots, infection, and reaction to certain medications. If you are experiencing unusual or prolonged swelling in the ankles, especially if pain is another symptom, please consult a podiatrist as soon as possible for an examination and diagnosis.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Todd Goldberg from Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
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 care needs.
