Items filtered by date: September 2016
7 Million People in the U.S. Deal with Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the skin of your toes rather than over it, leading to periodic pain, redness and even swelling. The condition can be caused by ill-fitting shoes or cutting toenails in the wrong way, such as a curved shape. It’s estimated that “about 7 million people in the United States are dealing with an ingrown toenail at any given time,” and if left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected. Prevent ingrown toenails by cutting your nails straight across, wearing comfortable shoes, and keeping proper foot hygiene.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
- Bacterial infections
- Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
- Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
- Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
- Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bethlehem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Arthritis and Your Feet
Osteoarthritis is one of the leading form of arthritis in the elderly. The disease alone affected 30.8 million adults from 2008 to 2011. Researchers have found a link between osteoarthritis and senescent cells near the joints. Scientists have injected a small amount of senescent cells and non-senescent cells from ear cartilage into the knee joints of mice. They were able to find that the injection of senescent cells caused characteristics related to osteoarthritis.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment,contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.
In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
- Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
- Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
- Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.
It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bethlehem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Blisters: Prevention is Key
Blisters can appear anywhere that skin rubs against clothing or other parts of the body. However, doctors believe that prevention is key when it comes to blisters. If you want to avoid blisters, you should always wear socks and avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose. You can also apply powder or petroleum jelly to your feet to avoid friction. If you do get a blister, you should be patient and leave it alone. Most blisters heal between one to two weeks on their own.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet arecontact Dr. Edwin S. Hart of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.
What are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
How do Blisters Form?
Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.
Prevention & Treatment
It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Bethlehem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Feet Tips for Diabetics
Foot complications are common among people with diabetes. However, there are ways for diabetics to prevent foot problems in the future. It is important for people with diabetes to wear shoes that fit properly. Tight fitting shoes are one of the most common causes of diabetic foot problems. Another tip to avoid foot complications is to keep your feet clean. Diabetics should carefully wash their feet daily with mild soap and water. Lastly, people with diabetes should inspect their feet on a daily basis.
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. Edwin S. Hart of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including 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
- Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels because 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 one of our offices located in Bethlehem, PA for the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.