Items filtered by date: December 2017

Cold feet and hands, in addition to swelling and cramping, may often be symptoms of poor circulation. Many times it can be a sign of other health issues, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Red or blue toes, tingling in the feet, and unexpected hair loss on the legs may all point to circulation issues. Veins can be damaged, which can then restrict or even stop blood flow and possibly lead to blood clots in the leg. Typically, unhealthy behaviors are contributing factors, and learning to manage them is a good starting point in controlling poor circulation. These may include smoking cigarettes, lack of exercise, or having high cholesterol and blood pressure. Occasionally, using leg massagers may help to stimulate circulation which improves blood flow. Additionally, wearing support hosiery and proper footwear may help your feet to feel better by improving circulation.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

If left untreated, minor cracked heels can worsen and turn into painful openings or fissures. There are numerous causes for cracked heels; some may be aging, skin conditions, and vitamin deficiency. The older you get, the more the skin loses its ability to stretch, which can lead to the skin cracking. Standing for long periods of time in ill-fitting shoes may be an additional reason for cracked heels. Calluses may develop, causing pain and pressure associated with walking and running, possibly causing small cracks to develop and even bleeding to occur. Typically, the skin will become red and inflamed, and some patients may feel a decrease in sensitivity in the heels.  Remedies may include topical creams and pumice stones, which may help in the removal of dead skin. Additionally, custom-made orthotics may be another treatment option. A consultation with a podiatrist is advised for learning about other ways to treat and prevent cracked heels.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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 care needs.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic sprained his left ankle during the Chicago Bulls and Nuggets game. The 6’10”, 250 lb Serbian was taken out during the second half once he sprained his ankle. Jokic is considered to be one of the Nuggets' best players, and his loss will no doubt affect the team. Both Mason Plumlee and Juan Hernangomez are expected to take his position until Jokic heals and can play again. The Nuggets beat the Bulls 111 to 110 in a very close game.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart of Pennsylvania. 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 Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

While suffering a foot injury is no fun, recovery does not mean you should leap headfirst back into physical activity. It is recommended to slowly ease back into running or any sport after you have recovered from a previous injury. It is important to continue the rehabilitation regime prescribed to you to ensure that your foot heals properly. Furthermore, do not push yourself hard when you start running again, as you may not have fully recovered. Try to only run a few days a week once your podiatrist says it’s okay. Be sure to stretch before and after a run. Icing may help as well; however, this may not always be the case. Be sure to consult with a podiatrist before engaging in any kind of treatment protocol. Above all, stay positive and be patient, as getting back into any sport after an injury can be a trying task.

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. Edwin S. Hart of Pennsylvania. 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 Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.