Foot Conditions

 
 

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Exercises for Plantar Fasciitis Sufferers

plantar fasciitis6Those suffering from plantar fasciitis can now try alignment exercises that can temporarily relieve misaligned joints. With the help of Vladimir Yanda, a pioneer in the field of muscular symmetry and postural alignment, Pete Egoscue devised a plantar fascia stretch to exercise the feet.  For the plantar fascia stretch, sit barefoot in a chair with one leg crossed over the opposite knee and interlace the fingers between the crossed foot’s toes. Using your hand, circle the foot inwards and outwards.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, visit one of our podiatrists of Green Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors can treat your heel pain as well as any other foot or ankle condition.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

·     Excessive running

·     Non-supportive shoes

·     Overpronation

·     Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

·     Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices

·     Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis

·     Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

 

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

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Eat Certain Types of Food for Your Arthritis

Arthritis5Eating certain types of food can help with arthritis pain, says Andrea Dunn, a registered dietician and certified diabetes educator of Cleveland Clinic’s Digestive Disease Institute. Eat foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber, and nutrients. These foods and other special foods such as ginger and turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce arthritis pain.  

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. For more information, consult with one of our podiatrists from Greene Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

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 contact our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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The Causes and Prevention of Blister

runners20Blisters on the feet are often caused by friction between skin and the material of the shoe. To prevent this, ensure that shoes have a proper fit with a wide enough toe box. Moisture reducing socks can keep your feet dry and reduce friction. Sticking a layer of tape over any friction susceptible areas are also a sure way to reduce any blisters.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. For more information, consult with one of our podiatrists from Greene Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 doctor.

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

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Studies Show Falls in the Elderly Reduce Quality of Life

swimming3Recent studies have shown a direct correlation between falls and a reduction in overall quality of life. For those aged 65 and older who are at a higher risk for falls, this is serious news. Approximately one third of people aged between 65 and 79 fall at least once per year, while half of people aged 80 and older fall at least once per year. While elderly falls is a serious public health issue, they can be easily prevented with strategies such as installing non-slip mats in bathtubs and showers, wearing shoes with nonskid soles, keeping the home well illuminated, storing household necessities within easy reach, repairing loose floorboards or carpeting, and securing loose rugs.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. For more information, consult with one of our podiatrists from Greene Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

The Elderly and their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions

Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet, and can hide many life threating medical conditions.

Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.

Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:

Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe

Shoes that don’t fit properly

Pressure sores

Loss of circulation in legs & feet

Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

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