Items filtered by date: July 2020

The foot condition that is known as hammertoe can cause severe pain and it may even make it difficult to wear shoes. It causes the middle toe to bend downward at the joint, which can push against the adjoining toes. A common occurrence of this condition can be from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. In severe cases, calluses and corns may form on top of the extended toe joints as a result of excess friction, and this can add to the discomfort of this foot ailment. Mild relief may be found when the affected toe is protected by a cushioned pad and this may alleviate a portion of the pressure as daily activities are performed. If you have developed hammertoe it is strongly advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can help to determine the best course of treatment for you, which may include surgery that can permanently straighten the toe.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. 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 Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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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.

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An infection on the skin of the feet is commonly known as athlete’s foot. It can cause severe redness, and the skin may itch and develop small blisters. The bottom of the feet and between the toes are the areas of the feet that are most often affected by this condition. It is caused by a fungus that is known to be contagious, and lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. These can include public swimming pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. Effective prevention methods can consist of wearing appropriate shoes while in these types of places, and it is helpful to avoid sharing towels, shoes, and socks. Mild relief may be found when an antifungal powder is applied to the affected area, and this may help to control existing inflammation. If you are afflicted with athlete’s foot and would like professional advice on how it is treated, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

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Monday, 13 July 2020 00:00

What Are Common Signs of Neuropathy?

Neuropathy may be brought upon by nerve damage and can cause serious issues for the feet if left unmonitored. This condition can be fairly common among diabetic patients, often causing a loss of feeling or numbing sensation of the feet. There are a few indicators, along with the numbing and tingling of the feet, one may look out for. Some patients may experience a throbbing, burning, or stabbing type of foot pain. Because neuropathy is caused by nerve damage, these issues can lead to changes in the size and shape of the foot. It can also be common for patients with neuropathy to develop foot ulcers. Ulcers, which are deep, open wounds, can form due to neglecting cuts or scrapes on the feet, and can often lead to infection. For professional care and an advised treatment plan, please consult with a podiatrist.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

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Monday, 06 July 2020 00:00

Common Risk Factors Linked to Corns

Corns, similar to calluses, are hardened layers of dead skin that typically appear in a small, ball-like shape. They can generally be found on the bottom of the feet and sides of the toes. Some patients have found them to be sensitive to the touch, often making it uncomfortable to wear shoes. The reasons why a patient may develop a corn may vary. Common risk factors include wearing shoes that are too tight for your feet, not wearing socks, and walking while barefoot. The causes previously listed all have one factor in common, excess friction that irritates the skin. The removal of a corn can be done by soaking and exfoliating the feet, followed by filing the corn with a pumice stone. For a safe removal process, please seek the professional care of a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Barbara Davis of Gilbert Podiatry. 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 Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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