Items filtered by date: June 2021

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition characterized by nerve damage to the nerves of the feet. It is a common condition among people with diabetes, affecting approximately half of all diabetics. Peripheral neuropathy could cause a variety of symptoms in your lower limbs, including burning, tingling, or pins and needles sensations in your feet, numbness, weakness, and pain. A loss of sensation or increased sensitivity to touch are also common. All of these can lead to changes in the way that you walk, affect your balance, lead to a loss of muscle tone in the lower limbs, and cause swelling in the feet. If you have peripheral neuropathy, practicing good foot care will be especially important for keeping your feet healthy and maintaining your mobility and independence. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist, who can help you take care of your feet.

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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Published in Blog
Saturday, 19 June 2021 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

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.

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 15 June 2021 00:00

How Cracked Heels Form

When the skin on the heels dries out, it loses its elasticity and thickens. The pressure of everyday activities like walking and standing often proves to be too much for dried out skin, and cracks are more likely to appear. Cracked heels can be uncomfortable, especially if the cracks are deep. Putting weight on the heels may even become painful. The potential causes of cracked heels include having naturally dry skin, living in a dry climate, standing for prolonged periods of time, being overweight, and wearing shoes that expose your heels to the air. Fortunately, there are many medical treatments and home remedies for cracked heels. For more information about treatment options, please consult with a podiatrist.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. 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 Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 08 June 2021 00:00

Tips to Prevent Running Injuries

If you are a runner, then you are likely no stranger to foot and ankle injuries. Running can put immense strain on the lower limbs, leading to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, ankle strains and sprains, and stress fractures. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to avoid foot and ankle injuries while running. The most important thing you can do to prevent injuries is train slowly. Increase the mileage, duration, or intensity of your runs separately and gradually over time, and give yourself plenty of time to rest following a run. It is also important that you wear properly fitted shoes that support and protect your feet. For more information about preventing running injuries, please speak with a podiatrist. 

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. Barbara Davis of Gilbert Podiatry. 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 Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 01 June 2021 00:00

What Is a Medial Ankle Sprain?

An ankle sprain occurs when ligaments, the fibrous bands of tissue that connect bones to each other and stabilize joints, are overstretched or torn due to an injury. Most ankle sprains are lateral, affecting the ligaments along the outer edges of the ankle. A medial ankle sprain occurs when the ligament along the inner edge of the ankle is overstretched or torn. This is usually caused by a sudden twisting, turning, or rolling inward of the ankle. Symptoms may include pain on the inside of the ankle when moving or placing weight on it, swelling, bruising, and tenderness. If you suspect that you may have sprained your ankle, please see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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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Published in Blog

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