Items filtered by date: September 2022

Tuesday, 27 September 2022 00:00

How Do Ankle Sprains Occur?

It is common to twist an ankle. It can happen from a fall, or from unexpectedly stepping off of a curb. A sprained ankle can happen for the same reasons, and it is easy to notice as the ankle becomes painful and  swollen. This type of injury happens when the ligaments stretch beyond their normal range of motion, and patients may gradually develop joint pain if prompt medical attention is not received. Additional symptoms that may accompany an ankle sprain can consist of bruising and tenderness when touched. An X-ray is often performed to rule out an existing fracture, and this precedes starting the proper treatment. It begins with resting and elevating the affected foot as often as possible, and wrapping it with an elastic bandage, which may provide stability. Additionally, there are exercises that can be performed which may restore and increase the range of motion. If you have sprained your ankle, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine what the best form of treatment is for you.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact David A. Edmonds, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Associates. 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 are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

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Tuesday, 20 September 2022 00:00

Possible Relief Options for Cracked Heels

Excessively dry skin can lead to a foot condition known as cracked heels. The cracks can become deep if not treated promptly and these are referred to as fissures. People who develop cracked heels can have pain and discomfort, and it may be difficult to walk. Fissures can develop as the heel endures the weight of the body and the fat pad that is found under the skin can flatten out. This foot condition can develop in patients who wear shoes with an open back or stand for the majority of the day. Additionally, obesity may play a significant role in the development of cracked heels as well as existing medical conditions. These conditions might include dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis. Treatment methods can consist of limiting the amount of standing that is done on hard or uneven surfaces and it can help to apply a good moisturizer. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, please consult with a podiatrist who can recommend treatment options and prevention methods.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact David A. Edmonds, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Associates. 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 offices located in Northampton and Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 13 September 2022 00:00

How Lupus Can Affect the Feet

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that attacks tissues throughout the body, including the feet. It can attack muscles, blood vessels, tendons, and skin around the joints of the feet, and may cause joint deformity. This can be referred to as deforming arthropathy, and the most common form is known as Jaccoud’s type arthropathy. Bearing body weight on the feet with deformed joints can be a major source of pain. Lupus can cause the feet to swell, become numb, and ache due to arthritis. This can make it difficult for a person to move and sleep, which can cause other lupus symptoms to worsen. Feet can also turn blue from sensitivity to cold, which signals a vascular disorder known as Raynaud’s phenomenon. This is when the autoimmune system attacks small blood vessels, causing them to constrict when exposed to cold. Swelling and numbness can result, and pressure on the nerves of the feet can also cause pain. Sores and blisters that develop on the feet of those patients who have lupus can be slow to heal. This may be a result of the immune system suppressing drugs that keep the disease controlled. If the skin opens from these sores, it may be prone to infection. If you have lupus and are experiencing these symptoms in your feet, please see a podiatrist who can help with treatment options that might help restore pain, and free movement and functioning.



 

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact David A. Edmonds, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

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Friday, 09 September 2022 00:00

Treat Your Feet to Diabetic Shoes

Diabetic shoes can bring relief to the feet of patients suffering from diabetes. 

Wednesday, 07 September 2022 00:00

Flat Feet in Children

When a child has flat feet, it means that the foot arch is absent. This condition, known as falling arch or pes planus, is common in children until their foot takes shape as they grow up. Kids have loose joint ligaments. At about 2 to 3 years of age, their arch becomes visible and continues developing until a proper arch is formed in adolescence. This problem typically occurs in one foot. After age 3, one can usually recognize that a child has flat feet. If it is hard to see, the foot can be dipped in ink or water and when standing, placed on a piece of paper or some other surface where the impression can be seen. Flat feet can be hereditary, caused by complications in the womb, fused bones, baby fat between the foot bones, injuries, or from the joint between two bones being very loose in small babies. Children usually do not face any problems with this issue. However, if a child has pain or fatigue when taking long walks, or if the child walks with a limp, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to have their feet examined and treatment provided.



 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact David A. Edmonds, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

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