Items filtered by date: May 2023

Despite the fact that sitting for prolonged periods of time is not always good for the health of the feet, neither is uninterrupted standing. Individuals who use standing desks at the office ought to take note of this principle, as standing desks encourage individuals to stand still on their feet for prolonged periods of time. Doing so can exert excess pressure on the feet and facilitate stiffness in the muscles of the feet. All of this can make the onset of foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis more likely. If you are someone that uses a standing desk at the office, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today to learn more about how to care for your feet in addition to receiving any treatment you may need.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Shawn Echard, DPM from Laurel Podiatry LLC. Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Having persistent foot conditions may indicate there may be issues with overall health. Foot cramps can be a sign of dehydration, and may be remedied by drinking plenty of water. Morton’s neuroma can cause a tingling or burning sensation between the third and fourth toes and can happen from wearing shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in. Flakey skin may be a symptom of athlete's foot, which is caused by a fungal infection. Some patients have consistently cold feet, despite warm socks that are worn. This could mean there are circulatory issues, and it may be accompanied by fatigue. If you have foot pain for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide treatment, in addition to determining if the foot pain represents an underlying health condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Shawn Echard, DPM from Laurel Podiatry LLC. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Part of maintaining proper foot health as a senior citizen is ensuring that any potential falls are prevented. This is because falls can cause foot conditions like fractured feet. Something you might consider doing to prevent falls is to think about how you can minimize your risk of falling when getting out of bed. For example, one might try to ensure that all necessary items on the nightstands are within easy reach. Namely, if you sleep with any water or reading materials on your bedside, you could try to make sure they are not too far out of reach. Additionally, one could possibly try to clear the floor area immediately next to the bed. Specifically, seniors could try to remove all of the cords and other debris cluttering the area. If you are a senior or are caring for one, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today to learn more about fall prevention.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Shawn Echard, DPM from Laurel Podiatry LLC. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

If you break a bone in your foot, a podiatrist will refer to this condition as a broken or fractured foot. Walking on the fractured foot may be very painful and swelling can occur. There are many ways to go about treating a broken foot. For example, some patients who have a broken foot may be treated by wearing a cast of some sort on the foot. One of the purposes of wearing a cast around a broken foot is to reduce movement in this area and to keep the foot stabilized. It can be helpful to keep any casts dry when worn on the feet. Additionally, it might be beneficial to refrain from applying creams underneath the cast. When caring for your foot while it is in a cast, it is always best to follow instructions from a trusted medical professional, such as a podiatrist. If you have a broken foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for more information and treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Shawn Echard, DPM from Laurel Podiatry LLC. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

The band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel is called the Achilles tendon. This tendon helps the body to walk, run, and jump, in addition to standing on tiptoes. When an Achilles tendon injury is experienced, it can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. Common causes include increasing speed and distance too quickly while running and training on hard or uneven surfaces. Additionally, long-term conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or thyroid disorders may lead to Achilles tendon injuries. Some of the symptoms associated with this ailment are stiffness, dull or sharp heel pain, and the back of the ankle may be swollen. If the injury is severe, surgery may be an option to consider for permanent repair. If you have endured an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide the treatment solution that is right for you.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Shawn Echard, DPM of Laurel Podiatry LLC. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Greensburg and Somerset, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.