Items filtered by date: November 2020

Sesamoiditis is a condition in which the tendons attached to the sesamoid bones, located on the underside of the foot, become inflamed. Sesamoiditis causes foot pain in the ball of the foot, under the big toe. The pain usually develops gradually. Sesamoiditis may also cause swelling and bruising on the underside of the foot and difficulty straightening or bending the big toe. A podiatrist can diagnose this condition through a physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Peter C. Smith of Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

A tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette, is similar to a regular bunion. However, a tailor’s bunion forms on the fifth metatarsal bone at the base of the little toe, also known as the pinky toe, as opposed to the big toe. In some cases, tailor’s bunions can be caused by an inherited mechanical structure that results in the enlargement of the bone and causes the bone to move outward while the toe moves inward. In other cases, bone spurs that form on the toe can also appear as a tailor’s bunion. Shoes that are too narrow in the toe can not only lead to new tailor’s bunions, but they can aggravate existing ones as well. If you are dealing with pain from a tailor’s bunion, it is important to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Peter C. Smith of Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Corns on the feet are generally small, hardened areas of skin that can cause severe pain and discomfort. They develop as a result of excessive friction and can be caused by wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Corns can develop on the soles of the feet, or between the toes. Mild relief may be found when the corn on the bottom of the foot is filed with a pumice stone, and this is beneficial to do when the skin is softened. Corns that develop between the toes are referred to as soft corns, and it may help to wear a protective pad over the affected area as daily activities are accomplished. Corns on the feet may negatively impact your day, and it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat them.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Peter C. Smith of Lancaster 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 Lancaster, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A fungal infection of the toenails can be unpleasant, embarrassing, and sometimes even painful. In certain people, such as those with diabetes or a compromised immune system, fungal infections can lead to more serious complications. Treating fungal nails can be a daunting task, but there are fortunately many things that you can do to prevent fungal nail infections from developing in the first place. The fungus that causes fungal nail infections thrives in warm, moist environments. To stop your feet from becoming the perfect host for this fungus, opt for breathable footwear and moisture-wicking socks, dry your feet and the spaces between your toes thoroughly after washing, and wear shoes in wet public spaces like locker rooms and swimming pools. Keep your toenails clean and short, and avoid sharing your nail clippers and other personal items, such as towels, with others. For more information about fungal nail infections, consult with a podiatrist today. 

For more information about treatment, contact Peter C. Smith of Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

The therapy referred to as reflexology has been popular since the 1800s. This therapy may be beneficial in alleviating a portion of the pain that is associated with certain foot conditions. It is helpful to relax the feet before the massage begins, and this can be accomplished by pivoting the foot from side to side. Organs can be positively affected when specific parts of the foot are massaged. Some of the conditions that may be improved can include blood circulation, depression, and poor sleep. If you are interested in learning more about how to massage the feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, Peter C. Smith of Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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