Items filtered by date: June 2023

Abrasions are surface skin wounds or injuries. Typically, they can easily be treated at home, but if the abrasion is deep it may require medical care. Minor or superficial abrasions generally affect the top layer of skin and do not bleed. Deep abrasions affect deeper layers of skin and may leave a scar. Foot abrasions can happen to anyone but are especially common in children and older people who have less motor coordination. These types of wounds can occur from a variety of things including falling, repetitive irritation to the skin, or pressure from ill-fitting shoes. When there is a break in the skin, there is always a risk of infection. To prevent infection, it is important to clean the wound, cover it with a bandage, and check it frequently. If you have incurred an abrasion on your foot it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

An inflammatory foot condition that commonly affects the heel may be plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is found on the sole of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. Overusing the foot or enduring an injury can cause this tendon to become torn or irritated, and plantar fasciitis may result. This condition can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it is often difficult to walk. The heel and lower back of the leg are affected by plantar fasciitis, and the pain may be worse in the morning after sleeping. Plantar fasciitis may be more prevalent among older people. The fat pad in the heel may not absorb as much shock as it once did and can become thinner. The additional shock may damage the plantar fascia, and the heel may become swollen and bruised. Additionally, people who are overweight, have diabetes, or have flat feet may be more susceptible to developing plantar fasciitis. Stretching the heel and calves may provide mild relief. This can be done by standing on a step while lowering the heel one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Peter C. Smith  from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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 stiff and painful ankle is common after an ankle injury, such as an ankle sprain, fracture, or Achilles tendon tear. Stretching, mobilizing, and re-training can increase the mobility and functionality of the ankle. Patients are often put in a cast after an ankle injury, and while the immobilization helps with healing, it also creates swelling and inflammation. Dorsiflexion is important while walking and running, and occurs when the foot comes up towards the shin. This is one of the most frequent and limiting ranges of motion lost after an ankle problem. A quick, short-term option to relieve some of the stiffness is to wear shoes that have a heel or heel wedge. Longer term, it is suggested that you be under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with proper exercises and other relief options for stiff ankles.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and 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.

Taking the stairs can be a hazard, especially for people who have greater mobility issues, such as seniors and young children. Common foot and ankle injuries from falling down a set of stairs include broken bones, cuts, and lacerations. Stair falls can happen from losing one’s footing or not paying attention. They can also occur if there is a maintenance issue with the stairs. Stair injuries can be prevented by installing banisters to hold onto, fixing loose or broken handrails or stairs, fixing carpeting that is not properly secured, and removing objects or wet conditions that may interfere with safely descending the steps. If you have fallen down a staircase and sustained an injury to your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible to assess the severity of your injuries and obtain treatment.

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 Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in Lancaster, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.