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Arthritis in the feet can cause significant discomfort and interfere with normal functioning. Arthritis is a condition that leads to inflammation in or around joints. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness. The two major categories of arthritis are osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. This causes the cartilage between the bones at the joints to gradually erode with use. When this happens, the bones will grind against each other. This type of arthritis often affects the joint of the big toe. Bone spurs can develop on the joint to try to protect it, but often results in more pain and decreased motion of the joint. Gout is another form of arthritis that can cause severe joint pain in the big toe. Men, and women who are postmenopausal, are most susceptible to this affliction.  Gout develops from high uric acid levels in the blood, and this causes deposits of urate crystals to form around joints. Though there is no cure for arthritis, there are relief strategies that can be employed. If you suffer from arthritis in your feet, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can provide more information about these approaches to relief.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

The majority of minor foot wounds are easily treated. It can begin with stopping any bleeding, and by applying pressure to it. The next step is cleaning it thoroughly by using tap water, followed by covering it with a sterile dressing. It is beneficial to use waterproof dressings so people can easily bathe or shower. Diabetic patients often develop wounds they cannot feel, generally as a result of nerve damage diabetes can cause. Wounds on these types of patients can become severe quickly, and the urgency of maintaining proper wound care is crucial in protecting the foot. There are some wounds that can be painful, and it may be helpful to take over-the-counter pain medicine, which can provide temporary relief. If you would like more information about how to care for wounds on the feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful tips.

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 Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. 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 contact our office located in Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many joints in the body can sometimes crack, and this can be common in the back and neck. The toes are no exception. Sometimes, when the joints in the toes crack, it is generally harmless. However, other times, cracking in the toes may be a sign of something more serious. Cracking of the joints in the toes is referred to as crepitus. This may be indicative of a more serious condition, possibly arthritis, or a kind of foot fracture or toe injury. Conversely, when cracking in the toes is harmless, it may be explained by cavitation. Cavitation is defined as a vacuum that forms in the fluid surrounding a joint. If you are someone that experiences frequent toe cracking, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for an appointment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

A common cause of heel pain is a foot condition known as plantar fasciitis. This condition affects the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis can cause debilitating heel pain and may gradually worsen until medical attention is received. Intense heel pain can also be a result of Achilles tendinopathy, which is a heel and lower calf injury that happens from overuse. Some people who have peripheral neuropathy have a tingling or numbing sensation in their heel that can be uncomfortable. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause the cartilage to tear in the heel and surrounding area and may cause inflammation, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. If you are experiencing heel pain for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is and offer the correct treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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