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Lansdowne, PA
(610) 626-3338

 

March 2018

People who are serious about running know the importance of injury prevention. Most runners will experience sore feet, in addition to other ailments the feet may incur. The toenails may be affected from sneakers not fitting correctly or from wearing the wrong type of running shoes. A condition referred to as plantar fasciitis may develop, which often begins as heel pain. The plantar fascia is the ligament that connects the heel to the toes, and consistent running may stretch the ligament and surrounding tendons, possibly causing tearing. Blisters can frequently form, typically as a result of friction occurring because of poorly fitting sneakers. Several of these injuries can be prevented simply by choosing the correct shoes to wear while running. This process should consist of choosing shoes with adequate room for the toes to move around in and making sure there is enough support to accommodate the arches. It’s advised to consult with a podiatrist for additional information on how to prevent running injuries.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.

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Monday, 19 March 2018 00:00

Can Airplane Travel Affect Circulation?

If you’ve been on an airplane for several hours, you may know that circulation problems in the feet can develop. It typically occurs when your feet have limited mobility due to small areas. The formation of blood clots can be a result of poor circulation and can be prevalent in diabetics. Generally, the symptoms are easily noticed and may consist of tingling, pain, and swelling in the area where the clot has formed. There are several ways to protect the feet from poor circulation, and these may include avoiding foods that are salty, stretching the feet as often as possible, and walking up and down the aisle of the airplane. If you experience symptoms of this ailment, please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for more information on ways to avoid poor circulation.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

  • Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
  • Numbness or cramping in the legs 
  • Skin discoloration
  • Slower nail & hair growth
  • Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

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Published in Blog
Monday, 12 March 2018 00:00

Common Causes of Cracked Heels

A condition referred to as cracked heels may often be the result when the skin on the heels becomes thick, dry, and tiny tears or fissures appears. Possible causes for this ailment occurring may include added pressure, generally due to obesity or standing for the majority of the day. If you choose to wear shoes with an open back, the possibility of developing cracked heels increases because the skin on the heels is not protected. Occasionally, skin conditions such as eczema or athlete's foot may play an important role in developing this condition. Additionally, having dry skin will also aid in developing cracked heels. Utilizing a good foot cream when the feet are damp will not only seal in moisture, but make the feet feel good in general. If you have heels with severely cracked skin, please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for information about possible treatment options that are right for you.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. 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 office located in Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Published in Blog
Monday, 05 March 2018 00:00

How to Care for Elderly Feet

Practicing proper foot care is often overlooked, and this can be particularly true for the population of the elderly. Trimming the nails correctly is essential in preventing infections that may occur, especially in diabetic patients. Additionally, developing ingrown toenails, bunions, or warts may be common among the elderly who are not able to take care of their feet correctly. Proper circulation is vital to the lower extremities, and this may be accomplished by engaging in foot massages, in addition to elevating the feet and soaking them in warm water. Choosing the correct shoes to wear will also help in maintaining proper foot care, and selecting breathable materials will help in preventing fungus from occurring. Please consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist if you have questions about how to care for elderly feet.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

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