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Lansdowne, PA
(610) 626-3338

 

May 2018

Tuesday, 29 May 2018 00:00

Symptoms of PAD

Peripheral artery disease, commonly referred to as PAD is the result of a blockage due to lack of blood flow in the lower extremities. Symptoms of this ailment generally consist of slow healing foot wounds, consistent leg pain, or a lower temperature that is present in one foot when compared to the other foot. This condition is typically noticed when the muscles are exerted during an exercise program. At this time, these working muscles need additional blood flow, and if afflicted, completion of proper exercises may be challenging. Research has shown the importance of obtaining a proper diagnosis which may include undergoing certain tests that are specific to this condition. Please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist if you would like additional information about PAD.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

  • Claudication (leg pain from walking)
  • Numbness in legs
  • Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
  • Paleness of the skin
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
  • Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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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Monday, 21 May 2018 00:00

Types of Corns

If you notice a portion of skin on the foot that appears to be thickened in certain areas, you may have what is referred to as a corn. It may develop in different areas of the foot, although it’s common for a corn to form on the pinky toe. The most common cause for this condition is pressure inflicted on the affected area. Shoes that are too small or deformed foot structures such as hammertoe may be causes for corns to develop and flourish. There are two types of corns most people are affected by: hard corns and soft corns. The latter is typically found in between the toes, and may form due to excess moisture. Hard corns are present on the outer skin of the toes, and are the most common. Both types of corns can cause severe discomfort and measures should be taken to relieve the pressure that caused them. A consultation with a podiatrist is suggested for additional information about how to remove and prevent corns.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. 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 Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Corns: What Are They, and How Do You Get Rid of Them
Published in Blog
Monday, 14 May 2018 00:00

Causes of Hammertoe

If your second toe is bent to resemble the shape of a hammer, you may have a condition referred to as hammertoe. It is typically an uncomfortable and painful deformity of the toes and may often require surgery to have them permanently straightened. Some of the reasons this ailment can develop may include wearing poorly fitting shoes, possibly causing the muscles and tendons in the toe to lose strength and weaken. Genetics may play a role in the development of hammertoes, in addition to any injuries the toe may have endured. Patients often see calluses and corns on top of the foot as a result of the shoe rubbing against the deformed toe. This is generally a condition that progresses and worsens over time, and temporary relief may be found with performing gentle stretches to strengthen the toe. Please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist if you are afflicted with hammertoe for proper treatment options.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

  • Painful and/or difficult toe movement
  • Swelling
  • Joint stiffness
  • Calluses/Corns
  • Physical deformity

Risk Factors

  • Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
  • Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
  • Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
  • Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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.

Read more about What Are Hammertoes?
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When proper foot stretches are performed, the body may become stronger, and may possibly alleviate certain aches and pains that may be present. An effective stretch that may strengthen the plantar fascia would be to interlace your fingers between your toes, and gently pull while rolling your ankle in small circles. Additionally, a stretch that simulates a massage involves using a tennis ball. When the foot is placed on top of the ball and gently rolled, the ligaments and tendons are stretched, encouraging the muscles of the foot to loosen. A popular foot stretch is known as flexing the foot. While sitting down, hold your foot in your hands and gently pull into an arch. The benefits of this effective stretch include improved strength in the toes in addition to possibly preventing any foot spasms from occurring. Please consult a podiatrist for additional information about the positive effects of proper foot stretching.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

  • Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
  • Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
  • Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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.

Read more about Stretching Your Feet
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