If you need a more accessible version of this website, click this button on the right.Switch to Accessible Site

Lansdowne, PA
(610) 626-3338

 

July 2020

Monday, 27 July 2020 00:00

Proper Foot Care for Diabetic Patients

Patients who have diabetes are generally aware of the importance of maintaining proper foot care. There are specific types of foot conditions that diabetic patients can be prone to. These can include neuropathy, foot deformities, and poor circulation. Neuropathy can cause the inability to feel sensations in the feet, or the feet may tingle. It may be difficult to feel a wound, cut, or bruise if this condition develops. Poor circulation can cause a slower healing response to existing infections and cuts. It is beneficial to ensure blood sugar levels are controlled, in addition to inspecting the feet on a daily basis. Applying a good moisturizer may help the feet to remain smooth, and this can possibly prevent cracked heels and calluses from developing. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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 Diabetic Foot Care
Published in Blog

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Published in Blog
Monday, 20 July 2020 00:00

Stretching Can Improve Range of Motion

Many patients who enjoy the sport of running are often aware of the importance of preventing running injuries. When strength training and stretching techniques are frequently practiced, the likelihood of getting a running injury may be reduced. Research has indicated it is beneficial to warm up before and after running, and this can help to improve range of motion. This includes stretching the upper body, which may help to reduce existing weak spots. Many running injuries can be prevented when the time and mileage is gradually increased, and this can give the body time to adapt to successfully complete a training program. If you would like additional information how running injuries can affect the feet and how to avoid them, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. 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

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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 Preventing Running Injuries
Published in Blog

Research has indicated that it is natural for children who are learning to walk to have their feet apart and turned out. Additional foot conditions can include bowed legs, and walking with the toes turned in. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch will generally develop by age six. It is beneficial for the child to walk barefoot while indoors because this can help the overall foot to become strong as the toes grasp the floor. When the first shoes are purchased, it is wise to choose shoes that have laces or buckles, which can help the shoe to remain on the foot. If you would like additional information about possible childhood foot conditions, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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 How to Care for Your Child's Feet
Published in Blog
Monday, 06 July 2020 00:00

Numbing Sensation in the Feet and Toes

Experiencing a numbing sensation in the feet and toes can be an indicator of Peripheral Artery Disease, also known as PAD. This condition typically develops due to a build-up of fatty deposits on the walls of the arteries. The numbing sensation that is often associated with this condition can be incredibly dangerous, as it can prevent patients from feeling or recognizing injuries to the feet. Scrapes and wounds that are left undetected may lead to an infection. Along with experiencing a numbness in the lower extremity regions, patients with PAD have also noted experiencing symptoms such as coldness and discoloration of the legs and feet. In order to safely treat PAD, please seek the professional care of a podiatrist.

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.

Read more about Peripheral Artery Disease
Published in Blog
Connect with us