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Lansdowne, PA
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October 2022

Tuesday, 25 October 2022 00:00

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Recognizing an ingrown toenail can be tricky. One symptom many people ignore is the redness surrounding the big toe, which is often the first indication that an ingrown toenail has developed. Severe pain often follows, and the ingrown toenail can become infected. At this point, a podiatrist who can effectively treat this foot condition should be consulted. An ingrown toenail is defined as a nail that grows into the skin instead of over it. It may result from improperly trimming the toenails, sustaining a toe injury, or wearing shoes that are too tight. For mild cases, the foot may feel better when it is soaked in warm water. This may temporarily provide relief, but it may become worse if medical attention is not sought. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly advised that you consult a podiatrist who can treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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 and ankle needs.

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 18 October 2022 00:00

Athlete’s Foot in the Laundry

Athlete’s foot is a specific kind of foot condition that is spread by a fungus and causes a scaly rash, especially between the toes. To prevent or mitigate the spread of the fungal infection, an individual might consider being particularly careful with how they handle their laundry. This is because spores can often spread from clothes to clothes. First, someone might try separating infected clothes from non-infected clothes. For example, if someone in the household has been exposed to athlete’s foot, one might separate that person’s clothes into a bin to be washed separately from the other clothes. When the infected batch of laundry is washed, one could use hot water for the infected laundry because cold water does not eliminate the fungus. The goal is to prevent the fungus from spreading to other materials in the wash. Contact a podiatrist today to learn more about preventing the spread of athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are 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 and ankle needs.

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Published in Blog
Thursday, 13 October 2022 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 11 October 2022 00:00

Who Can Get an Achilles Tendon Injury?

People who have endured an Achilles tendon injury are often not mistaken about it. A common sign is an immediate pain and discomfort, and it can be extremely difficult to walk. It can happen as a result of increasing running speed and mileage too quickly, and this type of injury can fall into two categories. Noninsertional Achilles tendinitis affects the middle of the tendon, and younger people are prone to developing this type of injury. The lower part of the tendon is affected where it attaches to the heel bone during insertional Achilles tendinitis and can affect people of all ages. Additional symptoms can include heel and calf pain, and there can be a limited range of motion. Some people develop Achilles tendon injuries from not warming up or cooling down properly, in addition to wearing shoes that do not fit properly. This is an injury that needs prompt medical attention for a complete recovery so it is suggested that a podiatrist be contacted who can guide you toward the best treatment techniques. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

  • Inflammation
  • Dull to severe pain
  • Increased blood flow to the tendon
  • Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

  • Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
  • Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

  • Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
  • Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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.

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 04 October 2022 00:00

High Heels Can Affect the Feet and Ankles

Research has shown that the shoes women wear, specifically high heels and sandals, are major contributors to heel and ankle pain. The best way to avoid a future of painful feet is to avoid these types of shoes early in life. Opting instead for sneakers or athletic footwear that provide the proper cushioning and support for the feet, heels and ankles is recommended. With every step you take, a significant amount of force is transmitted to the ankles, heels, and feet. Without the proper support or protection, these areas are put at risk for injury. Improper footwear can also contribute to toe problems, including bunions, calluses, corns, and hammertoes. Choosing comfort over style is suggested as a way to avoid painful problems later in life. Other recommendations are to wear shoes that conform to the shape of your foot, avoid shoes with pointed or tapered toes, and buy shoes that fit well – regardless of the size on the box. For more information on the risks of wearing high heels, or for help with any painful foot and ankle conditions you may have, please visit a podiatrist. 

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

  • Ankle Joints
  • Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
  • Balls of the Feet
  • Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
  • Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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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