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Lansdowne, PA
(610) 626-3338

 

June 2022

There is a medical condition that is known as dyshidrotic eczema which can produce blisters on the feet. They are generally itchy and can last several weeks. The blisters may appear on the soles of the feet or between the toes and are often uncomfortable. The first signs this ailment may be developing consist of a burning or prickly sensation on the skin of the feet. It is a long-term condition that can disappear over time and then reappear. The skin often becomes dry and using a good moisturizer may help the skin to feel better. It is beneficial to wear socks or stockings that are made from cotton or silk and to refrain from wearing any type of nylon. Additionally, it can help to wear shoes that are made from leather materials and to refrain from using harsh detergents while washing the socks. If you have a chronic condition where blisters appear on your feet, it is strongly suggested that you consult the expertise of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment techniques.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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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Healthy toes play a significant role in standing and walking. The foot condition that is known as hammertoe is considered to be a deformity and can cause difficulty in walking. It is a noticeable condition that causes the second toe to bend downwards. This can overlap other toes, and corns may develop on top of the affected toes as they rub against the shoe. It may become difficult to straighten the toe, and surgery could become necessary. Hammertoe can occur from genetic reasons and from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely. There may also be existing medical conditions that may lead some patients to develop hammertoe. These include having a high or low arch, arthritis, or bunions. People who are diabetic may also be susceptible and may not feel blisters or calluses that can form. Relief may be found when wearing shoes that fit correctly as well as using protective pads on top of the toes. Hammertoe is a condition that is treated by a podiatrist, and it is suggested that you schedule a consultation so the correct treatment can begin.

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.

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Wednesday, 15 June 2022 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

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Tuesday, 14 June 2022 00:00

Effective Stretches for Bunions

Bunions affect many people around the globe. They are considered to be a deformity, and can develop from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room in the toe area. Additionally, people who rarely stretch, receive massages, or exercise their feet may be prone to developing a bunion. Many family members may get bunions, and this can come from genetic factors. They appear as a bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe and can cause the need to purchase larger shoes. Large bunions can produce pain and discomfort, and mild relief may be found when specific exercises are performed. An effective stretch for the toes consists of rolling a tennis ball on the sole of the foot underneath the toes. This may help to release existing muscle tension. The toes can increase mobility by gripping the foot between the toes with the hands and moving the toes back and forth. If you have this ailment, and would like additional information about how to treat bunions, please contact a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment techniques. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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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Tuesday, 07 June 2022 00:00

Why Does Gout Develop?

Gout is a foot condition that affects the joints in the big toe. It is an extremely painful ailment that develops from excess uric acid levels in the bloodstream. Many patients have such debilitating pain that the weight of a bed sheet is too heavy. Gout may occur due to genetic reasons as well as eating foods that have high amounts of purines. There may also be medical reasons why someone develops gout. These can include having high blood pressure, being overweight, or having chronic kidney disease or diabetes. It often starts attacking the big toe and can spread to other parts of the body, if not treated promptly. An effective prevention method to reduce gout attacks can be a lifestyle change. This includes refraining from eating foods consisting of red meats, shellfish, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Additionally, it can help to start a gentle exercise program that can strengthen the body. Gout attacks can be properly diagnosed during a flare-up and X-rays may be taken. If you have gout it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage the pain and discuss effective prevention and treatment methods.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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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