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Sunday, 05 February 2023 00:00

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Tuesday, 31 January 2023 00:00

What to Do About Toe Cramps

Toe cramps can be painful as well as extremely annoying, especially when they wake you out of a sound sleep. Most cases of toe cramps are believed to be the result of overuse. Common culprits include walking too long, working out too much, and wearing shoes that force your feet to flex too much. Other causes of toe cramps include dehydration, along with consuming too much salt. Toe cramps also may be the result of deficiencies in such minerals as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. In addition, increased age, high anxiety, and other underlying medical conditions have been known to cause toe cramps. If you have toe cramps, it is suggested that you massage the area while trying to move the toes as much as you can. Also, applying a heating pad to the area for about 10 minutes can help. Be sure to wear shoes that fit properly and don’t squeeze the toes. Avoid sandals and flip-flops that cause the toes to flex when walking. Stretch your toes frequently and massage them while resting. For more information on how to deal with toe cramping, please consult a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM of Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Toe Pain
Tuesday, 24 January 2023 00:00

Flip-Flops and Walking Distance

Flip-flops are an incredibly popular form of summer footwear. However, despite their popularity, flip-flops have a well-documented list of potential health defects. For example, flip-flops have a notable lack of support or cushioning both in the heel and arch areas. Additionally, there is another reason why the use of flip-flops may be problematic for those who wear them. Namely, walking with flip-flops negatively impacts one’s walking style. When someone wears flip-flops, they must essentially take a more significant number of steps than they would if they had worn supportive footwear. Therefore, it takes an individual a larger number of steps to travel the same distance than someone who is wearing supportive sneakers. Although the reason for this phenomenon is not immediately clear, it may have something to do with the negative impact that flip-flops can have on your feet. If you typically wear flip-flops, consider contacting a podiatrist who can teach you more about their adverse effects as well as recommend appropriate footwear. 

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

  • Ankle problems
  • Hip problems
  • Lower back problems
  • Pain in the balls of the feet
  • Problems with foot arches
  • Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

  • Sprained ankles
  • Blisters
  • Infections
  • Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD .  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Flip Flops and Your Feet
Tuesday, 17 January 2023 00:00

Filing the Toenails

Many individuals who are novices in podiatry might already be familiar with what it means to file the nails. Typically, individuals use nail files on their fingernails to file down the tips of the nail and form the shape. Many people may be surprised to know that nail files can also be used on the toenails. Nail files are also known as emery boards. When using the emery board on the toenails, it is important to remember to keep the board perpendicular to the toenail. Additionally, the emery board should not be moved back and forth over the nail. Typically, moving the emery board in one direction during the filing process is best. Also, it is not a good practice to file the toenails at an angle, as this can make the nails have an uneven, rounded shape.  Additionally, it can put an individual at an increased risk of developing an ingrown toenail. If you have any questions about filing the toenails and everyday foot care tips, contact a podiatrist today.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Everyday Foot Care
Tuesday, 10 January 2023 00:00

Why Are My Feet Cold?

Cold feet are typical in cold climates, and weather is impossible to control. However, when cold feet result from something going on internally, we can learn more about why this might happen and take preventative measures to alleviate the discomfort. Common internal causes of cold feet include poor circulation, nerve sensation problems, and anemia to name a few. Poor circulation can come from conditions, such as atherosclerosis, that impede or block blood flow to the feet. The feet may turn blue, indicating a lack of oxygen in the area. Nerve damage or neuropathy is another common reason for cold feet. This is when the nerves in the feet malfunction and tell the brain that it is cold when it is not. One can feel a pins and needles sensation and pain or weakness in the feet, which can cause mobility issues. Anemia is when there is a shortage of red blood cells in the body, perhaps from an iron deficiency, and this can interfere with healthy circulation and make feet feel cold. If you suffer from cold feet for any length of time, see a podiatrist who can help you determine the cause.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain
Friday, 06 January 2023 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Tuesday, 03 January 2023 00:00

What Is a DPM?

If an individual wants to pursue a career in medicine and eventually become a doctor, that individual must typically undergo a rigorous course of study to obtain a degree in medicine. There are doctors of all kinds, and depending on which kind of doctor someone wants to become, they will have to pursue a specialized, specific degree. People that want to become podiatrists, for example, must pursue the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. This credential is commonly shortened to simply DPM. Podiatrists are very helpful and useful medical professionals that can help you identify and treat a wide range of problems that might be affecting your feet. For example, the DPM might be able to help you treat a case of plantar fasciitis, plantar warts, or toenail fungus, among other things. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today for more information. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What is a Podiatrist?
Tuesday, 27 December 2022 00:00

Reasons Why Plantar Fasciitis Can Develop

People who are afflicted with plantar fasciitis often have extreme heel pain. It is defined as a condition that affects the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot. Its function is to connect the heel to the toes and may become inflamed for various reasons. These can include standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Many patients have found mild relief when specific stretches are performed, in addition to wearing shoes that have adequate heel and arch support. Additionally, obesity may contribute to getting plantar fasciitis, and it is beneficial to lose weight which can help to reduce the pressure on the heels. If you have heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine if the cause is plantar fasciitis, and treat it accordingly.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Tuesday, 20 December 2022 00:00

Symptoms of Erythromelalgia

Various conditions can affect the feet, and erythromelalgia is considered to be a rare foot condition. Common symptoms that are often experienced with this ailment can include burning pain, increased skin temperature, and the affected area may be red. The reason this condition can occur is unknown, despite researchers discovering it may happen from abnormalities in the blood flow. Many patients who are afflicted with erythromelalgia may notice these symptoms gradually appear, and their frequency can increase over time. Patients have found mild relief when their feet are immersed in ice water, or by exposing them to cold air from an air conditioner or fan. People who are experiencing these symptoms are urged to contact a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can effectively diagnose this condition, and prescribe medication for possible relief.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM of Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

  • Freiberg’s disease
  • Kohler’s disease
  • Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Read more about Rare Foot Conditions

A bunion can be unsightly. It is a bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe, and a severe bunion can cause the other toes to shift toward each other. It is a common foot deformity and affects women more than men. A callus may form on top of the bunion as it touches the shoe, and larger shoes may need to be purchased for a better fit. A bunion generally develops gradually, and it may form because of the shoes that are worn. Wearing high heels frequently can cause a bunion to grow and this may be due to the limited amount of room in the toe box. Medical conditions such as arthritis and flat feet may contribute to the development of a bunion. Some patients may be more at risk from genetic factors. Some of the symptoms that are often associated with bunions can include chronic toe pain, redness, and the bump may be shiny. Relief may be found when the symptoms are managed, the shoes are changed, or custom-made orthotics are worn. If you have a bunion, it is strongly urged that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer treatment options which may include surgery for permanent removal.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM of Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Bunions
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