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Monday, 12 April 2021 00:00

Two Tiny Bones and a Big Toe

Sesamoids are tiny bones located within tendons that connect to muscles—as opposed to most bones which link to one another via joints. The patella, or kneecap, is the largest sesamoid, while the two sesamoids on the bottom of the feet near the big toe (the tibial and the fibular) are pea-sized. Despite their small size, these two sesamoids bear the body’s weight and the tendons they are attached to can become inflamed if they are overly stressed from high heels or activities such as ballet, basketball, or running. This condition is called sesamoiditis and can cause gradually-worsening pain under the ball of the foot, and popping sensations or difficulty bending the big toe. If you experience any of these symptoms, a podiatrist can thoroughly examine you and may utilize an X-ray, bone scan, MRI or ultrasound to determine if you have sesamoiditis. Treatment may involve lifestyle or footwear modifications, medications, or orthotics. Severe cases of sesamoiditis that do not respond to traditional treatment may require surgery.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM of Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

  • Sudden increase in activity
  • Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
  • Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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 Sesamoiditis
Monday, 05 April 2021 00:00

Is There a Cure for My Sweaty Feet?

With over 125,000 sweat glands in the feet, it’s no wonder that everyone’s feet sweat occasionally. However, if you experience persistently slimy feet and struggle to keep them dry throughout the day, you may have plantar hyperhidrosis. This unpleasant and uncomfortable condition can also cause other embarrassing problems like foot odor and toenail fungus. You can try to manage plantar hyperhidrosis by washing your feet often, wearing cotton or moisture-absorbing socks, soaking your feet in black tea, applying anti-fungal powders or antiperspirant, and staying hydrated. If these home remedies don’t offer relief, you may consider contacting a podiatrist who can offer an array of medical treatments and procedures to help your condition.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM of Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment 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 and ankle needs.

Read more about Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Monday, 29 March 2021 00:00

Obese Children May Have Flatter Feet

Flat feet is a condition in which there is no visible arch in the feet when the feet bear weight. While all babies are born with flat feet, in most children, the arch will develop slowly over time. However, obese children have been found to be more likely to retain their flat feet. This can be due to lowered arches caused by the excess strain that being overweight places on the feet, in addition to the extra fat padding found on the soles of obese children’s feet. Flat feet sometimes cause foot and ankle pain and can also contribute to back pain as children age. If your child has flat feet and complains of foot pain, please consult with a podiatrist. 

 

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

  • When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
  • Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
  • Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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 How Obesity Affects Your Feet
Wednesday, 17 March 2021 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Monday, 22 March 2021 00:00

Finding Shoes for Speed Walking

While many specialty shoe stores emphasize their running shoes, you do not actually need to be a seasoned runner, or even a runner at all, to wear running shoes. Those who prefer to walk for exercise, and especially those who like to speed walk, may find that their shoe needs are best met with running shoes. Running shoes are built to be stable and comfortable. You will also want to look for shoes that are flexible and have adequate cushioning. Shoes that match your gait are also suggested. You can have your gait assessed at some shoe stores, or by a podiatrist. For more information about finding the right shoes for all of your physical fitness needs, please consult with a podiatrist. 

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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.

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Monday, 15 March 2021 00:00

Should Babies Wear Shoes While Indoors?

As babies learn and begin to walk, their feet become stronger. Gradually, the soft tissues the feet are composed of will strengthen and become able to support the body’s weight. Crawling starts before walking, and this helps to build the arches. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arches fully develop as the child approaches puberty. It is beneficial for babies to refrain from wearing shoes while indoors. This can help to strengthen the overall foot as the toes grasp the floor. As the child walks outdoors, it is important to choose shoes that fit correctly. This can be accomplished by properly measuring the feet, which can determine what size shoe should be purchased. If you would like more information about the health of children’s feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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 to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy
Monday, 08 March 2021 00:00

A Podiatrist Can Help Find the Source of Heel Pain

Heel pain can be debilitating, and can cause discomfort to your everyday routine. Heel pain can have a variety of different sources, and patients who are suffering from heel pain should visit with a podiatrist to find the cause of their pain. The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. This is a condition that occurs as a result of inflammation to the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Other potential sources of heel pain can include arthritis, an Achilles tendon injury, a stress fracture, or fat pad atrophy. While the treatment methods can vary for each of these conditions, a podiatrist will be able to provide a diagnosis and proper treatment methods to help alleviate your heel pain.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please 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 Heel Pain
Monday, 01 March 2021 00:00

Do I Have a Plantar Wart?

Plantar warts are a small growth on the sole of the foot. They grow because of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that infects the foot through small cracks in the skin. These growths usually form in weight bearing areas, and they usually appear flat. Plantar warts can often look grainy and somewhat rough, and can also be indicated by black dots that are often small clots, pain or tenderness while standing or walking, and thickened hard skin over the wart. If you have a plantar wart, please consult with a podiatrist. A podiatrist will be able to suggest treatments such as cryotherapy, laser treatment, prescriptions or surgery

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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 All About Plantar Warts
Monday, 22 February 2021 00:00

What Are Common Running Injuries?

The benefits of incorporating running into a frequent routine can include burning excess calories and toning the body. Despite the benefits people may experience from running, there are a variety of foot injuries that can occur. These can include black toenails, which can happen from the nail consistently hitting the top of the shoe. This can cause bleeding underneath the toenail, and the nail may gradually fall off. Additionally, plantar fasciitis can result from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from running on uneven surfaces. Patients may develop blisters and heel spurs, which can make it painful to run. If you would like more information about how to prevent running injuries, it is recommended that you confer with a podiatrist who can address any concerns that you may have.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM of Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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 How to Prevent Running Injuries
Monday, 15 February 2021 00:00

Sever’s Disease May Cause Heel Pain in Children

Sever’s disease occurs when the bones in the calves grow faster than the Achilles tendon, which connects the heel bone to the calf muscle. When this happens, the tendon begins to tighten, and the heel becomes swollen and sore. Sever’s disease often affects children between the ages of 9 and 13 who are participants in running and jumping sports such as soccer, gymnastics, baseball, basketball, and football.  There is rarely swelling as a result, and most often, the heel pain is worse when running with shoes that have limited support. The pain usually goes away with rest and does not have an impact with low impact sports such as cycling and swimming. If your child complains of heel pain, you should take them to see a podiatrist for a proper examination. Upon examination, a podiatrist will be able to provide a proper diagnosis and treatment method.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.

Read more about Sever's Disease
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