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Research has shown that approximately 25 percent of adults fall every year. Many of these people can experience consequences that can range from breaking a bone to the inability to complete daily activities as a result of having a fear of falling. Falling can happen from having an unsafe living environment, existing medical conditions, or a change in eyesight. There are simple methods that can be implemented which can help to reduce the number of falls. Installing grab bars in the toilet and shower area and using a non-skid bathmat are effective fall prevention techniques. Additionally, removing worn rugs and improving lighting in the household can make the home safer. Many elderly people choose to stretch and exercise daily, which is helpful in keeping the body strong, and possibly helping to prevent falling. If you would like additional knowledge about how falling can affect the feet and how to avoid this, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you useful tips.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
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.
People may be prone to developing the foot condition that is known as cracked heels during the summer months. The warmer months invite flip-flops and backless shoes to be worn, and the heels may suffer. More pressure may be exerted on the heels while walking, which may be a result of a change in gait, or walking style. Obesity can also be a reason why cracked heels can develop, which can be from the excess weight the feet endure. Signs of cracked heels can begin with the skin becoming thicker, followed by small cracks forming. If prompt attention is not received, they can deepen into fissures, and possibly become infected. Mild relief may be found when the feet are washed and dried daily, and a good moisturizer is applied to them. Effective prevention methods for cracked heels can include wearing shoes that have a closed back and drinking plenty of water daily. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you helpful relief remedies.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, 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.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
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.
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:
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.
Pregnant women often notice how swollen their feet become during this time in their lives. This happens for various reasons. The body naturally produces more blood that can help the fetus to grow. Additionally, the uterus puts pressure on the veins that return blood from the legs, and swollen feet may result. Pregnancy hormones can also have an effect on the veins, and the blood may pool in the ankles and feet. Swollen feet often begin during the second trimester, and can last for the duration of the pregnancy. Effective prevention methods for swollen feet can include frequently elevating the feet, drinking plenty of water daily, and engaging in a simple exercise routine. Some women find it helpful to wear compression stockings, and this may help to manage existing swelling. If your feet and ankles are unusually swollen and uncomfortable during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you additional relief methods.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
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.
One of the main causes of poor foot posture is overpronation. This condition occurs when your gait, or how you walk or run, causes the arch of the foot to flatten. This can cause the ankle to roll inward, instead of remaining straight, and puts stress on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the foot arches. The result is a flattening of the feet. However, flat feet are a different matter entirely. Flat feet, or pes planus, are the collapse or absence of the arch. This condition is common among women over 40, pregnant women, in addition to people who are overweight or have certain medical conditions. Pregnant women are also at risk of overpronation, as the result of gait changes due to a redistribution of their weight. Obesity or walking for long periods of time can also contribute to overpronation. Furthermore, patients whose feet are already slightly flattened are more apt to develop overpronation. If you believe that you may be suffering the effects of overpronation or flat feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a gait analysis and an examination of the arches.
If you have any concerns 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.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
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.
Blisters on the feet are pockets of fluid that form beneath the top layer of the skin to protect the lower layers from damage. Blisters on the toes, feet, or heels may be caused by friction, usually from pressure or rubbing against the inside of a shoe. Generally, a blister is filled with clear serum, but sometimes it may be filled with blood, or even pus if it becomes infected. As a rule, a blister will go away on its own in three to seven days. As new skin grows under the blister the serum will be reabsorbed into the body and the outer skin will dry up and flake off. However, it is important to remember that popping a blister can cause infection or inhibit the healing process. Wearing shoes that are comfortable and do not rub against the skin is a sure way of allowing a blister on the foot to heal, or preventing one from occurring in the first place. If you have a particularly painful blister, or one that appears to be infected, please make an appointment with a podiatrist. Antibiotics may be prescribed to ward off the infection, and the podiatrist may safely drain the blister in a sterile setting.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.
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 offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A hammertoe is a deformity that is usually found in the second toe when the middle joint rises upward and the tip of the toe bends downward. It is so named because the resulting toe resembles the shape of a claw hammer. While some people are genetically predisposed to the formation of a hammertoe, in many cases the main cause is improper footwear. Wearing shoes that are short, narrow, and too tight can contribute to hammertoe formation. When the toe is forced into a bent position, the muscles and tendons in that toe shorten. Women are more at risk of hammertoe because they are more likely to wear high heels with pointed, low, and narrow toe boxes. Children who wear shoes that are too small for them are also at greater risk. Other causes of hammertoe include Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and rheumatoid arthritis. If you have a hammertoe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist, who is a foot doctor that is trained to deal with such maladies and can suggest appropriate treatment options.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
Causes
Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
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.
Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!
A plantar fibroma causes soft tissue swelling in the sole of the foot. Sometimes when a patient has this affliction, one or more nodules can form in the soft tissue of the feet. It can happen in one foot or both feet at the same time. This condition can cause painful swelling in the feet and walking can be difficult. Plantar fibromas can be confused with benign Morton neuromas, cysts or more serious and malignant sarcomas. If you have swelling or uncomfortable foot nodules, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. This foot and ankle expert can provide a proper diagnosis using radiographic imaging and suggest appropriate treatment.
A plantar fibroma may 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.
Plantar Fibroma
A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.
What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?
While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.
What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?
There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.
Treatment and Prevention
A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:
Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.
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.
Practicing good diabetic foot care is essential for maintaining proper foot health. Having elevated glucose levels in the blood can lead to developing diabetes, and the feet are often affected. Research has shown that approximately half of diabetic patients have nerve damage, which is the inability to feel existing cuts, bruises, or scrapes that are on the feet. A foot care routine can begin with washing and drying the feet, followed by inspecting the soles of the feet for any abnormalities. This can be done by using a mirror, or a family member or caregiver may be able to help. Effective foot care tips can include following a healthy eating plan, engaging in a gentle exercise program, and refraining from smoking, if applicable. It is important to wear shoes while walking inside or outdoors, in addition to trimming the toenails straight across. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious 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 Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. 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
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 offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
People with a big toe joint problem often assume it is from a bunion. However, other things can look like a bunion but are entirely different. Bunions are bony bumps that form on the sides of big toes. They result from a misalignment of the big toe joint and are not bone growths. Arthritis affecting the big toe joint can look like a bunion because a bone spur can develop on the joint. The skin on the bone spur can be inflamed and red, resembling a bunion. These bone spurs often occur on the top of the big toe joint rather than on the side of the joint. A ganglion cyst is a firm, fluid-filled sac that can occur on the big toe joint and be mistaken for a bunion, but is softer to the touch. Gout is yet another affliction that can affect the big toe joint and cause symptoms of redness and swelling, looking like a bunion. If you notice something different about your big toe joint and wonder if it is a bunion, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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?
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
Symptoms
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 offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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:
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.
An individual requires a significant amount of water every day. Many people drink far less water than is recommended on a daily basis. This might become problematic during a pregnancy. Pregnant women can reap many health benefits by drinking water daily and staying hydrated. Some of these benefits are linked to foot health. For example, when pregnant women drink a lot of water during pregnancy, this can reduce the amount of salt in the body, which leads to a reduction in puffiness or swelling. Drinking coffee can complicate matters by exacerbating dehydration. If you are pregnant or planning to be, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist so that you can plan to best protect the health of your feet.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
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.
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
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