Items filtered by date: January 2024

Athlete's foot, a common fungal infection, underscores the significance of daily foot hygiene in preserving overall health. This condition thrives in warm, moist environments, making it imperative for individuals, especially athletes, to prioritize cleanliness. Regular washing and thorough drying of feet, paying particular attention to spaces between toes, can deter the growth of fungi. Choosing moisture-wicking socks and breathable footwear is essential to minimize the conditions favorable for the infection. Sharing personal items, such as towels or shoes, should be avoided to prevent the spread of the fungus. Maintaining clean, dry feet not only aids in preventing athlete's foot but also promotes the general well-being of the feet. Vigilance in hygiene practices, coupled with prompt treatment if symptoms arise, empowers individuals to protect their feet from the discomfort and inconvenience associated with athlete's foot infection. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist to discuss effective treatment methods, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Jim Maxka, DPM from South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hanover, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Children's feet, delightful in their petite size, are fascinating in their own right. At birth, a baby's foot bones are mostly cartilage and do not fully ossify until several years later. Another interesting fact is that infants often have a natural ability to grasp with their toes, a trait that gradually diminishes as they start walking. As children explore the world on their feet, the arches of their feet, initially flat, gradually develop over time. Surprisingly, toddlers can have as many as 44 more bones in their feet than adults, until their bones fuse as they grow. Additionally, children's feet are remarkably resilient, often bouncing back quickly from minor injuries. If you have identified potential problems related to your child's feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Jim Maxka, DPM of South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hanover, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, and it often results in foot-related problems in up to 90 percent of those diagnosed. The foot can be an initial site for RA symptoms, with symptoms that include soreness, swelling, and joint erosion.  A podiatrist can identify, diagnose, and treat these foot-related challenges, with an aim to alleviate pain, enhance function, and protect overall foot health. Their palliative foot care includes addressing distorted or altered nails, hard skin, calluses, and corns. A podiatrist also specializes in wound management, offering timely interventions for wounds and ulcers on the feet as they develop. Custom orthotics, ranging from soft cushions to firmer devices, can improve foot alignment and function. A podiatrist can contribute to joint protection, manage inflamed joints, suggest appropriate exercises, and provide insights into surgical options when necessary. Their comprehensive care extends beyond immediate foot concerns, aiming to enhance overall foot health and contribute to the well-being of those navigating the challenges of rheumatoid arthritis. For more information about managing foot problems associated with RA, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist as a permanent member of your medical team.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Jim Maxka, DPM from South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hanover, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Onychomycosis, a common fungal infection affecting the nails, unveils itself as a condition that warrants a closer inspection. This ailment, known as a fungal nail infection, targets the toenails or fingernails, causing discoloration, thickening, and brittleness. The infection is often attributed to various fungal strains, primarily dermatophytes, but also yeasts and molds. These fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, making nails susceptible to infection when exposed to such conditions. Several factors contribute to the development of onychomycosis. Trauma to the nails, poor hygiene practices, and a compromised immune function elevate the risk. Additionally, communal spaces, such as public showers and swimming pools, serve as potential breeding grounds for the fungi, facilitating its transmission. If you have developed toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Jim Maxka, DPM of South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hanover, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Managing a broken foot requires immediate attention and a structured treatment plan to ensure proper healing. Immobilization of the foot is often necessary to prevent further injury, and this may involve using splints, casts, or walking boots. The type of fracture dictates the specific immobilization method. Pain relief is an important aspect of management. In some cases, particularly for more complex fractures, surgery may be necessary to realign and stabilize the bones. Following immobilization, the patient usually needs to limit weight bearing on the injured foot, sometimes with the aid of crutches or a scooter. A podiatrist will establish a timeline for the gradual reintroduction of weight-bearing activities. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible, and follow their instructions to prevent re-injury in addition to proper bone healing.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Jim Maxka, DPM from South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hanover, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.