Items filtered by date: March 2024

Playing tennis is not only a great way to stay active but also a test of endurance and agility. However, foot muscle cramps can unexpectedly disrupt your game and cause discomfort. These cramps, often attributed to overuse, dehydration, or inadequate stretching, can occur in various foot muscles, including the arches, toes, and calves. The repetitive movements involved in tennis, such as sudden stops, pivots, and quick changes in direction, can strain the foot muscles, leading to cramping. Insufficient hydration and electrolyte imbalances can contribute to muscle cramps during intense physical activity. It is important to stay hydrated, maintain proper nutrition, and incorporate regular stretching and warm-up exercises into your routine while playing Tennis frequently. Wearing supportive footwear and orthotic inserts can also help alleviate strain on the foot muscles. By understanding the factors contributing to foot muscle cramps and implementing preventive measures, you can enjoy a more comfortable and uninterrupted tennis experience while safeguarding your foot health. If you enjoy playing tennis and have developed foot cramps, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

Corns on the feet are thickened areas of skin caused by friction or pressure. They typically form on toes or on the soles, resulting from wearing ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or having abnormal foot structure. These hardened patches can be uncomfortable or painful, making walking difficult. While generally not serious, untreated corns can lead to complications like infections or ulcers, especially for those with diabetes or poor circulation. Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating foot conditions, including corns. They can safely remove corns, offer advice on footwear, and address underlying issues contributing to their development. If you have persistent corns, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to ensure proper care and reduce risk of complications.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Jim Maxka, DPM of South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, inflammation, and potential infection. There are different types of ingrown toenails, including those caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight-fitting shoes, or genetic predisposition. Additionally, trauma to the toe or fungal infections can cause an ingrown toenail to develop. The most common type involves the toenail growing into the skin at the sides of the nail bed, often resulting from cutting nails too short or rounding the edges. Alternatively, a pincer nail may develop, where the sides of the nail curve inward, putting pressure on the skin. Ingrown toenails can also result from wearing shoes that crowd the toes or participating in activities that put repetitive pressure on the feet. Understanding the causes and types of ingrown toenails is essential for prevention and prompt treatment. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist sooner rather than later. This type of doctor can successfully treat this condition and offer you effective prevention tips.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, is often triggered by certain foods high in purines, which are natural compounds found in various food sources. Purines break down into uric acid in the body. When uric acid levels become elevated, it can lead to the formation of urate crystals in the joints, like the big toe, and cause gout flare-ups. Foods rich in purines include red meat, organ meats like liver and kidneys, shellfish, and certain types of fish like anchovies and sardines. Additionally, alcohol, particularly beer and liquor, can increase uric acid levels and trigger gout attacks. Sugary beverages and foods high in fructose can also contribute to gout symptoms. Limiting consumption of these purine-rich foods and beverages, and focusing on a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, can help manage gout symptoms and reduce the frequency of flare-ups. If you have gout attacks in your big toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition, which may include effective nutritional recommendations.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jim Maxka, DPM from South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.