Items filtered by date: July 2024

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and swelling. Causes can include improper nail trimming, wearing tight-fitting shoes, or sustaining foot trauma. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can escalate, causing infection. Bacteria can enter through the broken skin, leading to pus formation and further inflammation. In severe cases, untreated infections may spread beyond the toe, causing cellulitis or even a bone infection. Chronic ingrown toenails can also lead to recurrent pain and discomfort, affecting daily activities. Proper toenail care, including trimming nails straight across and wearing well-fitted shoes, can help to prevent ingrown toenails. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer safe and effective treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. 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 occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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 and ankle needs.

Gout, an inflammatory arthritic condition caused by the crystallization of uric acid in joints, often results in severe pain and swelling in the big toe. Recent research underscores the significant impact that footwear choices can have on individuals suffering from gout. Findings show that wearing improper footwear, such as sandals, flip-flops, and slippers, can lead to heightened foot pain, impairment, and disability. Notably, poor shoes often lacked proper cushioning, support, and stability, contributing to increased discomfort and functional impairment. In addition, shoes that were 12 months or older and showed excessive wear patterns are factors. For that reason, it is essential for gout sufferers to carefully choose footwear that offers ample cushioning, proper support, and stability to alleviate foot pain and improve function. A podiatrist can diagnose gout, prescribe medication, and offer advice on selecting the right shoes to manage gout symptoms. If you are suffering from the flare-ups of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. 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 type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Dance, a beautiful art form, demands physical prowess and dedication, but it also comes with the risk of injury. Among the most common dance injuries are sprains and strains, which occur due to overstretching or sudden movements. Ankle sprains, in particular, are prevalent among dancers, often resulting from improper landings or sudden changes in direction. Stress fractures, caused by repetitive impact on the bones, are also common, especially in the feet and lower legs. Additionally, muscle tears and strains can occur from overexertion or sudden movements beyond the body's limits. Understanding these common dance injuries highlights the importance of proper training, warm-up routines, and rest periods to prevent overuse and minimize the risk of injury. If you enjoy dancing and have endured a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat these types of foot conditions.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Jim Maxka, DPM from South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete 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 care needs.

Hammertoe is a deformity causing one or more of the smaller toes to bend abnormally at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. This condition arises primarily due to muscle imbalances that lead to increased pressure on the tendons and joints of the toe. Common causes include wearing ill-fitting shoes, particularly those that are too tight or have high heels, as well as genetic predispositions and conditions like arthritis. Symptoms of hammertoe include pain or irritation while wearing shoes, corns and calluses on the toe, redness and swelling, and in severe cases, open sores. The affected toe may become rigid over time, making movement difficult and painful. Preventing hammertoe involves wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate toe room, avoiding high heels, and performing toe-stretching exercises to maintain flexibility. Early intervention is key to managing the condition effectively. Treatment options range from non-surgical methods, such as wearing custom orthotic devices, using padding to reduce pressure, and taking anti-inflammatory medications, to surgical procedures for severe cases where the toe has become rigid. Surgery typically involves realigning the toe and correcting the deformity. Complications of untreated hammertoe can include chronic pain, difficulty in walking, and persistent sores or infections, which can lead to further foot problems. If you have an uncomfortable hammertoe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Jim Maxka, DPM from South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. 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

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

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 office located in Hanover, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An infected toe often presents with redness, swelling, and pain, sometimes accompanied by pus or an unpleasant odor. Several factors can lead to this condition. Injuries, such as stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it, can create openings for bacteria. Microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, can infiltrate these wounds or even enter through small cracks in dry skin. Natural toe growth, particularly when nails grow inward, can push into the skin and cause infection. Foot yeast infections, commonly known as athlete's foot, can also escalate into bacterial infections if not treated promptly. Additionally, individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk due to poor circulation and impaired immune response, which can make even minor infections more severe. If your toe has become infected, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

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 office located in Hanover, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.