Items filtered by date: November 2020

A small bone growth on the heel plate may be a heel spur. Heel spurs generally grow into the soft tissue of the foot, and often resemble a hook. Heel spurs can cause severe pain and discomfort. Traditional treatment methods can consist of performing gentle stretches which may help to loosen the surrounding tissue, in addition to taking anti-inflammatory medications. Relief may be found when the affected foot is rested and custom-made orthotics are worn. Massage therapy may be an alternative treatment approach, and this may be done by performing circular motions on the arch and surrounding areas. If you are afflicted with a heel spur, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Latham, NY . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Corns on the feet are generally small, hardened areas of skin that can cause severe pain and discomfort. They develop as a result of excessive friction and can be caused by wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Corns can develop on the soles of the feet, or between the toes. Mild relief may be found when the corn on the bottom of the foot is filed with a pumice stone, and this is beneficial to do when the skin is softened. Corns that develop between the toes are referred to as soft corns, and it may help to wear a protective pad over the affected area as daily activities are accomplished. Corns on the feet may negatively impact your day, and it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat them.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer of Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

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

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor 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 Latham, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails can be painful. They occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. Other than pain, you may also notice symptoms such as redness or swelling of the surrounding area. In some cases, ingrown nails can be treated at home. Begin by soaking your foot in warm, soapy water several times per day for 10-20 minutes. After each soak, dry the affected toenail and place a small piece of clean, wet cotton under the nail near the corner where it is ingrown. This process can help lift the nail from the skin and allow it to grow properly. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting shoes during this process. If symptoms do not improve within 2-3 days, or if they worsen at any point, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist. A podiatrist can treat stubborn, persistent ingrown toenails and teach you how to prevent ingrown toenails from developing in the future.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer of Summit Foot & Ankle. 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 Latham, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A fungal infection of the toenails can be unpleasant, embarrassing, and sometimes even painful. In certain people, such as those with diabetes or a compromised immune system, fungal infections can lead to more serious complications. Treating fungal nails can be a daunting task, but there are fortunately many things that you can do to prevent fungal nail infections from developing in the first place. The fungus that causes fungal nail infections thrives in warm, moist environments. To stop your feet from becoming the perfect host for this fungus, opt for breathable footwear and moisture-wicking socks, dry your feet and the spaces between your toes thoroughly after washing, and wear shoes in wet public spaces like locker rooms and swimming pools. Keep your toenails clean and short, and avoid sharing your nail clippers and other personal items, such as towels, with others. For more information about fungal nail infections, consult with a podiatrist today. 

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer of Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Latham, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle fracture refers to a partial or complete break in a bone of the ankle. People sometimes confuse ankle fractures with ankle sprains. While these injuries often occur simultaneously, they are different and will require proper diagnosis and treatment. If you have fractured your ankle, you may have symptoms such as pain at the site of the fracture, significant swelling, blisters at the fracture site, bruising, difficulty walking, or a change in the appearance of the ankle. In very severe cases, broken bones may protrude through the skin. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

The importance of taking the necessary steps to prevent running injuries may not be known by everyone, however, it is often recognized among people who enjoy running as a sport or hobby. Firstly, it is beneficial to practice strength training for the whole body and this may aide in the prevention of painful injuries. Performing single-leg exercises can help to improve balance and stability, in addition to practicing squats and deadlifts. Secondly, the recovery process is just as important as running and performing strength exercises. Proper recovery can help prevent damage to the bones and muscles. If you are experiencing a sharp or stabbing pain you shouldn’t run that day. If you feel slightly sore you can still run, but it is suggested to shorten the distance originally planned. To add variety to the repetitive nature of running, rotate two or more pairs of running shoes to subtly alter your biomechanics. If you would like more information about running injuries and how to prevent them, please speak with a podiatrist.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer of Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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