Items filtered by date: July 2020

Flat feet is a condition referring to the collapse or flattening of the foot’s arch. This condition may be present from birth or acquired throughout the course of your life. Flat feet may progress slowly over time, especially in active people, and may lead to potential complications such as shin splints, stress fractures, and bunions. Furthermore, flat feet can cause tibialis posterior tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, Achilles heel injuries, and may make you more prone to injuries of the knee and hip. If you suspect that you or your child may have flat feet, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist, who can diagnose and treat this condition and prevent future complications.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a very common fungal infection of the toenail which affects up to 10% of people in North America. While generally painless, the thick, dry, and discolored appearance of infected nails can be unsightly and embarrassing. Toenail fungus does not go away on its own; medical treatment is necessary to cure it. Both oral medications, and topical treatments that are applied directly to the nail, are potential treatment options. You may also opt for laser treatment, which is effective, safe, and FDA-approved. Laser treatment for fungal nails uses a laser device that emits a short pulse of energy through the toenail, killing the fungal infection within the nail. Treatment sessions are relatively quick and painless, and can provide long-lasting results if you maintain good foot hygiene. If you suffer from toenail fungus and are looking for an effective alternative to topical treatments and oral medication, consult your podiatrist to learn more about laser treatment.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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.

Research has indicated many elderly people have difficulty recovering from injuries that have occurred from falling. This can lead to a loss of independence, disability, and possibly chronic pain. There are simple measures that can be implemented which may help to reduce the risk of falling. These can include participating in a routine exercise program, improving the lighting in the household, and removing worn carpeting. Existing medications can be reviewed when regular physical and eye examinations are performed. If you would like additional information about the effects falling can have on the feet, please speak with a podiatrist.

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 Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. 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:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

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 office located in Latham, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

It is extremely important to protect the Achilles tendon. It is located in the back of the leg, and connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is the thickest tendon in the body, and can easily tear if it becomes injured. This can happen from frequently participating in running and jumping activities, or from unexpectedly stepping off of a curb. An  Achilles tendon injury can cause severe pain and discomfort, and can take several weeks to fully recover. Common symptoms of this type of injury can include extreme tenderness, swelling, and it can often be difficult to walk on. As the healing process occurs, it is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly, in addition to performing specific stretches. If you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine what the best treatment options are for you. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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.