Items filtered by date: January 2025

Wednesday, 29 January 2025 00:00

Let the Expert Treat Your Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can be painful and can make wearing shoes or walking uncomfortable. Seek professional help if you believe you've developed an ingrown toenail and be treated safely. 

Tuesday, 28 January 2025 00:00

Foot Care for Improved Health in Seniors

Proper foot care is essential for maintaining overall health in seniors. As people age, foot health can significantly impact mobility, balance, and quality of life. Regular foot care helps prevent common issues such as bunions, corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Neglecting foot health can also contribute to more serious conditions like infections or falls, which can be particularly dangerous for elderly people. Seniors should focus on cleaning and moisturizing their feet regularly to prevent dryness and cracks. It is also important to trim toenails carefully to avoid ingrown nails and infections. Wearing well-fitting shoes that provide adequate support can prevent many foot problems. Additionally, paying attention to circulation and checking for signs of conditions like diabetes is vital. If you are a senior and have foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can effectively treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional foot care tips.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

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Tuesday, 21 January 2025 00:00

Heel Pain and Ankylosing Spondylitis

Heel pain is a common symptom of ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. This condition causes pain and stiffness in the back, but it can also lead to inflammation in other areas, including the heels. The pain is often the result of enthesitis, which is the inflammation of the tendons and ligaments where they attach to the bones. In ankylosing spondylitis, the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia, both of which are connected to the heel, are frequently affected. The heel pain associated with ankylosing spondylitis can be persistent and may worsen with activity or after long periods of rest. The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not fully understood, but it is believed to have a genetic component, with certain genes increasing the likelihood of developing the condition. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Glen Burnie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 14 January 2025 00:00

Causes and Symptoms of Foot Corns

Foot corns are thickened areas of skin that develop on the feet due to repeated friction or pressure. They typically form on the tops, sides, or between the toes from wearing ill-fitting shoes that rub against the skin. The friction causes the skin to harden in response, forming a corn. Corns can also develop due to abnormal foot mechanics, such as having a toe that constantly rubs against the inside of a shoe. Symptoms of foot corns include pain, tenderness, and visible thickened skin that may have a central hard core. The skin around the corn can become inflamed and irritated, causing discomfort when walking. While corns are not usually serious, they can be painful and may lead to further foot problems if not treated properly. If you have developed a foot corn, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can safely treat this uncomfortable condition.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM of Maryland. 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 Glen Burnie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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While cycling, the bones in the foot work together to provide stability, power, and efficient movement. The foot’s arch supports the weight of the body and helps absorb shock with each pedal stroke. The bones in the foot, including the tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges, form a flexible structure that adapts to the pressure of pedaling. The first metatarsal bone plays a vital role in pushing down on the pedal, while the other metatarsals work together to distribute force evenly. The bones in the foot, along with the muscles and tendons, maintain balance and ensure a smooth, effective pedal stroke. Proper cycling shoes are essential for supporting the foot’s bones, preventing unnecessary stress, and improving performance. If you have sustained a foot injury while cycling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

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