A podiatrist is a medical professional specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower legs. This type of doctor manages a wide range of issues, including common foot and ankle pain, bunions, numbness in the feet, and skin conditions like plantar warts. Podiatrists also treat congenital conditions like clubfoot and other structural abnormalities that impact the mobility and comfort of children. A podiatrist can prescribe orthotics, perform minor surgical procedures, and offer guidance on footwear, as well as provide care to prevent complications. If you are experiencing foot or ankle discomfort or require specialized care, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to receive expert podiatric treatment tailored to your needs.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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

Bunions and gout can both cause pain and swelling around the big toe, but they have different causes and treatments. A bunion is a bony bump that forms when the big toe joint becomes misaligned, often due to genetics, tight shoes, or abnormal foot structure. It usually looks like a hard bump on the side of the toe and feels achy, stiff, or sore, especially when walking. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint, leading to sudden, intense pain, redness, and warmth that may come on overnight. The toe may appear red, shiny, and extremely tender to touch. A podiatrist can help determine whether it is a bunion or gout through a physical exam, imaging, and possibly lab testing. Treatment may involve medication, footwear changes, or custom orthotics. If you are dealing with pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and relief.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. 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 Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that spreads easily from person to person and through contaminated surfaces. The fungi that cause the infection thrive in warm, moist environments, such as locker rooms, public showers, and inside of shoes. Walking barefoot on damp floors or sharing towels, socks, or footwear can quickly spread the fungus. Even tiny flakes of infected skin can contain spores that linger on floors or carpets and lead to reinfection. Scratching the affected skin can also transfer the fungus to other parts of the foot or between the toes. A podiatrist can confirm an athlete's foot infection through examination and testing, prescribe antifungal medication, and recommend ways to prevent recurrence. Keeping the feet dry and clean, wearing flip-flops in public showers, and avoiding shared items can help reduce transmission. If you have an athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Fat pad atrophy is the thinning or loss of the natural cushioning beneath the heel, which can lead to discomfort and altered gait. Individuals with this condition often experience pain while walking on hard surfaces without shoes, a burning sensation, or a dull ache that worsens with prolonged standing or activity. Risk factors include aging, repetitive high impact activities, wearing unsupportive footwear, and certain medical conditions that affect fat distribution or circulation. Without adequate cushioning, the foot is susceptible to stress and injury. A podiatrist can evaluate the extent of fat pad loss, recommend custom orthotics or padding to restore comfort and support, and provide guidance on footwear and activity modifications. If you have symptoms of this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive an expert evaluation, targeted treatment, and relief from the discomfort caused by fat pad atrophy.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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