Healthy Foot Hygiene Habits

Good foot hygiene is essential for preventing infections, maintaining comfort, and supporting overall health. Caring for your feet begins with washing and thoroughly drying them each day to reduce bacteria and fungus buildup. Toenails should be clipped straight across to prevent ingrown nails, while regular checks for cuts, blisters, or changes in skin and nails help detect problems early. Moisturizing can prevent dryness and cracking, keeping the skin soft and resilient. Proper foot hygiene is especially important for anyone with diabetes or circulation issues. A podiatrist can provide expert advice, treat problems before they worsen, and recommend preventive care. If you have foot pain for any reason, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and provide additional guidance on everyday foot care routines.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Read more about Everyday Foot Care

My Teenager and Sever’s Disease

The age group of people who are typically affected by Sever’s disease is between ten and fourteen. It impacts the growth plate in the heel and can cause severe pain and discomfort. It can happen as a result of participating in running and jumping activities, which can exert excess pressure on the heel. It is beneficial to perform stretches that can loosen the Achilles tendon which is connected to the heel. Additionally, many patients wear specific types of footwear that can help in the healing process. If you notice your child is limping or complaining of heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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.

Read more about Sever's Disease

Plantar Fasciitis and a Podiatrist’s Role in Finding Relief

Plantar fasciitis often causes sharp heel pain, especially during the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. It develops when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch, becomes irritated or inflamed. Causes include overuse, improper footwear, high arches, or flat feet. Risk factors include prolonged standing, obesity, and age. Symptoms include stabbing pain in the heel, stiffness, and difficulty walking. A podiatrist can provide treatments such as stretching exercises, orthotics, footwear guidance, and advanced therapies to relieve pain and prevent recurrence. If heel pain is interfering with your daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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 Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

Ways That Diabetes Affects the Feet

Diabetes can have a profound effect on the feet due to its impact on both nerves and circulation. Nerve damage, also called diabetic neuropathy, may reduce the ability to feel pain or temperature changes in the feet. This can allow small injuries, burns, or sores to go unnoticed and worsen over time. The loss of sensation can also lead to structural changes in the bones, joints, and muscles of the feet. Some people may still experience tingling, burning, or sharp pain from nerve involvement. Poor circulation, often linked to narrowed arteries, limits the blood flow needed for healing. This leaves the feet more vulnerable to ulcers or other problems. Infections can spread quickly in feet affected by diabetes and are harder to treat due to slower healing. A podiatrist can identify early warning signs, provide treatment for ulcers or infections, and help prevent severe complications. If you have complications from diabetes that are affecting your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for regular treatment.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Conditions

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Connect With Us