Items filtered by date: April 2022

There are numerous tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones in each foot that endure pounds of pressure as each step is taken. Pregnant women often notice their feet are swollen a majority of the time, and this may be a result of the added weight gained during pregnancy. Additionally, hormonal changes that occur can contribute to weight gain and swollen feet. Many pregnant women buy larger shoes that can provide stability, cushioning, and comfort. It can be beneficial to exercise and stretch the feet, helping to provide much needed relief from foot pain. Some women find it helps to roll a bag of golf balls on their feet, which can mimic a massage. Additionally, an effective stretch for the sole of the feet is standing on a step and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. If you would like more information about specific foot stretches to perform during your pregnancy, please speak with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the 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 and ankle needs.

There are numerous tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones in each foot that endure pounds of pressure as each step is taken. Pregnant women often notice their feet are swollen a majority of the time, and this may be a result of the added weight gained during pregnancy. Additionally, hormonal changes that occur can contribute to weight gain and swollen feet. Many pregnant women buy larger shoes that can provide stability, cushioning, and comfort. It can be beneficial to exercise and stretch the feet, helping to provide much needed relief from foot pain. Some women find it helps to roll a bag of golf balls on their feet, which can mimic a massage. Additionally, an effective stretch for the sole of the feet is standing on a step and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. If you would like more information about specific foot stretches to perform during your pregnancy, please speak with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the 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 and ankle needs.

Gout is an arthritic condition that can cause severe pain, redness, heat and swelling in the big toe joint (typically), as well as other joints. This condition is caused by an excessive amount of uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric acid is a byproduct that is produced when the body processes purines, which are chemical compounds found naturally in the body as well as in certain foods. It is believed that consuming large amounts of alcohol, red and organ meat, certain seafood, and high fructose drinks can increase a person’s risk for developing gout. Other risk factors include heredity, being male and/or obese, and having health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems, congestive heart failure, and more. Gout flares are sudden onsets of symptoms which can last for days or even weeks, only to disappear for long periods of time as the disease goes into remission for a time. While there is no cure for gout, a podiatrist can help create a treatment and management plan to manage pain and avoid the condition from worsening.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. 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 type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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 and ankle needs.

Gout is an arthritic condition that can cause severe pain, redness, heat and swelling in the big toe joint (typically), as well as other joints. This condition is caused by an excessive amount of uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric acid is a byproduct that is produced when the body processes purines, which are chemical compounds found naturally in the body as well as in certain foods. It is believed that consuming large amounts of alcohol, red and organ meat, certain seafood, and high fructose drinks can increase a person’s risk for developing gout. Other risk factors include heredity, being male and/or obese, and having health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems, congestive heart failure, and more. Gout flares are sudden onsets of symptoms which can last for days or even weeks, only to disappear for long periods of time as the disease goes into remission for a time. While there is no cure for gout, a podiatrist can help create a treatment and management plan to manage pain and avoid the condition from worsening.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. 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 type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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 and ankle needs.

Neuropathy can generally be referred to as a disease or dysfunction of the nerves. There are different forms of neuropathy which can occur in various locations of the body. When neuropathy affects the feet, it is a malfunction within the peripheral nervous system—which is a network of nerves outside of the central nervous system (comprising the spinal cord and brain) which controls the feet, hands, legs, and arms. This type of neuropathy is referred to as peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathy can be caused by diabetes, autoimmune diseases, infections, alcoholism, genetic disorders, toxins, medications, tumors, and more. Sometimes there is no known cause for neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, pain, or extreme sensitivity to touch in the feet. It may even cause a loss of feeling in the feet which may lead to an inability to detect rapidly developing sores. If you have any of these symptoms, see a podiatrist as soon as possible to devise an appropriate treatment plan.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Viral infections caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) that enter the skin of the feet can cause plantar warts. These are fleshy growths that typically form on the bottom of the feet. The pressure from walking can cause plantar warts to be painful. Plantar warts can grow individually, or they may cluster in what is known as a mosaic. They present as flat, circular, grainy patches of skin that can be small or large. A tiny black blood vessel, appearing as a dot, is often visible in the center of a plantar wart, which can often distinguish it from other types of growths. HPV is a highly contagious virus that can be spread from direct contact, or through exposure to the virus living on infected surfaces, such as communal showers, locker rooms, towels, shoes, socks, and more. Plantar warts are hearty and difficult to treat on your own. They are known to return if they are not properly treated. For these reasons, plantar warts often require professional care from a podiatrist. Make an appointment with a podiatrist if you or someone you love has developed one or more plantar warts.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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 and ankle needs.

Viral infections caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) that enter the skin of the feet can cause plantar warts. These are fleshy growths that typically form on the bottom of the feet. The pressure from walking can cause plantar warts to be painful. Plantar warts can grow individually, or they may cluster in what is known as a mosaic. They present as flat, circular, grainy patches of skin that can be small or large. A tiny black blood vessel, appearing as a dot, is often visible in the center of a plantar wart, which can often distinguish it from other types of growths. HPV is a highly contagious virus that can be spread from direct contact, or through exposure to the virus living on infected surfaces, such as communal showers, locker rooms, towels, shoes, socks, and more. Plantar warts are hearty and difficult to treat on your own. They are known to return if they are not properly treated. For these reasons, plantar warts often require professional care from a podiatrist. Make an appointment with a podiatrist if you or someone you love has developed one or more plantar warts.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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 and ankle needs.