Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes that affects the nerves in the feet and lower legs. Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can damage these nerves, leading to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, burning, or sharp pain. Some people notice a gradual loss of sensation, making it harder to feel temperature changes or small injuries. Others experience discomfort that interferes with sleep or daily activity. Because this condition develops slowly, many individuals do not realize the extent of the nerve damage until symptoms become more noticeable. Reduced sensation increases the risk of unnoticed cuts, blisters, or pressure points that can progress into serious wounds. Early detection and consistent foot care play a significant role in preventing complications. A podiatrist can identify changes, recommend protective strategies, and provide treatment options to manage symptoms and maintain foot health. If you are experiencing numbness or pain in your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

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.

Strengthening the arches of your feet is an important step toward better stability, balance, and comfort. Simple exercises such as big toe movement and toe yoga can activate the small muscles that support the arch and improve overall foot function. These movements help train the foot to work more efficiently while walking and standing. A podiatrist can assess your arch strength, provide guidance on proper technique, and recommend additional exercises or supportive devices, when needed. If you want to improve your foot strength or reduce discomfort related to weak arches, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive expert care and a personalized relief plan that supports healthier feet.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

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.