Monday, 31 October 2016 11:12

Professional Foot Care May Prevent Foot Ulcers

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elderly feet 3Professional care is vital in preventing and treating the effects of diabetic feet, including foot ulcers. Doctors and nurses can help provide assessments and intervention plans to aid in detecting and treating diabetic feet. About “10% of Americans have a medical diagnosis of diabetes;” therefore periodic examinations are important. Diabetic feet are especially prone to peripheral neuropathy, or the loss of sensation.

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. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Our doctorcan provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including 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 because 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 one of our offices located in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Care

Monday, 24 October 2016 13:18

Trevor Daley Back from Recovering from Broken Ankle

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broken foot5Trevor Daley was expected to play in his first competitive game in September since breaking his ankle in the postseason. Daley has been skating since late August, building his strength up. He states that he is “excited to be back, have a real game that means a little bit of something.” He also says that his ankle has been fine for a long while now and that he is not too concerned about it.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  • Swelling around the area
  • Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about broken ankles.

Monday, 17 October 2016 15:05

Finding Comfortable Shoes for Your Feet

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runnersFinding comfortable shoes is important for ensuring overall foot health and stability. High heels can lead to long-term problems for our feet. Flat shoes can also cause damage to our feet, resulting in our arches to “fall,” potentially leading to plantar fasciitis. Tight-fitting shoes in general can lead to blisters. When searching for comfortable shoes, ask an assistant at the shoe store to assist in measuring your feet.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

  • Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even go barefoot
  • Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability
  • Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Choosing the Right Running Shoe

Monday, 10 October 2016 01:30

How to Shop for New Shoes

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shoes2Taking care of your feet involves a few simple tips to keep in mind, such as being mindful of your feet’s comfort, especially in shoes. When buying shoes, make sure to buy in the evening, after your feet swell during the day. According to the College of Podiatry, “the ideal everyday shoe should have a heel height of around 1-3 cm, be made from a breathable material like leather, have a round rather than pointed or narrow toe box, and a strap or lace to hold the foot in place.” Additionally, swap your shoes often among different days and make sure to trim your toenails often, as they can make your toes feel uncomfortable in your shoes

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

  • Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
  • Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
  • Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
  • Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes is vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

Read more about proper shoe fitting.

Monday, 03 October 2016 09:42

Diabetic Foot Amputations in England

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elderly feet 3A new study has shown that the amount of diabetic related amputations being performed has reached an all-time high in England. The amount of diabetes-related amputations in England is now 7,370 per year. 80% of these amputations have begun as foot ulcers, which are treatable if caught early. Diabetic amputations can have a devastating impact on the lives of those who have them, however not much is being done to get to the root of the problem. While certain areas in England have made advances in preventing diabetic foot amputations, many people are still without good quality foot health care in the country.

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. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including 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 because 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 one of our offices located in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Care

Monday, 26 September 2016 11:15

5% of Americans are “Morbidly Obese”

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obesity4According to research recently conducted by John Hopkins published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, “morbidly obese individuals were more than two times more likely to have heart failure than comparable people with a healthy body mass index.” It is estimated that about 5 percent of Americans living in the U.S. are considered morbidly obese, having a body mass index of greater than 35. It’s important to stay in shape through dieting and exercising in order to prevent the onset of life-threatening health issues such as heart disease.

Any additional problems in the feet of those with obesity can be detrimental to foot health. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Obesity and your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Solutions

Footwear – Specially made footwear that supports your joints, arches, and ankles, and allows room for good circulation is a great option to mitigate pressure and pain. A podiatrist will help you decide what works best for your specific needs.

Exercise – Exercise will help alleviate the pain and give your feet the strength it needs to support your body. Exercise also increases blood flow to your feet, allowing them to remain healthy and strong.

Most importantly, seek the help of a podiatrist for foot care if something is wrong or doesn’t seem to be working. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.

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

Read more about obesity and the feet.

Monday, 19 September 2016 12:41

How to Remove Corns

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ankle surgeryThere is a wide range of problems that can affect foot health. Some of these issues may be minor, but some may be a bit more serious. The most common skin conditions that affect the feet are corns and calluses. Corns develop on the feet as a result of pressure and friction. They are usually painful and can become infected if they go without treatment. The removal of corns should always be done by a podiatrist using a sharp blade. A professional should remove your corns because they can very easily lead to further problems if removed incorrectly.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:

  • Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office locatedin Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about foot surgery.

Monday, 12 September 2016 21:50

What Are Plantar Warts?

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foot care2Plantar warts develop on the bottom of our feet as round growths on the skin, described as brown dots. Warts are caused by the papillomavirus and usually go away on their own, typically not requiring any treatment. Avoid picking at the wart to prevent infection. A potential option for treating your wart is covering it up with tape, as “warts deprived of air and sun exposure sometimes die without the need for topical treatments.”

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

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

  • Legions 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, will 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 one of our offices located in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Plantar warts

Monday, 05 September 2016 01:52

Novan’s Gel May Treat Athletes Foot

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athletes foot8Novan is a company that has recently developed a treatment for infections caused by dermatophytes. One of these dermatophytes is Trichophyton rubrum, which is found in patients with Athlete’s foot. Novan’s product is an anti-fungal gel that treats skin and nail infections. However, the company is testing their gel with pathogens found in Athlete’s foot prior to assessing treatment of other fungal infections.  

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of athlete’s foot, as well as helping you figure out which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Athlete’s foot.

Monday, 29 August 2016 18:44

Living with Hyperhidrosis

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foot odorHyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. Although hyperhidrosis only affects 3% of the global population, it is still viewed as a serious health condition. People who suffer from the condition are often self-conscious, anxious and depressed. Hyperhidrosis usually affects the hands, feet, and forehead of people who have it. Those with hyperhidrosis know that there is a strong body odor that is caused by the condition. It is important to wash every day and shave under your arms. Bacteria and moisture can easily become trapped in hair so it is recommended that you shave it off.

If you have any concerns about your feet or anklescontact Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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

Read more about hyperhidrosis of the feet

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