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Spring 2020 Vionic, Alegria & Altra Trunk Show

Spring 2020 Vionic, Alegria & Altra Trunk Show

Frederick Foot and Ankle is proud to host the spring 2020 Trunk Show that will feature foot-friendly shoes from the renowned international brands. We cordially invite all residents in and around Frederick to our exciting annual trunk show that will be held at our offices on Thomas Johnson Drive this April.

You are free to join us as we unveil the spring line of Vionic, Alegria and Altra foot-friendly and stylish shoes. Below are some of the reasons why Frederick Foot and Ankle loves and will showcase these iconic brands.

Vionic

Vionic offers one of the best innovative biomechanical support technology infused in trendy looks. Their large variety of foot-friendly shoes are ideal for professional, active and lifestyle environments. Vionic shoes provide orthopedic benefits without looking like standard orthopedic shoes.

If you are looking for great arch support and stylish comfort, we will always recommend Vionic. Vionic engineers their biomechanical tech developed by Australian podiatrist, Phillip Vasyli, into each pair of shoes or sandals. They call this proprietary technology “Vio-Motion Support”.

Vio-Motion Support comprises of ball-of-foot cushioning for daylong support, heal seat for stabilizing and positioning your foot, full-contact support to hug your curves and deep heel cups to provide essential stability. Vionic shoes are of high quality, durable and are ideal for people who wear orthotics. Vionic products carry the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.

Alegria

Alegria means “happiness” in Spanish and your feet will definitely be happy in these shoes. If you spend most of your workdays on your feet on hard flooring, you need comfortable and functional footwear and Alegria caters to that.

Alegria shoes feature a patent footbed that combines soft polyurethane, cork and memory foam. They offer comfort from toe to heel with sufficient arch support and that customized fit. Alegria shoes also feature outsoles that slope slightly. This design produces an anatomically correct and natural walking motion.

You will get the benefits of improved posture, reduced leg strain, and reduced metatarsal and joint pressure. This is not the many different stylish designs, colors, finishes and patterns that are available. Alegria foot-friendly shoes include sneakers, sandals, boots, flats, heels, wedges, clogs, lace-ups, loafers, Mary Janes and mules among others.

Altra

Running is a high impact activity and wearing appropriate supportive footwear can save you from foot and ankle problems. Altra is among the first brand we would recommend. Altra shoes feature a Foot shape toe box, which allows your toes to spread out and relax naturally, as they expand. Competitor shoes with narrow toe boxes can often cause discomfort and blisters.

Altra also caters to the unique form of the female foot. It is among the first brands to unveil entire lines of female-specific running shoes. The shoes feature narrower heels, a design that is more form-fitting and eliminates the feeling of stepping out of your shoes. Altra shoes also have Balanced Cushioning for optima alignment, better form, and low-impact landings.

Frederick Foot and Ankle encourages you to bring friends and family and anyone that seeks stylish, comfortable and foot-friendly shoes for spring and summer. Both Men and Women can order and presale has already begun. RSVP to get 10% off your purchase. We will have a raffle giving you a chance to win FREE Shoes! Feel free to contact us for more information about our spring 2020 Trunk Show near you.

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Bunions: What You Need To Know

A bunion also referred to as hallux valgus, is a prominent and painful bump that forms on the foot inside in the joint of the large toe. They develop gradually and are quite common in the adult population. The big toe usually bends towards the other toes causing the joint connecting it to the foot to become red and painful.

Over time, the bone structure is altered and a bunion bump develops. This condition may have complications including arthritis or bursitis if left unchecked. The symptoms tend to appear at later stages and may be absent in some people. Bunions are more common in women than in men, as women tend to wear narrow and tight shoes that squeeze the toes together.

The Causes of Bunions

While the exact cause of bunions is unclear, it is often the result of heredity. Some individuals inherit feet with a defective mechanical structure that makes them prone to developing bunions.

Wearing ill-fitting shoes, particularly shoes with narrow and pointed toe boxes or high-heeled shoes may force the toes into the unnatural position. Having an inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis or neuromuscular conditions like polio can also lead to bunion formation.

Bunion Progression

Foot bunions start out small and tend to worsen over time especially if you continue wearing tight, narrow shoes. Since the largest joint in the big toe flexes with each step, it becomes more painful and difficult to walk as the bunion gets bigger. An advanced bunion will alter the appearance of your foot significantly. Not all cases of bunions are similar. Some progress much faster than others.

In severe cases, the big toe can angle all the way over or under the second toe. Sometimes, calluses may form where the toes rub against one another resulting in difficulties walking and additional discomfort. A bunionette (tailor’s bunion) is another type of toe bunion that develops on the base of the small toe. It is very much like a bunion even though it forms in a different location.

Symptoms

In addition to the prominent bump on the foot, the symptoms of bunions include:

· Pain and tenderness

· Inflammation and redness

· Calluses or corns on the bump

· Restricted motion and stiffness in the big toe

· Difficulty walking

Diagnosis

A foot and ankle surgeon will be able to diagnose your bunion from the appearance of your toe and your symptoms. Nonetheless, the surgeon may order X-rays. X-rays provide a clear image of your bone structure and will allow the surgeon to check your toe alignments and inspect the damage to the big toe joints.

Your foot bone alignments change when you sit or stand. X-rays are taken while you are standing to determine the extent of misalignment. The Surgeon will determine the severity of the bunion and develop a suitable plan to correct it.

Bunion Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatment

In many cases, you can treat bunions without surgery although these options cannot “reverse” the condition. They help manage the pain and stop them from worsening.

· Footwear changes – In most cases, bunion pain can be managed by simply switching to well-fitting shoes that don’t compress the toes. Frederick Foot and Ankle can provide information on proper shoe fit and the shoe types that are best for you.

· Padding – Protective pads will help cushion the painful areas around the bunions. You can obtain these from your podiatrist surgeon, pharmacy or drugstore.

· Orthotic Devices – Your foot and ankle surgeon may prescribe custom orthotic devices. These devices take the pressure off the bunion. They may include toe spacers and night splints among others.

· Modifying Activities – In some cases, avoiding or reducing activities that cause pain such as standing for long periods provides relief.

· Ice – Ice application for about 20 minutes several times a day helps reduce swelling

· Medication – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and swelling

· Corticosteroid Injections – Corticosteroid injections are rarely used to treat bunions but may be beneficial in reducing inflammation around the bunion.

Surgical Treatment

Your foot and ankle surgeon may recommend bunion surgery if the symptoms do not improve after footwear changes and non-surgical treatments. Surgery realigns your bones, tendons, and ligaments to bring your big toe back to its natural position.

Several surgical procedures are available to rectify bunions including bunion removal (exostectomy), joint realignment (osteotomy) and joint surface removal (arthrodesis). At Frederick Foot and Ankle, we will select the appropriate procedure based on the severity of the deformity, age, activity level, and other factors.

Feel free to contact Frederick Foot and Ankle if you exhibit any of the symptoms associated with bunions for diagnosis and treatment. Remember, the earlier intervention can prevent the condition from worsening.

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What You Need to Know About Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon, also known as the heel cord, is the tendon that develops at the back of the lower leg that attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is the thickest and strongest tendon in your body and helps cause plantar flexion of your foot at the ankle (raising your heel off the ground).

Achilles tendonitis/tendinitis is a common condition, which occurs when Achilles tendon becomes irritated and inflamed. This condition is associated with overuse and degeneration.

Types of Achilles Tendonitis

There are 2 types of Achilles tendonitis based on the affected part:

· Insertional – This type of Achilles tendonitis affects the lower portion of your heel, where the tendon attaches to the bone of the heel. This type often results in bone spur (extra bone growth) formation.

· Non- Insertional – Non- Insertional tendonitis affects the center portion of the tendon. The fibers herein form tiny tears (degeneration), swell and thicken leading to a sore Achilles tendon or Achilles tendon pain.

Causes of Achilles Tendonitis

Typically, this is not related to any specific injury. It is often the result of repetitive stress to the tendon when you push your body too much, too soon. Your body is unable to repair the injured tissue due to the continual stress. It is for this reason that athletes are highly susceptible to

Achilles tendon disorders.

Other factors also increase one’s risk of developing this condition. They include a sudden increase in the intensity of physical exercise without proper adaptation, tight calf muscles, tight Achilles tendon, poor biomechanics, excess uphill running and excessive pronation (flattening of the foot arch). Achilles tendonitis is also a side effect of some fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin.

Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis

The most prevalent symptoms of the Achilles tendonitis include:

· Pain, stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and soreness at the Achilles tendon. It can occur at any location along the path of the tendon, starting from the insertion point above your heel to the area below your calf muscles.

· Pain along the tendon that worsens with increased physical activity. The tendon and joint area may become stiffer the next day as the swelling impinges on the tendon movement.

· Thickening of the Achilles tendon when the condition progresses to degeneration.

· Bone spur formation (Insertional tendonitis).

· Intense pain or tenderness when you squeeze the sides of the tendon.

Diagnosis

Achilles tendonitis is usually diagnosed from a physical examination of the tendon and medical history. The podiatrist may order imaging tests to confirm that the symptoms are the result of Achilles tendonitis.

X-ray tests can indicate if there is calcification in the lower portion of the Achilles tendon (an indication of Insertional Achilles tendonitis). The Non-Insertional type can also exhibit calcification in severe cases. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) while rarely necessary can be ordered in case surgery is planned.

Treatment Options

Non-surgical

Non-surgical treatment of Achilles tendonitis provides pain relief, but it can take some time for the symptoms to subside completely. The options include:

· Rest – The first step in pain alleviation is reducing or ceasing the activities that worsen the pain. Switching from high-impact to low-impact physical activities can reduce the stress on the tendon.

· Ice – Placing ice for up to 20 minutes on the most painful areas of the tendon can reduce the swelling significantly.

· Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Medication – NSAIDs such as naproxen and ibuprofen help reduce the pain and swelling.

· Supportive Shoes and Orthotics – Orthotic devices and supportive shoes offer relief from pain caused by insertional Achilles tendonitis. Heel lifts can also take some strain off the Achilles tendon. Frederick Foot and Ankle offers custom orthotic devices and quality special shoes for this purpose.

· Physical Therapy – Physical therapy that includes soft tissue massage/mobilization, eccentric strengthening exercises, ultrasound therapy, gait training/re-education, and stretching is beneficial especially for non-insertional tendonitis.

· Exercise – Some exercises can help in strengthening the calf muscles and reducing the stress placed on the Achilles tendon. They include calf stretches, calf raises, and heel drops.

· Night Splints – Night splints serve to maintain a stretch in the tendon as you sleep.

Surgical Options

Surgery is considered for Achilles tendonitis if the symptoms do not improve after 6 months of non-surgical treatment. At Frederick Foot and Ankle, the podiatrist will select the appropriate surgical procedure based on several factors. They include the location of the tendonitis, amount of tendon damage as well as patient age and activity level.

Achilles Tendonitis prevention is very important. It involves stretching, strengthening exercises and wearing proper shoes for your foot type. If you exhibit any of the symptoms of heel tendonitis, feel free to CONTACT Frederick Foot and Ankle TODAY as early diagnosis and treatment prevents the progression of the condition.

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Everything You Need to Know About Heel Pain

Heel pain is the usual complaint that primary care physicians encounter. The human feet can handle heavy loads. However, too much stress can push them above their limits. Heel pain is among the most common problems that affect the foot and ankle.

The Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is caused by a number of foot and ankle conditions. The conditions fall into two broad categories depending on the location of the pain:

· Pain Beneath the Heel – Pain occurring beneath your heel can be caused by conditions that result in inflammation of the tissues at the bottom of your foot. These conditions include plantar fasciitis (subcalcaneal pain) and heel spur. Plantar fasciitis is the most known cause of heel pain.

· Pain Behind the Heel – Pain in the back of the heel is commonly caused by inflammation of the area where the Achilles tendon inserts into your heel bone (Achilles tendon pain). This condition occurs when you wear shoes that rub the back of your heel or run too much.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis, the most common cause of heel pain, the inflammation of the band of tissue that connects your heel and toes (plantar fascia). This connective tissue helps in support of the arch of your foot. Plantar fasciitis causes pain in your heel and the bottom of your foot. The pain is most severe in the mornings with your first steps or after periods of rest. Typically, it comes on gradually and affects both feet in approximately one-third of cases.

The risk factors of plantar fasciitis include overuse, a sudden increase in exercise intensity, obesity, calf pain in the muscles, and a sedentary lifestyle. A bone spur in the heel is common in individuals with this condition. Plantar fasciitis is commonly associated with biomechanical defects on the foot. People with either high-arched feet or overly flat feet are more susceptible to the condition. In addition, improper footwear worn on hard, flat surfaces strains the plantar fascia and can lead to plantar fasciitis.

The symptoms associated with this condition include:

· Pain on the lower side of the foot close to the heel

· Pain in the arch of the foot

· Pain occurring within the first few steps after waking up or following long rest periods. The pain usually subsides after several minutes of walking.

· Increased pain after physical activity.

· Swelling on the bottom of the heel

Note that there are some rare, but reported symptoms that may include numbness, tingling or radiating pain in the heel.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of plantar fasciitis involves a physical examination of your foot and medical history assessment by a foot and ankle surgeon. The surgeon will rule out any possible cause of your heel pain aside from plantar fasciitis. Imaging tests can be ordered to confirm this.

X-rays are helpful in ruling out other causes of heel pain like arthritis or fractures. X-rays can also help detect heel spurs. Bone spur heel is common in plantar fasciitis patients, but are rarely the source of the pain. When heel spurs are present, the condition can be diagnosed as heel spur syndrome.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical

Most patients with heel pain from this condition show improvements with simple non-surgical treatment that may include:

· Rest – Stopping or reducing activities that worsen the pain, especially high impact activities, can provide relief.

· Ice – Rolling the foot over ice or even cold bottle water for like 20 minutes is effective

· Stretching Exercises – The condition is aggravated by tight calves and foot muscles. Exercises such as calf and plantar fascia stretches provide pain relief.

· Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs – NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain.

· Shoe Modifications – Supportive footwear with proper arch support and raised heels reduce the strain on the plantar fascia.

· Orthotic Devices – Orthotic devices fitted into your shoes help mitigate the biomechanical foot defects that cause plantar fasciitis

· Night Splints – Most people sleep with their feet pointed down. This means that the plantar fascia is relaxed and thus causes the morning heel pain. Night splints help stretch the plantar fascia during sleep thus alleviates the morning pain.

· Cortisone Injections – Cortisone is a powerful steroidal anti-inflammatory medication that your podiatrist may recommend in some cases.

Surgical Options

Surgery is usually considered after non-surgical options fail to improve symptoms after 12 months. At Frederick Foot and Ankle, our podiatrists will discuss the available surgical options with you and take the most appropriate approach for your condition.

Prevention is usually the best cause of action for heel pain. The underlying cause can remain regardless of the treatment options. Long-term management involves regular stretching, wearing supportive footwear and using orthotic devices.

At Frederick Foot and Ankle, we have a selection of supportive footwear products and custom orthotic devices. You can CONTACT US today if you might have any of the symptoms of plantar fasciitis for early diagnosis and treatment.

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Frederick Foot and Ankle Shoe Stores

Frederick Foot and Ankle Shoe Stores

The most delicate part of each lower limb is, without a doubt, the foot. Your feet are subjected to a great deal of pressure and therefore require extra care. One of the ways to do this is through proper foot-friendly footwear.

The support staff and associates at Frederick Foot and Ankle understand this and are dedicated to ensuring you have access shoes that best serve your feet and ankles. We achieve this through our unique in-office shoe stores. The Frederick and Ankle shoe departments feature a wide variety of professionally recommended high-quality footwear for comfort and different types of foot problems.

Podiatrist Selected Foot-Friendly Shoes

At Frederick Foot and Ankle, we understand that wearing the wrong kind of shoes for your feet can cause a number of foot problems. These problems can include bunions, hammertoes, calluses, and corns. These and other common foot conditions may cause significant discomfort and can occasionally require surgery.

For this reason, we have the best podiatrists in Frederick with years of experience select our foot-friendly shoes. If you usually experience pain and discomfort in your feet while doing everyday activities, you can get the right shoe at the Frederick Foot and Ankle shoe stores near you. The knowledgeable and skilled staff members there will assist you in finding the shoes that are right for you.

Our Shoe Store Products

At Frederick Foot and Ankle, we provide a wide range of comfortable and high-quality shoes from leading international brands. Some of the shoe brands we sell include:

 · Vionic – Vionic is one of the most popular science-infused shoe brands built on the work of a renowned podiatrist. The shoes offer essential stability and additive support. Each shoe features concealed biomechanical technology geared towards foot health. This proprietary technology hugs the natural contours of your feet for optimal support.

 · Alegria – Alegria is a shoe brand that emphasizes both comfort and style, not compromising on the former. The shoe construction is based on foot feel and features a patented footbed constructed from soft polyurethane, cork, and memory foam. This design ensures that each shoe forms to your foot for that personalized fit. The shoes also feature a sloped outsole that facilitates an anatomically correct and natural walking motion that reduces stress on your feet and improves your posture.

 · Altra – Altra is a brand that designs and makes shoes geared towards running. The impact of the foot hitting the ground while running can be very intense and thus proper footwear is crucial. Altra running shoes are built on a Balanced Cushioning platform. This positions your forefoot and heels such that your foot is optimally aligned and landings are low impact. Altra also features technology that caters to the unique form of the female foot (narrow mid-foot and heel, longer arch and higher instep).

 · Brooks – This iconic brand has a long history of innovate technology geared towards comfort and stability for runners feet. Brooks running shoes emphasize personalization to afford the right build for your feet.

 · New Balance – New Balance shoes offer a perfect blend of function and style and are geared towards providing comfort and support while performing athletic activities.

With our Altra, Brooks and New Balance shoe offerings, Frederick Foot and Ankle is the best running stores near you to get foot-friendly shoes for the athletic types.

Professional Shoe Fitting

Frederick Foot and Ankle also offers professional shoe fitting services alongside our offerings. Our highly trained staff will help you select the best shoes for your feet and lifestyle. Our shoe fitting services ensure that you are afforded the right fit for comfort, mobility, and style.

We understand that even the most orthotic-friendly shoes can cause problems if they are fitted wrongly. You will get to learn what works for your feet and be fitted with shoes that keep your feet healthy. Frederick Foot and Ankle will only sell you a pair of shoes that is suitable for your feet type and size.

In-House Diabetic Foot Program

People with diabetes often require specialized footwear and foot orthotics since they are prone to various foot problems. Frederick Foot and Ankle has an in-house diabetic foot program that caters to Frederick residents with diabetes.

Our shoes stores carry a variety of Medicare-approved shoes for diabetic patients. These therapeutic shoes feature extra depth to accommodate diabetic insoles custom fitted for each patient’s feet. The shoes can also feature rocker bottoms with rigid shanks to help with ground force realignment to encourage normal gait.

The podiatrist selected and fitted products offered by Frederick Foot and Ankle ensure maximum customer satisfaction. We have a transparent 100 % return policy. You can return any of our products if you feel they are not the perfect fit for you.

Feel free to CALL US or CONTACT US via the Frederick Foot and Ankle website today to learn more about our foot-friendly products and complementary services

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Everything You Need to Know About Treating and Broken Ankle

A broken ankle can cause chronic pain and even disability issues. You can have a fractured ankle when one or more bones of your ankle joints are broken. You might not experience severe pain while walking if the injury is minor. However, it might lead to a severe condition after a while. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor to know the cause of your ankle pain and discomfort. Normally, people ignore ankle pain and misinterpret it like an ankle sprain. Both these are different conditions and might come simultaneously. So, you will have to take medical help instead of deriving a conclusion on your own.

What Are the Causes of Ankle Fracture?

You can get a fracture in your talus bone and malleolus while rolling your ankle. A car accident can lead to a fractured ankle. You can say the same about falling or tripping. Rotating and twisting can cause fractures in your ankle. Sometimes, we do not get any major injuries after an accident. We think that it is a normal sprain and will be cured on its own. However, if it is not a sprain, you are only worsening the condition during your waiting period. You can avoid all these speculations by an evaluation from a physician.

What Are The Symptoms?

As stated earlier, you can have a fracture in your medial malleolus, lateral malleolus, or talus bone without experiencing any major pain or disability issues. You can consider the following symptoms to decide on the severity. Even if none of these symptoms are present, it is better to be evaluated by an expert.

  • Sudden and severe pain
  • Bruising and significant swelling
  • Unable to walk comfortably and bear the pressure of the bodyweight
  • Tender to touch
  • Blisters and deformity

All these conditions should not be ignored. They indicate a fracture in your ankle bone and warrant medical attention.

What Are the Types of Ankle Fractures?

There are different types of ankle fractures. The area of the fracture will decide the type. Some common types of ankle fractures are fibula fracture, trimalleolar fracture, stress fracture ankle, and avulsion fracture ankle. In the trimalleolar fracture, the injury involves your medial malleolus and lateral malleolus. This fracture normally leads to dislocation and ligament damage. The fibula fracture causes injury to smaller bones of your lower leg.

You can also have a stress fracture ankle. This injury might cause pain in your foot and ankle. The pain will be more with physical activities and pressure on your foot. You can have swelling on the top of the ankle. An ankle avulsion fracture is caused by ligament or tendon tears. You will feel like you have an ankle sprain and might overlook the condition. These are the more common types of ankle fracture and all of them need medical attention.

When Should I Consult My Doctor?

Needless to mention, you cannot diagnose the types of ankle fracture you are experiencing. It might be a simple sprain as well. When the pain is severe, swelling is significant, and you notice deformity and dislocation, then this is a medical emergency. The sooner is better. You can look for the following symptoms to decide an emergency medical consultation.

  • Unable to bear the weight
  • Intolerable pain after taking medications
  • Deformity in bones and visibility of bones outside the skin
  • Unable to move your toes
  • Blue or cold feet

What Are the Treatment Options?

The foot and ankle surgeon will examine the affected ankle to know the severity of the injury. They might ask for an x-ray if they suspect some fracture. The extent of the injury will decide the treatment. If it is minor, you might be asked for rest, ice pack application on the injury, compression, and elevation. These are normal treatment procedures for minor ankle injuries. They might prescribe you some medications as well. However, when the fracture is severe, you might need to go through a surgical procedure. The surgeon will select the procedure. You should inquire about all the possible options before going ahead with the decision.

Surgery needs more care and detailed attention. After the surgery, you will have to carefully follow the aftercare instructions. Any negligence can lead to deformity, infection, chronic pain, and arthritis. So, follow all the instructions to speed the recovery and avoid any further complications. Feel free to Contact us or request an appointment TODAY at Fredrick Foot and Ankle.

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Diabetes & Foot Care: All You Need to Know

Did You Know?

Diabetes can harm your body in many ways. This condition can affect your feet adversely. Even if you have a small cut, you will have to take extra caution to ensure complete healing at the minimum possible time. Otherwise, it can lead to severe consequences. Diabetic nerve pain and diabetic foot ulcer can damage the nerves and even worsen the condition. Diabetic foot problems should always be managed with care since this health condition might reduce blood flow to your feet making the healing slow and difficult. When a nerve is damaged, you might not feel a minor injury and develop blisters. If the infection is serious, amputation might be the only option.

Why Is Diabetic Foot Care Important?

Diabetes or nerve damages make it difficult to heal diabetic ulcers and any other injury. As a result, you might experience a Charcot foot. This is more common in diabetes patients. Also, the blood circulation will be less and that will affect the healing process. You will have to avoid all diabetic foot complications. This is possible with regular foot care. Also, a healthy lifestyle is important for a healthy foot. Focus on regular medical exams, follow a healthy diet, and do regular exercises to maintain your overall well being and foot health.

What Are Common Diabetic Foot Problems?

Anyone can have foot problems. But if you are a diabetic, you will come to the risk category. All the common and minor problems can be dangerous for a diabetic. Therefore, you will have to take extra caution to avoid all the following foot complications. Some common diabetic foot problems are fungal infections, athlete’s foot, calluses, corns, blisters, bunions, dry skin, diabetic ulcers, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, and plantar warts. A diabetic and even healthy people can experience all these foot problems. However, healthy people might not take longer for recovery.

How to Avoid A Diabetic Foot Problem

Prevention is always better than cure. Here prevention is the only way to avoid any serious complication. You will have to give daily effort to maintain your feet. The followings are a few things that you can consider to boost your feet’ health.

  • You will have to inspect your feet daily. If you inspect daily, you can notice the cut, swelling, redness, dryness, or any other thing at the early stage. Once you notice any complication, address it immediately. You should never ignore any type of diabetic foot pain.
  • Use lukewarm water to clean your foot daily. You should always avoid hot water. Use a sponge or a soft washcloth to clean your feet and also dry your feet gently.
  • You will have to moisturize your feet daily to prevent itching and dryness. But avoid moisturizing between your toes since excess moisture might cause a fungal infection.
  • While cutting your nails, you need to be a bit careful. Do not make your nails too short. Short nails will be prone to ingrown nails.
  • Wear clean and dry socks specifically designed for the diabetic foot. These socks come with extra cushioning and made of fiber to absorb moisture from your skin. You can wear socks at night to protect your feet from cold.
  • Keep your feet always dry and warm and never walk barefoot.
  • Avoid smoking as it restricts blood flow and also consider regular foot exam.

How to Recognize the Foot Problems

As stated earlier, a diabetic should daily check his/her feet to find out any sign of infection or injury. If you see any change in the skin color or skin temperature, then there might be something wrong. Your foot pain, foot swelling, open sores, ingrown tonsils, dryness, cracks, or foot odor should be taken seriously. No foot problem is minor for a diabetes patient. An untreated foot problem can lead to severe complications including abscess, bone infection, deformities, gangrene, Charcot foot, or amputation.

Do I Need to Consult an Expert for Diabetic Foot Treatment?

Yes, you need to visit your doctor even for a minor foot problem that might be foot pain, a minor cut, or dry feet. These conditions are not serious and might be healed within a few days. However, you might develop a severe complication when it does not heal fast. So, never try any home remedy to treat calluses or corns. Take an appointment straight away and follow all the instructions carefully.

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What it takes to become a podiatrist?

Many of you, readers might be inquiring about podiatry as a profession. There are many years of schooling and a multitude of exams that you must take in order to become a full fledged podiatrist.

First, you must complete the basic science requirement courses, at your undergraduate university. Then you must take your MCATs which is essentially a preliminary exam testing your abilities to study biological sciences. It fundamentally predicts if you can successfully complete a full course load of graduate medical education. After you take your MCAT and receive your high scores, then you can apply to podiatry school. There are only 9 in the country! The schools are located in Arizona, California (2 schools), Florida, Illinois, Iowa, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Once you are in school you take your board part I exam between your 2nd and 3rd years.

This first exam consists of the basic science courses taught, in 1st and 2nd years in podiatry school. Then in your 4th year you take 2 more board exams, all based on your clinical assessment skills and surgical knowledge. I know it does seem very overwhelming at this point, but times flies by when you stay busy!

If you or someone you know has a special interest in podiatry and wants to learn more about having a career in podiatry, come on into our office Frederick Foot & Ankle Specialists. We would be more than happy to schedule an appointment, at either of our locations in Frederick, MDand Urbana, MD. We can set you up to meet some of our amazing doctors for a Q&A.

Ingrown Toenails

Did You Know? 

If you suffer from ingrown toenails, you’re not alone. In fact, having ingrown toenails are so common that 20 out of 100 people who visit their family medical practitioner due to foot problems do so because of issues with an ingrown toenail! While teens and young adults often develop ingrown toenails because of hormonal changes, participation in sports, and because they sweat more, they are common in older folks as well. Seniors are at a higher risk because of medical issues like diabetes and more difficulty caring for their feet, and as they age the toenails become thicker and harder to cut. The good news is that good foot care and professional treatment of ingrown toenails can eliminate the problem.  

What is an Ingrown Toenail?  

Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem, and generally affects the big toes more often. When the toenail grows into the skin next to the nail bed the skin area surrounding it can become inflamed and painful. The inflammation causes the blood supply to that area of the toe to increase, causing it to become red, swollen and painful. When new tissue begins to start growing over the edge of the toenail a granuloma may form. This granular tissue can weep, secrete pus, bleed, and if bacteria gets in the wound, may have an unpleasant odor. Pressure on the area can cause considerable pain and may make wearing shoes uncomfortable. 

What Causes an Ingrown Toenail? 

Put simply, an infected ingrown toenail is commonly caused by the nail continuing to grow into the skin surrounding it. The painful symptoms occur when the edge of the toenail presses into the skin. If the nail edge injures the skin surface and the soft tissue beneath it, inflammation occurs. When it comes to ingrown toenail causes, there are multiple factors that make it more likely you’ll experience an ingrown toenail, including: 

  • Cutting your toenails too short or rounding them off at the edges 
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight or fit poorly 
  • Having excessively sweaty feet 
  • Having specific medical conditions such as diabetes, heart or kidney failure, water retention in your extremities, and chronic venous issues in your legs 
  • Being overweight or obese 
  • You have a specific curved genetic toenail growth pattern, with a high dome shape and a narrow nail bed 
  • You are taking cancer medications 

What is the Ingrown Toenail Treatment?  

Ingrown toenails are easy to treat if you visit your podiatrist at an early stage. The specific treatment that is best for an ingrown toenail depends on how severe it is. For more severe ingrown toenails your podiatrist may recommend the use of special braces or gutter splints to help the nail to grow free of the edge again. If you have medical issues such as diabetes that put you at a higher risk of foot problems you should talk with your doctor before trying any self-treatment options. It’s also a good idea to see a foot specialist if these measures don’t alleviate the pain or if the skin around the ingrown toenail is severely inflamed, bleeding, or is producing pus because that indicates a need for professional intervention and possible surgery. There are various techniques and procedures your podiatrist may recommend, such as ingrown toenail removal, depending on your unique situation. 

What if an Ingrown Nail is Left Untreated?   

It is important to seek treatment of an ingrown nail as soon as possible, while still at an early stage and before there is considerable toenail pain. There are typically three stages of severity: 
Stage 1: The nail is growing into the skin on the side of the nail bed. The area has become inflamed and the skin surrounding the nail is painful. 
Stage 2: New skin is growing at the edges of the ingrown toenail. This inflamed tissue (granuloma)is weeping, bleeding, and/or producing pus. 
Stage 3: The granulated tissue at the toenail edge has started growing over the nail bed edge, is chronically inflamed and constantly oozes pus.  
Left untreated, your ingrown toenail can continue to cause pain and discomfort and may become infected, requiring antibiotics and complicated surgery to remedy the condition. 

How Can I Prevent an Ingrown Toenail?   

It is possible to avoid or fix ingrown toenail issues through proper personal foot care unless you are not flexible enough to cut your toenails yourself, in which case a professional pedicurist can provide suitable toenail trimming. When cutting your own nails, leave the side edges straight and avoid rounding them up on the outer edges. Leave the toenails long enough that the corners rest freely against the skin at the sides. 
If there is little pain and the inflammation is mild, you can try an ingrown toenail home treatment. Soak the affected foot in a warm, soapy footbath and treat the inflamed area of the toe with an antiseptic application, anti-inflammatory tincture, gel, or cream. Remember to dry the entire foot thoroughly, wait as long as possible before putting on shoes, and avoid putting any pressure on toe or nail area.
Make sure your shoes fit properly, aren’t too tight and have plenty of room for your toes to move without hitting the top of the shoe. Opt for open-toed or “breathable” shoes with absorbent, lightweight socks to eliminate sweaty feet.  

Where Can I Go to Treat an Ingrown Toenail?  

Professional foot care with an experienced podiatrist is essential to getting the treatment you need to resolve your foot issues quickly. You may be wondering, “What’s the best place near me for information about how to fix ingrown toenails?” Give us a call to make an appointment with one of the top doctors at Frederick Foot and Ankle today! 

Featured_ChildShoe

The right shoes for your child with special needs

Finding a comfortable pair of shoes is hard enough on your own. Finding the right pair of shoes for a child with special needs can be a daunting task.

Increased foot discomfort is associated with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), use of an Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO), feet of different shapes or sizes, and medical conditions such as diabetes or edema.

  1. 1. PATIENCE! Get ready to have a TON of patience and try on many, many, MANY shoes.

Breathe deeply and count to 30 as needed. Your child will have multiple complaints: too tight, too itchy, too loose, too uncomfortable, ETC.

2. SOCKS: A MUST HAVE! Choose a good pair of soft socks that are SEAMLESS. (available on Amazon)

3. MEASURE THE FEET BEFORE TRYING ON SHOES: use a Brannick device…these are available at the shoe stores. You can also print out and measure your child’s feet at home.

4. DESENSITIZE THE FEET: In case you followed all these steps and your child is still having difficulties putting on the shoes, try warming up his feet by massaging them or using a vibrating massager before putting the shoes or socks on. This will help desensitize the feet and will make your child’s feet less sensitive to the touch.

  • https://brannock.com/pages/instructions-fitting-tips
  • http://polecanestrony.info/printable-brannock-device-12/

5. WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SHOE DESIGN: A soft upper, seam free inside, a tongue that opens widely, and the right Heel Counter- Heel Counters provide support and help the upper part of the shoe wrap around the foot. They also help protect the heel from impact. The heel counter of the shoe should not be too stiff or too tight. The heel counter should be able to provide good ankle support but avoid any contact or pressure on the foot. Shoes should be lightweight and flexible while also being supportive for your child to wear every day. Shoes are an individual preference, but, choose a wider shoe versus a longer shoe. It is always better to have the right length , which will provide more stability.

6. WHERE TO START: I recommend a local children’s shoe store, Nordstrom or Stride Rite as the best place to take your child to be properly fitted for shoes. Should you need a wider shoe than the store carries, see the links below for options:

  • https://www.hatchbacksfootwear.com/contact-us/
  • https://www.orthoticshop.com/youth-orthopedic-shoes-footwear/
  • https://www.healthyfeetstore.com/shop-by-brand-answer2.html#
  • https://apisfootwear.com/products/Kids-Shoes.html?2017-11-15

The doctors at Frederick Foot & Ankle take pride in treating our littlest patients and have completed extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric orthopedic foot and ankle problems and deformities associated with children with special needs. We treat Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Deformities both conservatively and surgically and including: Club foot, Flat Foot, Bunions, Hammertoes, Short Achilles Tendons, Muscle Weakness, Toe Walking, In-toeing and Ankle Instability.

AFO’s or Ankle Foot Orthosis are routinely customized for our patients. We chose to carry the Scootz line of AFO’s because it is a great product, cool designs and fun colors, as well as, an assortment of compatible shoes. See link below.

http://scootzafo.com/resources/doc/Scootz_Prefit_option.pdfPediatric AFO’s

At Frederick Foot & Ankle, we keep our littlest patients moving!

(#shoes #podiatrist #Feet #Ankles #sensitive #pediatric #pediatrics #scootz )