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Monday, 01 March 2021 00:00

Types of Corns on the Feet

A corn on the foot is a small area of hardened skin that typically develops as a result of excess friction. They can develop from wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. Soft corns can form between the toes and can remain moist as they rub against the neighboring toes. This type of corn can cause severe pain and can alter the gait to compensate for the discomfort. Hard corns can form on the outside of the pinky toe, or on the sole of the foot. These can develop from standing for the majority of the day, in addition to having aging feet. One potential treatment option is wearing the correct shoes in order to eliminate a portion of the friction on the corn. Corns can be quite painful, and it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist about how to prevent and treat corns on the feet.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Sheldon D. Simon of Kentucky . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Read more about Corns: What Are They, and How Do You Get Rid of Them

Many pregnant women realize their feet have become bigger during their pregnancy and can permanently remain that way. This can happen from weight gain, or hormonal changes that naturally occur to aid in the delivery process. Swollen feet are a common ailment during pregnancy, and they can be noticed when the feet are at their largest at the end of the day. Mild relief may be found when compression socks are worn, and it may help to perform simple cardiovascular exercises. Pregnant women find it helpful to frequently elevate their feet, which may be beneficial in distributing the fluid from the feet to the legs. If you have questions about swollen feet or foot pain during pregnancy, it is strongly suggested that you speak to 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. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . 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 Owensboro, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Pregnancy and Foot Health
Friday, 19 February 2021 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

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

Monday, 15 February 2021 00:00

Can Stretches Help Cuboid Syndrome?

The outer side of the foot is generally where pain from cuboid syndrome is felt. It develops as a result of a displaced cuboid bone, and can happen for several reasons. These can include having weak tendons in the feet, wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, or conditions such as flat feet or high arches. This bone is located between the pinky toe and the heel, and repetitive force may shift the bone out of alignment. Common symptoms many patients feel can consist of swelling on the outside of the foot, pain while standing or walking, and pain and discomfort may extend to the sole of the foot. There are stretches that can be practiced that may help to alleviate the pain. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to manage cuboid syndrome.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

 

Read more about Cuboid Syndrome
Monday, 08 February 2021 00:00

Reasons Why Toenail Fungus May Develop

A foot condition known as toenail fungus is quite common among patients who are over sixty years old. It can happen because of an autoimmune disorder, nail trauma, or if the patient has athlete’s foot. Toenail fungus is contagious and is caused by a fungus that enters the skin through tiny cracks. This type of fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. These can consist of public swimming pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. A common symptom that is associated with toenail fungus includes a yellowing and thickening of the nails, which will often begin with the big toe. In severe cases, the nails may become brittle and may gradually crack and fall off. Mild relief may be found when the toenails are kept short, and it may help to wear shoes and socks that are made of breathable materials. Additionally, it is recommended that if you are afflicted with toenail fungus you should refrain from sharing towels, shoes, and socks. Please consult with a podiatrist if you would like more information about how to treat toenail fungus.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Sheldon D. Simon of Kentucky . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

  • Warped or oddly shaped nails
  • Yellowish nails
  • Loose/separated nail
  • Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
  • Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

 

Read more about How to Treat Your Toenail Fungus
Monday, 01 February 2021 00:00

Treatment for Flexible and Rigid Hammertoes

Hammertoes are a foot deformity in which one or more of the smaller toes are bent at the middle joint, resulting in a hammer-like appearance. In the early stages of this condition, the hammertoes are usually flexible and the patient can move their toe joints. Flexible hammertoes can often be treated without surgery. Changing your footwear, doing toe strengthening exercises, and putting a pad over the joint to stop it from rubbing against the shoes can all help relieve symptoms. Having rigid hammertoes means that the toe joints are no longer movable. This can be treated conservatively through footwear modifications and custom orthotics, or surgically. For more information about hammertoes, please consult with a podiatrist.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the affected toes
  • Development of corns or calluses due to friction
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Owensboro, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What Are Hammertoes?
Monday, 25 January 2021 00:00

Preventing Foot Injuries from Running

Healthy feet are key to having successful runs, which is why taking care of them is very important. It is important to make sure that your shoes fit properly and are not too tight or too loose. Your socks should be lightweight and water resistant. Moisturizing the feet is also key to preventing fissures and cracks from forming in the skin. In order to prevent athlete’s foot and other fungal infections, keeping the feet as dry and clean as possible is essential. Having properly trimmed toenails can be key to preventing ingrown toenails. If you are a runner who is struggling with foot related issues, it is important to consult with a podiatrist for suggestions on keeping your feet healthy.    

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Sheldon D. Simon of Kentucky . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Read more about How to Prevent Running Injuries
Wednesday, 20 January 2021 00:00

Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Monday, 18 January 2021 00:00

Techniques That May Help to Prevent Falling

Falling episodes among elderly people is a common occurrence worldwide. Many patients' feet are affected, and may endure a broken foot or sprained ankle as a result of an unexpected fall. Effective prevention techniques can consist of improving lighting in the household and getting regular physical examinations. Maintaining correct medications which may affect your vision can also reduce the risk of falling. Additionally, many patients find it is beneficial to install grab bars in the shower and toilet area, as this provides the necessary stability that can help to prevent falling. If you or a loved one is concerned about how falling can affect the feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you with proper prevention techniques.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Read more about Falls Prevention
Monday, 11 January 2021 00:00

Bones, Ligaments, and the Ankle Joint

Ankle sprains are a common ailment people may experience at one point in their life. Each foot consists of twenty-six bones, and three of these bones are located in the ankle joint. They are connected by numerous ligaments, and if they should become torn or overstretched, it may result in a sprained ankle. Common symptoms of this condition may consist of bruising and swelling, and it is often difficult to move the ankle. The ankle joint becomes unstable, and walking on the affected foot may cause severe pain and discomfort. The healing process often begins with elevating the foot, as this may reduce a portion of the swelling. Relief may be found when the sprained ankle is wrapped with an elastic bandage, which helps to limit mobility and provide the necessary stability as it heals. If you have sprained your ankle, please speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine its severity, and guide you toward correct treatment choices.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Read more about Ankle Sprains
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