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March 2019

If you are involved in an occupation and the majority of the time is spent standing on your feet, you may notice there is pain and discomfort in your feet and lower legs. These professions may include mail carriers, casino dealers, or retail salespersons. The feet carry the majority of the body’s weight, and it is important to rest the lower extremities as often as possible during the course of the day. Mild relief may be obtained by stretching the feet, standing on a stress mat, and wearing orthotics may help to reduce discomfort. The joints may be compressed in the feet and legs as a result of standing most of the day, and this may cause pain and inflammation. Research has indicated it may be helpful to lose weight, as this may lessen the stress that is put on the tendons, joints, and foot muscles. If you stand for most of the day and would like additional information on how to properly care for your feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Edward D. Hutson from Easton, PA. . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Read more about How to Handle a Long Work Day on Your Feet
Monday, 18 March 2019 00:00

Have I Broken My Foot?

If you have fallen or twisted your ankle, you may have broken your foot. There are numerous bones, ligaments and tendons that are located in each foot, and one or more may easily fracture if falling occurs. There are several symptoms that may be associated with a broken foot. These may include pain and discomfort, swelling, bruising, or difficulty in walking. In severe fractures, the bones may become dislocated, and may protrude through the skin. It is important to obtain a proper diagnosis, which may be accomplished by having an X-ray performed. This is followed by beginning the correct treatment, which may consist of wearing a supportive boot or cast. This may help to immobilize the foot so the healing process can begin. If you feel you have broken your foot, it is recommended to consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis and offer correct treatment options.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Edward D. Hutson from Easton, PA. . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot

A blister is typically caused by excessive friction that occurs on a portion of the foot. It is a result of torn skin that is covered by a bubble which is filled with liquid. It is the body’s natural defense mechanism that protects the raw skin as the healing process occurs. One of the reasons why a blister can develop may be from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. If there is a narrow toe area or if the heel area is too wide, blisters may begin to form. They can develop on different parts of the foot, including the side of the pinky toe, or on the bottom of the toes. If medical conditions exist such as hammer toes or bunions, blisters may form as the skin rubs against the shoe. If you have blisters that are uncomfortable and painful, it is suggested to counsel with a podiatrist who can discuss proper preventative measures.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Edward D. Hutson of Easton, PA. . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

  • Bubble of skin filled with fluid
  • Redness
  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Read more about Blisters
Wednesday, 06 March 2019 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Monday, 04 March 2019 00:00

Tinea Fungus Causes Athlete's Foot

If you have athlete's foot, you may have gotten it through a contaminated surface or another person. It is caused by a fungus that is known as the tinea fungus, and typically lives in warm and wet environments. These areas may include shower room floors, locker rooms, or swimming pools. The fungus may enter the body through small cuts in the skin on the feet and is considered to be contagious. There are noticeable symptoms that are associated with athlete's foot. These may include a burning sensation between the toes or on the bottom of your foot, or mild to severe itching. Additionally, many patients notice cracking and peeling skin, or toenails that have become thick and discolored. If you have severe athlete’s foot, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can recommend the correct treatment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Edward D. Hutson from Easton, PA. . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

 

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