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Northampton (610) 261-1001


Easton (610) 253-4821

review Edward D. Hutson Jr, DPM on google
review Edward D. Hutson Jr, DPM on google
review Edward D. Hutson Jr, DPM on google

March 2020

Monday, 30 March 2020 00:00

Stretching Before Running

Many people enjoy the sports of running and jogging, and are generally aware of the importance of preventing running injuries. These types of injuries can include ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures, which typically can cause severe pain and discomfort. Research has indicated the importance of stopping the activity that caused the injury, as this may allow ample time for the affected foot to heal. It is beneficial to drink plenty of water, and accelerate slowly when jogging or running. Additionally, it may help to perform specific stretching techniques before embarking on a run, as this may help to keep the muscles flexible. If you enjoy running, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist to learn about how running injuries may affect the feet.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Edward D. Hutson of Easton, PA. . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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 Preventing Running Injuries
Wednesday, 25 March 2020 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, 23 March 2020 00:00

Preventing Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail is a painful condition that consists of the nail growing into the flesh of the toe. This can be incredibly painful, and may also make it difficult for someone with this condition to go about their daily activities. If an ingrown toenail is left untreated, it may run the risk of developing an infection. If this occurs, the affected area might start to bleed or drain pus. To help prevent an ingrown toenail from forming, it is recommended that you trim your toenails properly. To best do this, it’s important that you cut your toenails  straight across, instead of on an angle. It’s also advised not to trim your toenails too short, as doing so may also cause an ingrown toenail to develop. For more information on how to prevent and treat this condition, please consult with a podiatrist for professional care.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.

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Wednesday, 18 March 2020 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Wednesday, 18 March 2020 00:00

Where Is the Achilles Tendon Located?

There are noticeable symptoms when a patient experiences an Achilles tendon injury. These often include severe pain and discomfort in the heel and calf areas, and it may appear red and swollen. It can be difficult to flex and point the toes, which generally makes it painful to walk. It may occur as a result of the aging process, or if medical conditions exist, such as flat feet. Mild relief may be found when specific stretches are frequently performed. A stretch that may positively affect the calf muscles can be performed while standing on a step and gently lowering one heel, and holding for several seconds, followed by repeating on the other leg. Additionally, it may be beneficial to wear custom-made orthotics, which can help to provide additional support. If you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is advised that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist so the correct treatment can begin.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

  • Inflammation
  • Dull to severe pain
  • Increased blood flow to the tendon
  • Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

  • Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
  • Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

  • Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
  • Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

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Wednesday, 11 March 2020 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Monday, 09 March 2020 00:00

Have I Broken My Toe?

If a heavy object has fallen on your toe, or if you have stubbed it against a piece of furniture, it may be broken. The best way to diagnose a broken toe is to have an X-ray performed, in addition to having it be evaluated by a medical professional. There are two common types of fractures that can happen. A traumatic fracture occurs suddenly, and symptoms can include bruising, swelling, and difficulty walking. Stress fractures happen gradually, and can be the result of frequently walking or running. Many broken toes can be treated effectively using the buddy method. This consists of taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, and this may be helpful in providing the necessary support as it begins to heal. If you feel you have broken your toe, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Edward D. Hutson from Easton, PA. . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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 What to Know About a Broken Toe
Wednesday, 04 March 2020 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Wednesday, 04 March 2020 00:00

How to Heal Your Athlete’s Foot

A type of skin condition that is caused by fungus is called athlete's foot. This ailment may develop if you don’t wear protective footwear in warm or moist environments. Places like communal showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools, are all areas in which this condition can be spread if the proper precautions are not taken. The best way to help prevent this infection is to avoid walking around barefoot, as well as maintaining good hygiene. Some patients who have developed athlete’s foot have noticed the skin between their toes become scaly, dry, and itchy. Others have also experienced inflammation and cracking of the skin. If left untreated, this condition may spread to other areas of the feet, such as the toenails. For more information on how to treat and heal this condition, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for professional care.

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. Edward D. Hutson from Easton, PA. .  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 help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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 Athlete's Foot
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