Items filtered by date: November 2024

Poorly fitting ski boots can lead to foot pain, turning a fun day on the slopes into an uncomfortable experience. When the boot shape does not match your foot, pressure points develop, causing soreness and even bruising. An incorrect flex level can also strain the feet, with overly stiff boots restricting movement, and softer boots failing to offer needed support. Worn-out or packed-down soles worsen stability, increasing the risk of pain or injury. Improperly buckling the boots or wearing thick socks can also add unnecessary pressure, compressing the foot and restricting circulation. Choosing thinner, moisture-wicking socks helps with warmth and comfort without extra bulk. If you are having trouble with foot pain from your ski boots, a podiatrist can assist in helping you select the right ski boots, and perhaps provide custom orthotics to improve fit and support.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Lauryn Smith-Winton, DPM from S.W. Podiatry Group. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

In diabetic foot care, selecting the right wound dressing is vital to aid healing and prevent infection. Dressings protect the wound and cater to specific ulcer needs. Non-stick dressings are gentle on delicate skin, preventing adherence that could cause irritation. For wounds with heavy fluid, foam and gel dressings are excellent for absorbing excess moisture. Hydrogels help with the natural breakdown of dead tissue, making them suitable for wounds with dry, necrotic areas. Antimicrobial dressings with iodine or silver help reduce infection, although sealed dressings are not recommended if an infection is present, as they can trap bacteria. Dressings should be changed frequently, particularly in highly draining ulcers, to prevent skin breakdown surrounding the wound. If you have a diabetic foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine your wound, and recommend the best dressing choice for your ulcer’s condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Lauryn Smith-Winton, DPM from S.W. Podiatry Group. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Foot care in the elderly is critical, but it is often complicated by several factors. Physically, age-related changes like thicker, more brittle nails and dry skin can make basic care challenging, increasing the risk of fungal infections and corns. Declining vision, limited flexibility, and reduced hand strength may also impair self-care. Externally, seniors often need assistance from various healthcare providers, including podiatrists for nail and skin issues, mobility, and pain management. Navigating appointments and coordinating care can be difficult, especially for those with limited support. Internally, age-related circulatory issues, arthritis, and diabetes can further complicate foot problems, heightening the need for attentive care. Together, these factors can lead to neglected foot health, increasing the risk of infections, mobility issues, and overall quality-of-life reductions. If you are elderly or involved in the care of an elderly person, it is suggested that you have a supportive podiatrist on your team of healthcare professionals to help you manage foot problems.

If you need your feet checked, contact Lauryn Smith-Winton, DPM of S.W. Podiatry Group. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common condition affecting active children and adolescents, particularly those aged eight to 14. It occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes inflamed, often due to repetitive stress from running or jumping. Symptoms typically include heel pain, tenderness, and discomfort during physical activities, which can sometimes lead to limping. Treatment for Sever's disease focuses on alleviating pain and inflammation. Wearing supportive footwear and using orthotics can help reduce strain on the heel. A podiatrist can diagnose and manage Sever's disease, providing tailored advice on proper footwear, stretching exercises, and activity modifications. If your child is experiencing heel pain, it is important to seek professional help. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to ensure effective treatment and support for your child's active lifestyle.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Lauryn Smith-Winton, DPM from S.W. Podiatry Group. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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