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How to Combat Foot Odor

Sweaty feet are common and can unfortunately result in unpleasant odors. Those with hyperhidrosis of the feet, are especially prone to this inconvenience. Thankfully, there are ways to help eliminate or reduce foot odor caused by excessive sweat. Changing your socks mid-day and applying antifungal powder can help prevent dampness and fungus growth. The antifungal powder absorbs moisture and helps to keep fresh socks dry and clean. Washing your feet daily is also essential, even if you don’t shower every day. Cleaning your feet with antibacterial soap once a day, and applying antifungal powder helps to keep your feet dry and odor free. Applying essential oils such as tea tree and eucalyptus will also help eliminate odors, while adding a new pleasant smell to your feet. These essential oils have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties, which makes them perfect for battling sweaty feet. If you have hyperhidrosis or feel that your feet sweat excessively, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist to learn more about treatment options.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Yardley, PA, and Hamilton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Treating Cuboid Syndrome

Cuboid syndrome is caused by the cuboid bone shifting out of alignment with surrounding bones, which then may cause pain in the middle of the foot. There are various forms of treatment for cuboid syndrome, including home remedies and help from a medical professional. The first step in treating this condition involves rest, because reducing activity that puts pressure on the injured area might give the bone space to heal. Home remedies involve, resting, icing, compressing and elevating the foot. If the pain perseveres, then it may be time to seek help from a medical professional. Two examples of possible treatments are the cuboid whip and the cuboid squeeze. Both options involve manipulating the cuboid bone back into place. Manipulation should be more successful when it is done within 24 hours after the injury occurs, so seeking professional help is important. Foot manipulation may not be the best option if an individual is dealing with other foot conditions, so if you feel that you may have cuboid syndrome or have similar pain, then it is recommended to speak to a podiatrist to find the right treatment for your specific needs.

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 one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Bensalem, Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Yardley, PA, and Hamilton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Symptoms of a Broken Toe

The symptoms may be similar in sprained and broken toes, and it may be difficult to determine the extent of the injury. If the bone is intact, it is most likely a sprained toe, and one or more broken bones are indicative of a fractured toe. There are several symptoms that are associated with broken toes, including severe discomfort and pain beginning at the time of the injury, bruising on the toe and surrounding area, in addition to the inability to walk and put weight on it. Two common causes for broken toes to occur may include stubbing it against something hard or dropping a heavy object on it. Once a proper diagnosis is performed, which typically consists of having an X-ray taken, it will be confirmed if the toe is broken. At this time, the correct treatment procedure can begin, which will generally include resting the toe, and splinting it to the toe next to it, which may aid in stabilizing it. If you feel you have broken your toe, it is recommended that you speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible, so a proper diagnosis can be determined.

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 one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Bensalem, Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Yardley, PA, and Hamilton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Proper Foot Care Techniques for the Elderly

Research has shown foot health may influence the overall well-being of the body. It’s common for many patients to ignore the health of their feet until an uncomfortable foot condition arises. This is especially true of the elder population, and taking proper care of their feet may be difficult as the aging process occurs. There may be noticeable symptoms, which may indicate potential concerns, and these may include the presence of open sores, burning pain and discomfort, or discoloration of the feet. When specific techniques are implemented, which may aid in proper foot care, many uncomfortable foot conditions may be avoided. These may include trimming the toenails straight across, elevating the feet frequently during the day, in addition to wearing shoes that are comfortable and fit correctly. If you would like additional information on how to properly take of elderly feet, it is suggested to speak with a podiatrist who can guide you with the correct knowledge.

 

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Yardley, PA, and Hamilton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Foot Surgery May Relieve Pain

There are several different types of foot conditions that may require surgery if relief is not found using traditional methods of treatment. One type may include bunion surgery in which removal of the protruding bone may aid in diminishing pain that is often associated with it. If you have severe arthritis, you may want to consider fusion surgery, which joins the bones together and this may prevent painful rubbing. A foot condition that is known as hammertoe can cause pain and difficulty in walking, and surgery may be required that can straighten the toes. Plantar fasciitis will typically affect the heel of the foot, and many patients experience severe pain and discomfort if they are afflicted with this foot condition. Surgery is typically successful in removing the portion of the tissue that is causing the pain. If you have these or any other foot conditions, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can help you determine if foot surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Yardley, PA, and Hamilton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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