Items filtered by date: January 2024

Workplace foot injuries are not only painful but can also lead to lost productivity and reduced quality of life. To avoid such mishaps, consider these essential strategies. First and foremost, wearing proper footwear is key. Invest in sturdy, comfortable shoes or boots designed for your specific work environment. Ensure they fit well and provide ample support. Second, keep your workspace clutter-free. Remove any obstacles or tripping hazards that could lead to slips and falls. Next, practice good housekeeping, ensuring spilled liquids are cleaned promptly. Additionally, stay mindful of the ergonomic design of your workspace, which can reduce the strain on your feet. Last but not least, if your job involves heavy lifting or dangerous machinery, always use the provided safety gear. This can include wearing steel-toed boots and foot guards to protect against falling objects or potential crushing accidents. By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of common foot injuries in the workplace and keep your feet in top condition. If you would like information about appropriate shoes to wear for work, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors 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 Duryea and Bangor, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cuboid syndrome, a lesser-known but impactful foot ailment, develops in the lateral midfoot region. Situated on the outer side of the foot, the cuboid bone plays a pivotal role in maintaining the stability and functionality of the foot's arch. When this small, cube-shaped bone becomes dislocated or irritated, it gives rise to cuboid syndrome. The affected area often encompasses the lateral aspect of the foot, extending from the midfoot toward the outer edge. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and a decreased range of motion, affecting the smooth coordination of the foot during movement. Precise anatomical alignment is vital for the cuboid and its neighboring bones, and any disruption can lead to discomfort. If you have endured an injury and there is existing pain in the outer area of your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat 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 one of our podiatrists  from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. 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 our offices located in Duryea and Bangor, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a common nail infection that can be both unsightly and uncomfortable. It typically occurs when fungal organisms, like dermatophytes, infiltrate the nail bed through small cuts or separations in the nail or surrounding skin. The symptoms of toenail fungus are recognizable. Infected nails often become discolored, appearing yellow, brown, or white, and they may thicken and become brittle. As the fungus progresses, the nails can become crumbly and ragged. In some cases, they may emit a foul odor. Other potential signs of toenail fungus include pain or discomfort, especially while wearing shoes. The infection can also spread to other nails or the surrounding skin, leading to additional fungal growth and irritation. If you have noticed the beginning signs of toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can promptly begin the appropriate treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Shedding excess weight is a profound journey, not only for overall health but also for the well-being of your feet. The feet, bearing the brunt of your body weight, may experience significant relief as the pounds diminish. Weight loss can alleviate common foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, where excess weight increases strain on the ligament supporting the foot arch. Reduced weight contributes to enhanced circulation, diminishing the risk of conditions like peripheral arterial disease and promoting better wound healing. Feet that were once burdened by excess pounds find newfound flexibility and agility, with reduced stress on joints and improved gait. As weight decreases, individuals often observe a reduction in swelling and discomfort. This fosters a positive cycle where healthier feet encourage increased physical activity, further facilitating sustained weight loss. Embracing a healthy approach to weight management not only transforms overall health but also paves the way for happier, healthier, and more comfortable feet. If you would like more information about how the feet can benefit from losing weight, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

A diabetic foot blister, a manifestation of the complexities associated with diabetes, emerges as a consequence of heightened vulnerability to skin injuries. Diabetes, a metabolic condition affecting blood sugar regulation, often leads to impaired circulation and compromised nerve function in the extremities. This diminished sensation, known as diabetic neuropathy, means that individuals with diabetes may not readily detect friction or pressure that can result in blisters. When blisters form, the impaired circulation slows the healing process, making these normally benign lesions potential precursors to more severe complications. The risk of infection in a diabetic foot blister is elevated, posing a serious threat to foot health. Regular foot inspections, meticulous hygiene practices, and appropriate footwear choices become paramount for individuals navigating the delicate balance of diabetes. If you have developed this type of blister, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward correct treatment methods.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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