Items filtered by date: August 2022

Plantar fasciitis affects individuals across the country, causing them heel and foot pain. Basketball players, both professional and recreational, are no exception. There are many important ways in which playing basketball can put an individual at risk of developing a condition like plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, the band of tissue running from the heel to the base of the toes, becomes inflamed in response to repeated pressure on the arch of the foot. Individuals with this condition might feel sharp, stabbing pains when beginning to put weight on their feet after prolonged periods of rest. What puts some basketball players at risk is the unique physical demands of the sport. Namely, throughout a game, a basketball player must constantly accelerate and decelerate rapidly. This can cause strain on the feet. Basketball players must also frequently jump to high heights, landing on hard floor surfaces. Basketball also requires a large amount of running, as players can run up and down the court a minimum of 50 times during one game. These game-specific demands on an athlete can ultimately cause them to exert a great degree of pressure on their feet, which might lead to plantar fasciitis. If you are a basketball player, consider contacting a podiatrist to learn more about this condition.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein  from Union Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

A condition called juvenile plantar dermatosis is a fancy term for dry skin on the feet. It usually affects children between the ages of 3 and 14 and is most prevalent around the age of 8. It rarely affects adults and diminishes in children when they reach puberty. Causes include friction from the sole rubbing inside the shoe, wearing synthetic shoes or shoes that do not “breathe,” and excessive sweating followed by rapid drying that leads to cracks in the skin. With plantar dermatosis, the soles of the feet typically become red, shiny, itchy, or sore and take on a glazed appearance. It usually affects both feet starting with the big toe and results in painful fissures, cracking, and scaling. For this reason, it may be confused with athlete’s foot or eczema. Treatment includes wearing shoes that fit well and are not made of leather or plastic, avoiding synthetic socks, and applying moisturizing cream daily. To find out more about plantar dermatosis in your child, please consult a podiatrist who can rule out other causes and prescribe the appropriate medication. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein of Union Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

A condition called juvenile plantar dermatosis is a fancy term for dry skin on the feet. It usually affects children between the ages of 3 and 14 and is most prevalent around the age of 8. It rarely affects adults and diminishes in children when they reach puberty. Causes include friction from the sole rubbing inside the shoe, wearing synthetic shoes or shoes that do not “breathe,” and excessive sweating followed by rapid drying that leads to cracks in the skin. With plantar dermatosis, the soles of the feet typically become red, shiny, itchy, or sore and take on a glazed appearance. It usually affects both feet starting with the big toe and results in painful fissures, cracking, and scaling. For this reason, it may be confused with athlete’s foot or eczema. Treatment includes wearing shoes that fit well and are not made of leather or plastic, avoiding synthetic socks, and applying moisturizing cream daily. To find out more about plantar dermatosis in your child, please consult a podiatrist who can rule out other causes and prescribe the appropriate medication. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein of Union Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

A common foot infection is known as athlete’s foot. Its medical term is tinea pedis, and it is caused by a fungus. This type of fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, including public shower room floors, and locker rooms. It is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these types of areas, and to refrain from sharing socks, shoes, and towels. Common symptoms that are associated with athlete’s foot consist of itchy feet, the soles may turn red and become dry, and the skin may crack between the toes. A proper diagnosis can include having a podiatrist examine the feet, often followed by having a sample taken of infected skin. Many times medication is prescribed that can provide mild relief for the itching and scaling. Effective prevention methods include washing and drying the feet daily, followed by wearing a clean pair of socks, and alternating the shoes that are worn. Additionally, it is beneficial to wear shoes that are made of breathable materials and to avoid wearing shoes made of vinyl. If you have questions about relief for athlete’s foot, please confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

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. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care.  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 office located in Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.