Items filtered by date: November 2022

A corn that develops on the foot can produce severe pain and discomfort. It happens as a result of excessive pressure that is put on a specific part of the foot from the worn shoes. The places where corns can develop are on the side of the pinky toe, the soles of the feet, or on top of the toes. Many people choose to wear shoes that are too tight because of workplace policies or for appearance reasons, and this may be why corns can develop. Patients who have corns that are not treated or removed may notice their gait or walking style is compromised, which is a defense mechanism against the pain. Mild relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water, and a pumice stone is used which may reduce the size of the corn. This is generally a temporary fix and the corn may reappear if not treated permanently. If you are afflicted with a corn, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can offer you several treatment options.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Queen Mbanuzue, DPM of In Step Podiatry Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

The foot condition referred to as plantar fasciitis can cause severe heel pain. It affects the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, and is located on the sole of the foot. Repetitive running and overuse may cause the plantar fascia to become inflamed or torn, and this often requires medical attention. Many patients notice the pain is worse in the morning after arising, and may become milder as the foot warms up while walking. This condition may occur from standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day, or possibly from wearing shoes that have little or no support. Mild relief may be found when custom-made orthotics are worn, and this may help to take pressure off of the plantar fascia. If you have heel pain, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and properly treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Queen Mbanuzue, DPM  from In Step Podiatry Center. 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 Lanham, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Mild cases of cracked heels generally are not concerning, and a good moisturizer may be used to help control this condition. Severe cracks in the skin are referred to as fissures and can bleed and cause pain. They can develop as a result of standing on hard surfaces for most of the day, or from wearing shoes that have an open back. There may be existing medical conditions that can lead to getting cracked heels. These can consist of different types of dermatosis, psoriasis, and thyroid disorders. Additionally, people who are obese may experience cracked heels, which may come from the extra weight the heels endure while standing and walking. The most effective way of treating cracked heels is by preventing them from happening. This can be done by drinking plenty of water daily, and frequently applying a good moisturizer on them. Some people enjoy using a pumice stone on their heels to remove dead skin that may have developed. If you have cracked heels, it is urged that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment methods, which may include prescribing medication.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Queen Mbanuzue, DPM from In Step Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

A plantar wart, also called a verruca, is believed to be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and results in the buildup of keratin on the skin. This shows up as a wart. Because HPV thrives in warm, moist environments, it may be spread by walking barefoot around swimming pools or gym locker rooms. It frequently enters through a crack or sore on the bottom of the foot. Plantar warts often cause pain, which can be felt when putting weight on the foot. Other symptoms include thickened skin that appears to be a callus and black dots, which are actually dried blood trapped in the capillaries. Sometimes, white or skin-colored lesions appear on the sole of the foot. Plantar warts often go away on their own, but the foot may be re-exposed if proper footwear is not used in situations where HPV is likely to be found. A podiatrist can offer a number of treatment options to remove a plantar wart. Among them are burning off the wart with salicylic acid, freezing the wart, or cutting the wart out. For more information, please consult a podiatrist. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Queen Mbanuzue, DPM from In Step Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

People who experience painful or uncomfortable conditions regarding the foot and ankle often seek the advice of a podiatrist. These are doctors that specialize in treating a multitude of disorders concerning the feet. They are trained in diagnosing and treating foot conditions. The extensive schooling that is needed to pursue this type of career consists of obtaining a bachelor’s degree, followed by completing a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program. This typically takes approximately four years to finish, and then a residency will take place in a hospital for three years. There are tests that must be passed to be licensed in a particular state to practice in. When the above tasks are completed, a podiatrist can choose what type of places to work in. These can consist of hospitals, private or group practices, in addition to extended care facilities. If you are considering pursuing a career in podiatry, it is strongly suggested that you speak with this type of doctor who can help you in determining if this is a right choice for you.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Queen Mbanuzue, DPM from In Step Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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