Items filtered by date: January 2023

Plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue that runs beneath the foot, is the most common cause of heel pain. In fact, most people who complain of heel pain have plantar fasciitis. This condition is considered to be an overuse injury that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot, particularly after exercise. Prevention methods include wearing shoes that provide ample cushioning and proper arch support, slowing your pace when you walk, or taking breaks if walking or standing for long periods is a job requirement. Exercising the feet is another preventative measure because it strengthens the muscles and increases blood flow to the feet. For help with relieving the discomfort of plantar fasciitis, it is a good idea to visit a podiatrist. This foot and ankle specialist can offer treatment options, including stretching and strengthening exercises, that can help to ease the inflammation and pain. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz  from Bowie Foot & Ankle . 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 Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Splinters are one of the most common and widespread foreign bodies that may enter the bottom, or sole, of the feet. In addition to splinters, pieces of glass are another very common foreign substance that may enter the feet. When a splinter enters the bottom of the foot, it is important that this foreign substance is removed or the foot may become infected. Additionally, it is important that the entire splinter is removed, not leaving part of the substance still in the feet. The deeper a splinter is in the foot, the more difficult it may be for an individual to actually detect the splinter. Often, a medical professional such as a podiatrist may be needed to help identify where a splinter is. This medical professional will then be able to safely remove the splinter. If you are someone that has a splinter in their foot, or believes that they might, consider contacting a podiatrist today for more information and treatment.

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 Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . 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 Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When an individual engages in running, it is possible that they may develop some kind of foot injury if the necessary measures are not taken. For instance, if the runner does not use proper form, they may be setting themselves up for a foot injury. However, runners may also be increasing the risk of injuring their feet by quickly or suddenly changing the nature of their workout. Namely, if a runner suddenly and dramatically increases the mileage of their daily run, then this might yield detrimental consequences. Instead of dramatically doubling or tripling the mileage, a runner might consider slowly and gradually increasing the mileage by 10% increments. This ensures that the feet are able to adapt to the longer distance. If you are a runner and are interested in protecting the feet, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

The more one knows about the risks of falling, the better prepared one can be. Sorting through information and understanding myths related to falling is important. Falling can have serious consequences, particularly for seniors, and it may not just be a matter of getting up and continuing one’s day. Even if injuries are not life-threatening, they can be life changing. For example, a fractured foot or ankle can impact a senior’s ability to live independently. It has also been proven that the likelihood of falling again increases with falls. However, falling is not inevitable as one ages. Precautions, such as getting regular vision checks, reviewing side effects of medication, and staying active, can be taken to prevent falls. If you have fallen and sustained injuries to your feet or ankles, or would like more fall prevention information, a podiatrist can help you.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

There are many types of foot conditions that primarily impact children. Among them is plantar warts, which primarily targets children. It is estimated that approximately 20% of children that are between the ages of 4 and 12 years old exhibit plantar warts. If your child has plantar warts, you might consider taking them to a podiatrist who will be able to determine how to address the problem. It is possible that the podiatrist might recommend any number of treatment options. For example, there are several treatments available for plantar warts that contain salicylic acid agents. Importantly, it is thought that salicylic acid is generally helpful in mitigating or treating plantar warts. Additionally, liquid nitrogen and dimethyl ether are thought to be other helpful substances for treating plantar warts. If your child has plantar warts, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . 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 Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.