Items filtered by date: September 2014

Dr. Glenn Lichtwark and his colleagues at the University of Queensland have created two research experiments that suggest there are other muscles that work to support the arch other the plantar fascia. With this data, there can be great changes in shoes, prostheses, robotics, rehabilitation, as well as a greater comprehension of the evolution of bipedalism.

The first study used weights to measure the movements of muscles in the feet. The second study used electrical stimulation to show how the arch rose when certain tissues were stimulated. Whenever tissue other than the plantar fascia moved in these experiments, it proved that there are other supporting muscles for the arch.

The biomechanics are the workings behind the components that manage your feet. If you would like more information, see podiatrists Dr. Angelo Sutera and Dr. Scott Jones of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Dr. Sutera and Dr. Jones can provide in-depth information as well as measure your personal foot biomechanics.   

A History of Biomechanics

- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974 biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination to the area.

Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, moments and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured.

Advances in materials and more awareness of biomechanics have developed enhanced corrective methods, offering further options for foot-related injuries. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

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Those who suffering from Athlete’s Foot who prefer a more holistic lifestyle can opt for natural remedies as opposed to synthetic drugs. For example, apply apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil directly onto areas of the foot affected by the condition. Keep in mind there is also a variety of liquid solutions that can be made to wash the feet in.

In one solution, for example, mix one part white vinegar with two parts warm water and soak the feet can soak for fifteen minutes. Another solution entails grinding garlic into a fine paste and mix into a tub of water. A third solution could be boiling neem leaves in water for ten minutes, allow water to cool, and wash the feet in this twice a day.

Athlete’s foot can be treated with either prescription drugs or natural remedies like those aforementioned. Consult with podiatrist Dr. Sutera & Jones at Sutera & Jones Podiatry will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

If you suffer from itching, burning, dry, and flaking feet, this may be a sign of athlete's foot. Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be extremely contagious, and it often infects shower floors, gyms, socks and shoes, and anywhere else feet may come in contact with. It is commonly found in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal product
- Examine feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts are present.

What is Tinea?

- Athlete’s foot is often caused by the same fungus that causes ringworm (tinea).
- Tinea can invade other parts of the body as well, if the proper thriving conditions for it are met.
- Tinea thrives in mostly dark, warm and moist environments.
- Although many people never experience athlete’s foot, around 70% of the population may suffer from tinea at some point.

For more information about Athlete’s Foot, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact our office. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Women often experiencing swelling and soreness in their feet as a result of rapid weight gain and increased production of the hormone relaxin during pregnancy. However, this discomfort can be eased by having the feet massaged. Massaging increases flexibility, relieves stress, and reduces fluid retention in the muscle’s tissues.

A study from the International Journal of Nursing Practice showed that pregnant women who received twenty-minute foot massages five days in a row had considerably less swelling in their lower extremities than those who didn’t. Likewise, a study published in Applied Nursing Research, showed that women who recently had given birth through C-sections significantly experienced reduced pain in their limbs after getting foot rubs.

Getting the feet massaged is a great way for pregnant women to take care of their lower extremities. To learn more about caring for the feet during pregnancy, talk to podiatrists Dr. Sutera and Dr. Jones. We can treat your podiatric needs.

Pregnancy and Foot Health

What foot problems can arise during pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is over-pronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy, but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How can I keep my feet healthy during pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

For more information about Pregnancy and Foot Health, please follow the link below.

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

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The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) showcased the findings of their Today’s Podiatrist survey. The survey focused on one thousand adults and their attitudes towards podiatry. The study found that 77 percent of the people surveyed had some form of foot pain but only a third of those would actually seek the care of a podiatrist.

 "It's not surprising to see how many people are affected by foot pain, when survey results show that we view our feet as the least important body part in terms of our overall health and wellbeing," said APMA President Frank Spinosa, DPM. "Our feet are literally and figuratively the furthest things from our minds." Foot pain can negatively affect your life, including restricting your activities.

A podiatrist can provide foot and ankle care for those who need it. If you need a podiatrist, see podiatrists Dr. Sutera and Dr. Jones. We will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What is a Podiatrist?

 The branch of medicine that is focused on the treatment, diagnosis, and study of disorders of the lower leg, ankle and foot is referred to as podiatry. Someone would seek care in the field of podiatry when 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
• perform surgery on lower extremity fractures
• orthotic inserts or soles

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 contact our office. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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