Items filtered by date: August 2016

Monday, 29 August 2016 22:00

The Importance of Proper Fitting Shoes

running shoe 3When you are about to exercise, you shouldn't wear old, worn-out shoes. A vast majority of foot issues develop as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. The most important things to look for while shoe shopping are proper fit and support. Shoes that have proper support will stabilize your feet and help prevent fatigue. You should also look for shoes that have cushioning. Investing in a good pair of shoes is important for your feet health because it will prevent a lot of injuries in the future.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

  • Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
  • Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
  • Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
  • Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes is vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

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Tuesday, 23 August 2016 15:25

Take Care of the Feet for Flip-flop Season

foot stretch massage 2There are different ways that you can take care of your feet each day in preparation for summer and flip-flop season. Foot filing is a good way to remove dry, cracked skin, and give you feet that are soft and supple. Wearing insoles is also an efficient way to maintain healthy feet. Insoles not only provide comfort, but they provide support for your feet as well. Corns are the result of friction and pressure caused by footwear, however insoles can help prevent corn formation. An easy way to prevent fungal infections is to make sure your feet are completely dry. Fungal infections occur when your feet are wet or moist from either water or sweat.

Every day foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Every Day Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. After all, without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks. It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before, for example.

For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops.

Also, wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

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high heels 2High heels are the most dangerous shoes a woman could wear. You are more likely to hurt yourself wearing heels compared to any other type of footwear. When women who wear high heels fall down, they not only risk feet and ankle injuries, but hand and arm injuries as well. People who fall while wearing heels may try to use their hands or arms in order to break their fall, which may lead to other injuries. Wearing high heels can also cause bunions and other foot deformities. Although heels are a fashionable choice of footwear, they can cause a lot of problems for you and your feet.

High heels have a history for causing foot and ankle problems. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because their style and societal appeal.  Despite this, they can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

What parts my body will be affected by high heels?

  • Ankle Joints
  • Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
  • Balls of the Feet
  • Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
  • Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?

  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Plantar Fasciitis

How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Read more about the effects of high heels. 

 

arthritisVagus nerve stimulation is a treatment that has been used to control seizures for people with epilepsy. However, the treatment has recently been used to help people who have rheumatoid arthritis. VNS works by electronically stimulating the nerve that runs from the brain to the gut, in order to get rid of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Patients that have used the treatment have experienced improvements in joint swelling as well as other symptoms.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area. 

Symptoms 

- Swelling & pain in the feet
- Stiffness in the feet
- Pain on the ball or sole of feet
- Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis 

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease. 

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

Read more on Rheumatoid Arthritis  

Monday, 01 August 2016 15:53

Zika Could Cause Clubfoot in Newborns

childrens feet16Common Zika-related birth defects are known to include abnormally small heads and brain damage. Around 43% of babies affected by Zika were discovered to have limb abnormalities such as clubfoot. Researchers found that the type of birth defects that babies were born with largely depends on what trimester their mother was in when she were exposed to the virus.

Clubfoot, like many other conditions, requires the proper treatment and care.  If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctorscan properly diagnose any injuries or conditions and provide you with appropriate treatment options.

Clubfoot in Newborns

Clubfoot is a congenital disorder that can occur in 1 of 1,000 births per year. There are different causes for clubfoot, usually occurring as a result of genetics and pregnancy related complications. The abnormalities can be recognized during ultrasounds as early as the 20th week of pregnancy.

Treatment for Clubfoot
- Treatment involves reshaping the foot through surgery.
- Feet are moved into their correct position and placed into casts to ensure that it adjusts.

Non-Surgical Treatment
- Botox can be injected into the calf and weaken the Achilles tendon which allows the ankle to go back into a normal position.

After effects
Children who undergo treatment have not shown any further issues with their feet.  There is always hope to overcome.

If you have any questions, please contact our offices in Media and Glen Mills, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about clubfoot.

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