One of the most important things diabetic patients can do is examine their feet daily. Inspect the feet even when they feel fine to determine if any cuts may have developed. Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is the inability to feel any sores on the feet and this condition often accompanies diabetes. It can become a serious complication for people with diabetes if a cut is left unnoticed, therefore untreated. A small wound on the foot may become infected, leading to a diabetic foot ulcer. A good diabetic foot care routine can begin with washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by inspecting the soles. It is important to refrain from walking barefoot, and it can help to wear socks and shoes that fit correctly. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact the podiatrists from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Drexel Hill and West Chester, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Erythromelalgia, or EM, can affect the feet. It is considered to be a rare foot condition, and common symptoms are redness, burning, and the skin can feel warm. There are two categories of erythromelalgia, consisting of primary and secondary. The former type may be associated with family history and can be more prevalent among children. The above symptoms can become debilitating and will generally affect both feet. The latter classification may be linked to autoimmune diseases or conditions that affect the blood and bone marrow and can be more common among adults. Research has shown that erythromelalgia may be linked to heavy metal poisoning, which may happen if exposed to air or water pollution, lead-based paints, or specific types of medication. There is no cure for this foot condition, but relief may be found by treating the symptoms. This can include taking aspirin, antihistamines, or other kinds of medicine. If you have symptoms of EM, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help offer relief options that are correct for you.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact the podiatrists of Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Drexel Hill and West Chester, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Ankle pain can be caused by various things. Arthritis is a common reason people may have ankle pain, and can wreak havoc on completing daily activities. Several types of arthritis can affect the ankle. Studies have shown osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is considered to be a chronic condition. When it affects the ankle, it is found at the point where the ankle meets the shinbone. Typical symptoms of this type of arthritis can consist of pain and stiffness, and the ankle may be difficult to move. The feet and ankles can also be affected by rheumatoid arthritis, which can happen when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the ankle joints. Juvenile arthritis can develop in people who are under the age of 16, who may notice their feet and ankles are painful and swollen. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can determine if arthritis is the cause and offer effective treatment methods.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with the podiatrists  from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

More than half of pregnant women experience some type of foot problem. Common ailments can include collapsed arches, swelling, cracked heels, and foot pain. Fallen arches are largely due to a weight gain and the release of a hormone called relaxin. This hormone, which relaxes the ligaments in the feet and ankles as well as other body parts, contributes to the appearance of flat feet. A common complaint during pregnancy is swollen feet, which is the result of a buildup of fluid in the lower extremities. Pregnant women are cautioned not to stand for long periods of time, and to keep their feet elevated as often as possible. Heel pain caused by an inflammation of the plantar fascia can be treated by wearing shoes that have more arch support and ample cushioning. Certain exercises can also help to reduce the symptoms. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the skin to dry out, and as it becomes more difficult to reach the feet to keep them properly moisturized, cracked heels may develop. These can become painful and lead to infection if ignored. If you are experiencing any foot problems during pregnancy, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with the podiatrists from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, 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

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Drexel Hill and West Chester, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing high heels can enhance the look of your legs and ankles, but may not be helping the health of your feet. However, though experts agree that while most bunions form because of a genetic disposition to this deformity, wearing high heels can make the problem worse if you are already susceptible. Also, it is thought that having a bunion is more of a matter of your gait, or how you walk, than the type of shoes you wear. But because wearing high heels forces the weight of the body toward the ball of the foot, they may add to the likelihood of a bunion formation. A bunion is a deformity that pushes the bone outward at the base of the big toe joint causing a lump to develop on the side of the foot. The other toes react by moving in the opposite direction. High heels, which often have a small and pointed toe box, essentially encourage this movement. If you often wear high heels and notice a bunion forming, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer treatment options.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact the podiatrists from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

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

Which Parts of 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.  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 one of our offices located in Drexel Hill and West Chester, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.