June 2022

Tuesday, 28 June 2022 00:00

The Many Causes of Swollen Feet

Our feet are like workhorses in the body. We depend on them daily, but sometimes they swell up. The most common cause of swollen feet is a buildup of fluids, usually around the ankle. This is a common occurrence among pregnant women. Other causes of swollen feet are simply being on them too much, and the reverse, being too sedentary. Poor circulation, or a foot or ankle injury also can cause swelling. Being overweight can cause your feet to become swollen. Sometimes hormonal changes can cause a buildup of fluids, which may lead to swelling. Infections caused by diabetic neuropathy can also result in swollen feet, along with other problems. Cutting back on salt, resting the feet, and keeping them elevated can help reduce swelling. If it continues or becomes worse, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for a complete examination and treatment options.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact the podiatrists from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday 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. 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 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. 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 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.

Tuesday, 28 June 2022 00:00

Every Day Foot Care

Our feet are important in our everyday lives. The problem is that we tend to neglect them. When this becomes a habit, it can cause significant trouble. Ignoring foot problems can mean pain, limited mobility, and expensive doctor's visits. On the other hand, if feet are cared for and looked after regularly, they will perform without pain or complication.

Routine hygiene is the most basic way to care for the feet. Wash and dry them thoroughly daily. Remember to get between the toes and keep the toenails trimmed and short. If the feet feel dry or there are signs of dryness or cracking, use a moisturizer designed for the feet.

When using moisturizer on the feet, try to avoid applying between the toes. If cream or lotion sits too long, they can cause fungal and bacterial growth. When moisturizer is used between the toes, it can also cause the skin to soften too much.

Shoes are also an important aspect of foot care. When one is picking out shoes, make sure they are the correct size. Shoes need to be snug, but not too tight. On the other hand, if shoes are too loose they can cause foot problems as well. It is highly recommended that shopping for new shoes be done later in the day. The reason for this is that the feet will have settled and swelled to their full size by then. To keep your feet at their most healthy, avoid wearing high heels or flip flops too often. Instead, choose shoes that are good for your feet. Good shoes pad the soles of your feet and support the arches and ankles.

Socks should also be worn daily with closed-toe shoes. They may feel hot during the summer months, but they absorb sweat and moisture off the feet. Without socks, the build-up of sweat in a closed-toe shoe can cause fungal problems and athlete's foot.

The best thing to remember in every day foot care is that shoes do make a difference. If you spend a lot of time on your feet, make sure that your shoes show no signs of wear. Shoes should offer ample support for the arches and the overall foot. Additionally, try to make foot cleaning and maintenance a daily habit. If you keep these things in mind, your feet will stay healthy and safe.

Tuesday, 21 June 2022 00:00

Flatfoot

Flatfoot is a foot disorder that is not as straightforward as many people believe. Various types of flatfoot exist, each with their own varying deformities and symptoms. The partial or total collapse of the arch, however, is a characteristic common to all types of flatfoot. Other signs of flatfoot include:

“Toe drift,” or the pointing outward of the toes and the front part of the foot
The tilting outward of the heel and the tilting inward of the ankle
The lifting of the heel off the ground earlier when walking due to a tight Achilles tendon
Hammertoes
Bunions

One of the most common types of flatfoot is flexible flatfoot. This variation usually starts in childhood and progresses as one ages into adulthood. Flexible flatfoot presents as a foot that is flat when standing, or weight-bearing. When not standing, the arch returns. Symptoms of flexible flatfoot include:

Pain located in the heel, arch, ankle, or along the outside of the foot
Overpronation, or an ankle that rolls in
Shin splint, or pain along the shin bone
General foot aches or fatigue
Pain located in the lower back, hip, or knee

Your podiatrist will most likely diagnose flatfoot by examining your feet when you stand and sit. X-rays may be taken to define the severity and help determine the treatment option best for your condition. Nonsurgical treatments can include activity modification, weight loss, orthotics, immobilization, medications, physical therapy, shoe modifications, and ankle foot orthoses (AFO) devices. If nonsurgical methods prove ineffective, surgery may be considered. Multiple surgical procedures can correct flatfoot; and depending on your specific condition, one may be selected alone or combined with other techniques to ensure optimal results.

Tuesday, 21 June 2022 00:00

When Flat Feet Are Problematic

Arches are incredible structures of the feet. They help absorb shock, distribute weight evenly, and balance our bodies when we stand, jump, run, and walk. The arch also provides the feet with flexibility and the leverage necessary to push off. When the arches are flattened it causes the feet to excessively roll inward when you walk, known as over-pronation. Most babies are born with no arches, but typically develop them as they grow. It is possible, however, for a person not to develop arches. One also may acquire flat feet with age, by being obese, or by suffering from damage to the tissues that help form the arch. Certain medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, muscular dystrophy, and Parkinson’s disease can also contribute to fallen arches. Flat feet may produce symptoms like fatigue, pain or stiffness in the feet, imbalance, gait issues, bunions, blisters, and even problems in the back, legs, and ankles. Sometimes, flat feet are asymptomatic. If your flat feet are problematic, contact a podiatrist who has a myriad of treatments to reduce symptoms and possibly even help restore the structure of the arch.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact the podiatrists from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.

Symptoms

Pain around the heel or arch area
Trouble standing on the tip toe
Swelling around the inside of the ankle
Flat look to one or both feet
Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.

Tuesday, 14 June 2022 00:00

The Importance of Biomechanics in Podiatry

Biomechanics and its related study deal with the forces that act against the body and affect things like our movement. In podiatry, biomechanics are studied to determine the movement of the ankle, toes, and the foot, as well as the forces that impact them. Podiatrists who train in this specialty are able to effectively diagnose and treat conditions that affect people’s everyday movement.

Regardless of your lifestyle, age, or any other factors, many people experience foot problems throughout their lives. Twists and turns, improper balance, and added weight are just a few of the things that can add stress to the feet. These issues can also limit our bodies’ mobility that we often take for granted. Pain in the feet and ankles can also trickle up towards the lower legs, knees, hip, and even back area. This affects the way you move around on a daily basis.

Biomechanics and its related study deal with forces that act against the body and affect things like our movement. In podiatry, biomechanics are studied to determine the movement of the ankle, toes, and the foot, as well as the forces that impact them. Podiatrists who train in this specialty are able to effectively diagnose and treat conditions that affect people’s everyday movement.

The history of studying biomechanics dates back to ancient Egypt at around 3000 B.C., where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded. Throughout the centuries, advances in technology, science, and an understanding of the human body led to more accurate diagnosis of conditions such as corns for example. In 1974, biomechanics garnered a large audience when Merton Root founded Root Lab to make custom orthotics. He proposed that corrections of certain conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area. Due to his research, we still use his basic principle of foot orthotics to this day.

As technology has improved, so have the therapeutic processes that allow us to correct deficiencies in our natural biomechanics. Computers can now provide accurate readings of the forces, movements, and patterns of the foot and lower leg. Critical treatment options can be provided to patients now who suffer from problems that cause their biomechanics to not function naturally. The best results are now possible thanks to 3D modeling and computing technologies that can take readings and also map out what treatment will do to the affected areas.

These advanced corrective methods were able to come to light thanks to an increase in both the technologies surrounding biomechanics and also the knowledge of how they work naturally. For example, shoe orthotics are able to treat walking inabilities by realigning the posture deviations in patients caused by hip or back problems. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve movement and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot. Speak with your podiatrist if you have any of these problems.

Tuesday, 14 June 2022 00:00

Foot Structure and Skin May Change in Elderly Feet

Many elderly people endure foot pain, which may impact mobility and completing daily activities. Research has shown there may be increased soft tissue stiffness in the foot, in addition to having a limited range of motion as one ages. With advanced age, the foot can lose overall strength and may become protonated as a result of reduced joint mobility. The risk of falling may increase, foot pain may develop, and it may be difficult to complete weight bearing activities. Approximately one in five people lose the ability to leave their house because of devastating foot pain. The skin may change thickness, and can add friction to the feet while walking. Recent reviews have confirmed the overall loss of elastin, which can result in thicker and dryer skin on the skin. In summation, the skin condition and foot structure may change in elderly feet, and may cause foot conditions that did not exist in their youth. If you would like more information about how the feet change as the aging process occurs, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you have any 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

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 in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

Tuesday, 07 June 2022 00:00

How to Treat Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are calcium deposits that cause bone protrusions on the heel bone. Heel spurs are usually associated with plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the plantar fasciitis in the foot becomes inflamed. Typically, heel spurs don’t cause any symptoms. However, they can produce chronic or intermittent heel pain. Those who have had the condition often describe the irritation as a stabbing pain.

There are risk factors that may make you more likely to develop heel spurs. People who have abnormal walking gaits, run and jog on hard surfaces, are obese, or wear poorly fitting shoes are more likely to develop heel spurs.

Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to avoid developing heel spurs. One of the best ways to do this is by wearing well-fitting shoes with shock-absorbent soles. Another preventative technique is to choose running shoes if you plan on running, and walking shoes if you plan on walking. Shoes are made for different activities and it is important to research a shoe before you purchase a pair.

The pain associated with heel spurs often decreases the more you walk. However, a recurrence of pain after an extended period of rest or walking is likely to occur with this condition. Those with severe heel spur pain may opt to go the surgical route for treatment. However, more than 90% of those with the condition get better without surgical treatment. If you have a heel spur and want to know if surgery is right for you, you should go to your podiatrist and he or she will be able to conduct a pre-surgical test or exam to determine if you are an optimal candidate for surgery.

Tuesday, 07 June 2022 00:00

Wearing Orthotics May Help Heel Spurs

A bony growth that forms on the back of the heel bone is known as a heel spur. It can gradually produce severe pain and discomfort, and it may become difficult to walk. A heel spur can develop for several reasons, including wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, exercising on hard surfaces, or standing for long periods. A common symptom that many people experience is a sharp pain in the bottom of the heel, and this may diminish while walking. After a proper diagnosis is performed, correct treatment can begin. It may be beneficial to practice specific stretches that can help to ease the pain of a heel spur. An effective stretch consists of standing on a step and lowering the heel until a gentle pull is felt. Some patients find it can help to wear custom-made orthotics that can control the excess motion that affects the bottom of the foot. Additionally, orthotics can help take the pressure off of a heel spur. If you are affected by this painful foot condition, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best form of treatment is for you.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact the podiatrists from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices located in Drexel Hill and West Chester, PA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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June 2022

The Many Causes of Swollen Feet

Every Day Foot Care

Flatfoot

When Flat Feet Are Problematic

The Importance of Biomechanics in Podiatry

Foot Structure and Skin May Change in Elderly Feet

How to Treat Heel Spurs

Wearing Orthotics May Help Heel Spurs

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