Items filtered by date: November 2015

A recent British study has found that fatality risks among females ages 37 to 78 who sat and did not engage in leg-swinging for over 7 hours or more at a time have a 30% higher fatality risk than those who sat for five hours or less. Among those who habitually fidget however, no increases were observed regardless of how long one sat. The researchers concluded that foot tapping and leg jiggling may reduce the fatality risk among those who sit for long periods of time. Sedentary behavior has been known to cause a decline in the function of blood vessels, which can negatively affect circulation. Foot tapping and leg jiggling can promote circulation, as the legs are constantly moving.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. It usually restricts the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development.

It can also cause:

-muscle pain      -numbness in legs

-cramps             -skin discoloration

-weakness         -slower nail & hair growth

-stiffness           -erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes and or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, or who are over 50.

If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD, and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always see a doctor as they will help try and fit a regime that suits you. A doctor will also prescribe you medication which will help for PAD.  

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 and ankle injuries.

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When it comes to orthotics, Dr. Colin Gage has one simple solution: custom orthotics only please! Since no two people have the exact same feet, Dr. Gage stresses the importance of using custom orthotics to fix irregularities in your feet or gait versus using standard, over-the-counter inserts. Because these generic orthotics are not designed to specifically contour your individual feet, you may not get the same benefit from wearing them, or worse, you might start to notice a worsening of your foot or heel pain. Thankfully, Dr. Gage details why custom orthotics are such a great tool when it comes to fixing these irregularities and how easy they are to be fitted and prescribed.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain, but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct over arched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you, or if you have a more severe foot issue, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and more severe heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses, and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist on the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain free.

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 and ankle injuries.

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Giants’ tight end Daniel Fells could lose his foot due to a battle with MRSA. For Fells, trouble first occurred when he suffered a toe injury, then an ankle injury where he received a cortisone shot. Soon after Fells returned to the hospital where he first learned he was infected with the commonly antibiotic resistant staph infection. While doctors are doing everything possible to reduce potential amputation, they have to worry about the fatal effects of MRSA entering the bloodstream and other players becoming infected.

Every day foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. For more information about everyday foot care, consult with one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctorswill provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.

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 and ankle injuries.

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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has come out with new guidelines for maintaining blood sugar levels for patients with diabetes. One aspect the new guideline highlights is the importance of diabetic foot care in overall health, where they mention the fact that diabetic foot problems are “potentially life-threatening”. Because up to 70% of diabetic patients die within five years of having an amputation to the foot, the institute emphasizes the importance of diabetic foot care for all patients.

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 one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will diagnose and treat your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including 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 because 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 our offices in Media and Glen Mills, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Lisa Raphael leader of the editorial team at Brit & Co. has been using her standing desk for quite some time and has found the benefits work for foot health, body health, and fashion. While initially taking on the standing desk after reading a Harvard Business Review article where sitting for more than six hours a day can increase death by 37%, Raphael began to notice that her clothes were less wrinkled and she had more options for skirt wear since it was easier to stand in a skirt than to sit. The editor also recognized that high heels would not be an option while standing up for most of the day for the sake of achy feet. “A lot of women will kick off the heels and stand barefoot, which is good for the body,” stated Colin Ferry, vice president of Ergo Depot, manufacturer of standing desks.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – choosing this shoe places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – our feet were not designed to be enclosed for hours, or all day. Try allowing yourself to expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and stretches is beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – stretching the foot out flat on the floor, will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

Keep your feet healthy and your body will thank you for it.

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 and ankle needs.

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