April 2019

The human foot is comprised of several bones, ligaments, and muscles. It is important that our feet are flexible and stable so everyday activities can be completed with ease. Children may benefit at an early age from walking barefoot while indoors. This may help develop the grasping action in the toes, which can promote stability and muscle strength. Research has indicated the importance of measuring your child’s feet on a regular basis, and this is helpful in determining the correct shoe size. When choosing shoes for your child, it is important to ensure the foot is held firmly in place. This may be accomplished by choosing shoes that have laces or Velcro, which can hold the foot securely in the shoe. If you would like additional information on how to care for your child's feet, speak with your podiatrist. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg of Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Consistent overuse of the muscles in the foot often produces a condition that is known as a stress fracture. Repeated impact that comes from running or jumping activities can cause the muscles to lose shock absorption, and the result may be a small fracture in the bone. It is possible that stress fractures can be prevented when the feet are strong. This can be accomplished by incorporating a healthy diet into your lifestyle, wearing shoes that fit correctly, and gradually increasing the power of your workout. The symptoms that are associated with stress fractures include pain while walking or completing daily activities, tenderness if the foot is touched, or possible bruising. If you feel you have a stress fracture, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment options.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg from Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Falling is something that becomes scarier and riskier as we age. Falls can easily lead to larger complications that affect one’s everyday life. Precautions should be taken to help prevent falls and give someone who fears falling more confidence in themselves. Physical activity is important in reducing the risk of falling by improving balance, flexibility, muscle strength and gait. Gentle exercises are recommended, but if you don’t feel safe exercising alone, then monitored exercise programs could be helpful. Sturdy shoes that fit correctly are also necessary, so avoid heels, loose slippers, and shoes with slick soles. Also make sure that your space is brightly lit and that there are no hazards laying around. Examples of hazards are boxes, electrical cords, loose rugs, and anything that is in the way in a high traffic area. If you would like to learn more about preventing falls, then it is suggested you speak with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Todd Goldberg from Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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