Items filtered by date: February 2015

Many people, including famous idols like Willow Smith, Kate Bosworth, and Miley Cyrus, have recently been seen sporting “flatforms,” a new shoe designed to mix elements of flats and platforms. While this fashionable new item provides wearers with the benefit of a few extra inches of height, it also comes with some severe drawbacks.

Flatforms cause the ankles to move in ways they aren’t biomechanically designed to. This can lead to painful ligament damage if they’re worn too much, as one journalist for Vogue magazine wrote about after finding out the hard way. It remains to be seen if the potential foot risks that come with wearing flatforms will be enough to derail their current popularity.

Shoes like flatforms that don’t offer proper foot support can cause really painful damage to the feet and ankles. If you have a foot condition that arose from wearing trendy footwear too often, think about calling podiatrists Dr. Michael E. Newman and Dr. Denise Kohler of Pennsylvania. Our doctors will assess the problem and explain how getting supportive shoes will help prevent similar issues in the future.

The Importance of Proper Foot Support

Walking is an everyday function for both men and women, and in order to keep your body’s balance in order, you are going to need shoes that provide the proper kinds of support. 

Poor foot support can cause pain and discomfort in the lower back, hips, knees, neck and shoulder. It also can lead to emotional stress, and physiological changes in the body. In order to avoid these problems, you must have proper foot support.

The arch is the most important part of the foot, which is where most of the support and balance of your feet lies. The arch of your foot varies in height, and as you age, this height can change. Proper foot support will help musculoskeletal issues, which causes inactivity or disability.

When looking for shoes that give proper support to your feet, you should refrain from wearing ill-fitting shoes. 

Shoes to Consider:

-          Good heel and arch support

-          Have proper length and width for your feet

-          Avoid tight/cramped shoes

For more information about Proper Foot Support, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Winter is a season in which the feet are often neglected, as the feet are usually kept wrapped up in shoes. This makes winter foot care especially important. Keeping the feet healthy during the colder months is easy, however, with a few simple tips. Moisturizing the feet is one of the most important measures one can take to keep the feet looking fresh and healthy. Wearing thick shoes and thick socks during the winter is important to keep them protected from harsh temperatures, and can go a long way towards foot health. Pedicures and hot water treatments can help relax tense and weathered feet, while drinking plenty of water will help keep the skin hydrated.

Regardless of season or weather, everyday foot care should be practiced year round. For more information about everyday foot care, consult with Dr. Michael E. Newman and Dr. Denise Kohler of Pennsylvania. Our doctors will 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 one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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According to Baylor College of Medicine assistant professor Dr. Jason Ahuero, women should be sensible about how often they wear high heels. Wearing high heels regularly can lead to many foot problems such as foot pain and ankle sprains. Ahuero states that women should not wear heels for long periods of time and they should alternate heel height if they are unable to just wear flats. High heel wearers should also roughen up the bottoms of their heels to avoid slipping during inclement weather. When buying new high heels, Ahuero suggests that women have their foot measured each time, purchase shoes with thicker heels for stability, and to avoid high heels that are uncomfortable to wear. At the end of a day of wearing high heels, elevating the feet as well as icing them may reduce any pain or swelling.

High heels are very fashionable and a necessity to some, but they can cause a tremendous about of harm to the feet and ankles. To learn more, contact Dr. Michael E. Newman and Dr. Denise Kohler of Pennsylvania. Our doctors will answer all of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity.  Despite their appeal, they can 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. 

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

Read more about the Effects of High Heels