When your child has been walking for a few weeks, it may be time to think about getting them shoes. Prior to this period, it is thought to be better for a child to go barefoot in order to help develop foot strength, though soft shoes and socks are suggested to help keep baby's feet warm in the colder weather. Selecting the proper shoes starts with size, because giving the toddler’s feet room to grow is important. If shoes are too tight they can negatively affect healthy foot development. There should be some space between the toes and the end of the shoe. Shoes should give ample support and have a solid heel, and sandals should have a closed heel. Check that the front of the shoe is wider than the heel, and avoid shoes with pointy toes or high heels. Shoes with non-slip soles are thought to be safer, as are those that tie, rather than slip on. Stiff outer parts on shoes may be too constrictive. Continue to check the fit of the shoes frequently, and be prepared to buy larger ones as needed to ensure proper growth and development. If you need further information on fitting your child’s first pair of shoes, please consult with a podiatrist who can guide your decisions.  

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Walking is one of the best ways to stay active during pregnancy. It is low impact, so it doesn’t endanger your knees and ankles, plus it’s good for the heart and lungs. It also can be a way to meet up with friends and share the experience. Anyone who has been inactive prior to pregnancy should check with a medical professional before introducing a walking program. In the beginning, it is recommended that you start with 15 minutes, 3 times a week. This can be increased over time to 30 minutes, 4 or more times a week. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes that have adequate support and cushioning. As you walk, place your heel on the ground and roll onto your toes, rather than placing a flat foot on the ground. During the second trimester, as the baby grows, pay special attention to your posture when walking. Keep your back straight and your eyes forward and swing your arms to help with balance. Your hips and ankles may become more stressed, especially as your center of gravity changes. By the third trimester, avoid steep hills or uneven pathways that may affect your balance, and be sure to walk with a buddy. If at any time you experience unusual foot or ankle pain or swelling, it is a good idea to consult with a podiatrist for an examination as soon as possible. 

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 one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry. 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 our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people with diabetes, especially those over 55 years old, develop a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. It affects nerves in the outer portion of the body, rather than in the heart and central core. A common symptom of peripheral neuropathy is a feeling of pins and needles, combined with shooting pain in the feet. You may also feel a loss of balance, lack of coordination, and muscle weakness. In addition, neuropathy may also cause sores on your feet to take a long time to heal. Diabetes is thought to be a major cause of peripheral neuropathy, the result of continual high blood sugar levels that damage the nerves. Other causes include direct injury to the nerves, a viral infection (such as shingles), a side-effect of some medications, smoking, and drinking too much alcohol. If you have diabetes or are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is a good idea to develop an ongoing relationship with a podiatrist for a diagnosis, continued monitoring, and treatment specific to your case.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The medical term for the foot condition that is known as an ingrown toenail is referred to as onychocryptosis. It occurs when the toenail grows into the skin and can cause severe pain and discomfort. It can happen as a result of trimming the toenails incorrectly, or from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Noticeable symptoms that patients can see include redness and swelling, and there may be drainage from the injured nail. The most common toe that is affected is the big toe, and it can cause difficulty in walking. Mild relief may be found when the toe is soaked in warm water, and this may help to soften the skin. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Research has indicated that falling is the leading cause of many injuries in the United States. The feet are often affected when a fall has occurred, which may result in broken toes or a broken foot. The fear of falling can cause seniors to limit completing daily activities. This behavior may cause the patient to become weakened, and falling may happen more often. Falls may be prevented by becoming stronger, and this is often done through participating in an exercise program. There are measures that can be implemented in the household that may help to prevent falling as well. These can include installing grab bars in the toilet and shower area, and improving lighting in the living areas. Many people find it helpful to use a bathmat, in addition to removing worn rugs from the steps. If you would like more information about how falling can affect the feet, and how to prevent it, please consult 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 one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When your ankle joint is damaged by arthritis, trauma, or a medical condition and it’s not responding to conservative treatment—and your quality of life is suffering—ankle replacement surgery may offer relief. This may be a viable treatment option, depending on your condition and overall health. Ankle replacement surgery (sometimes referred to as ankle arthroplasty) involves removing the damaged bone and cartilage of the ankle joint and replacing them with prosthetics made of metal or plastic that work together and operate like your natural ankle joint. Ankle replacement surgery can help increase stability and mobility in the joint as well as reduce pain. To learn more about ankle replacement surgery and determine if you might be a good candidate, it is a good idea to consult with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, consult with one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.

Arthritis in the Foot

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.

Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot

The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People often wear flip-flops in summer and warmer weather. These shoes often feel comfortable, but if worn too much and for long periods of time they can cause foot and body problems. The lack of support in flip-flops can lead to issues with foot arches and heels, including painful plantar fasciitis – an inflammation of the fascia on the bottom of the foot. Long-term pain in foot arches and heels can further lead to bone spurs or impact the way one walks, which can cause further problems with the knees, hips, and the back to develop. If pain in the feet results from wearing such shoes, a visit to a podiatrist is suggested to halt or treat serious issues from developing.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA .  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain behind the heel, known as posterior heel pain, can be caused by several conditions. Achilles’ tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon that attaches to the back of the heel. The inflammation may be caused by tears or calcium deposits within the tendon. A bone spur that develops at the back of the heel bone (nicknamed “pump bump”) can irritate surrounding tissue and become painful rubbing against footwear. Retrocalcaneal bursitis is an inflammation of the cushioning bursa sac between the back of the heel and the Achilles tendon. Other possible causes of posterior heel pain include stress fractures in the heel bone, an inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue on the sole of the foot (plantar fasciitis), and compression and inflammation of a small, extra bone some people have in their ankle (os trigonum syndrome). If you have any pain in the back of your heel, it is suggested that you get your condition diagnosed and treated by a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.