August 2023

Our feet are often overlooked, but they play a critical role in our health and mobility, carrying us around throughout our lives. As we age, foot problems can intensify, potentially affecting our ability to live independently. The foot is a marvel of engineering, with 26 small bones intricately connected by ligaments, muscles, tendons, and cartilage. These components work in harmony to provide support and mobility. Neglecting foot health can lead to backaches, leg cramps, foot problems, and fatigue. To keep your feet in good condition, inspect them daily, moisturize dry skin, wear well-fitting shoes, exercise regularly, maintain proper hygiene, and trim your nails carefully. If foot problems, including athlete’s foot, corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails arise, it is important to get early treatment to avoid complications. Practicing a good foot care routine can help maintain healthy feet and put your best foot forward in life. If you would like to learn more about taking care of your feet, or if you encounter foot issues, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for further information and care.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor 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 our offices located in Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Dealing with high foot arches, medically known as cavus foot or pes cavus, can present challenges and discomfort. Unlike flat feet, where the arch is too low, a cavus foot has a higher-than-normal arch. This can result in foot pain or more severe problems. The causes of cavus foot are diverse, including a genetic predisposition as well as biomechanical or neurological factors. Conditions like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or stroke may contribute to its development, necessitating a professional diagnosis to determine the root cause. Symptoms include a conspicuous high arch while standing, inward heel tilting, and weight distribution that favors the ball of the foot and heel. Toe clenching, calluses, and pain in the top and middle foot areas during walking or standing are also common. Shoe fitting challenges and frequent ankle sprains due to imbalance also characterize high arches. Surgery is reserved for extreme cases when non-surgical remedies, such as custom orthotics, prove ineffective. If you believe that you have high foot arches that are causing problems, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor 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.

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

Custom shoe orthotics offer numerous benefits for people who are seeking enhanced foot comfort and overall well-being. First, they provide personalized support, catering to specific foot anatomy and addressing individual concerns such as arch height, overpronation, or plantar fasciitis. By promoting proper alignment, orthotics can help to alleviate foot and lower body pain, reducing strain on muscles and joints. Additionally, they enhance shock absorption, making daily activities and sports more comfortable with less impact on the feet. Custom orthotics can also improve posture and balance, reducing the risk of injuries related to misalignment. Moreover, they can correct gait issues, making walking and running more efficient and reducing fatigue. Additionally, custom orthotics can prevent and help to correct various foot conditions, making them a valuable investment for those seeking long-term foot health and improved quality of life. If you are seeking more information about custom orthotics, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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 overarched 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 concern, 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 severe forms of 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 about 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 contact our offices located in Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toddlers' feet grow at an unpredictable rate, just like their ever-changing moods and preferences. Between ages 1 and 3, a child's foot typically grows about 1/2 to 3/4 inches per year, with occasional growth spurts leading to rapid changes in shoe size. Trying to measure their feet monthly can be a challenge, so monitoring how well their shoes fit is the best way to gauge their growth. It is common for toddlers to require two or three different shoe sizes within a year, which may seem costly but is a natural part of their development. After age 3, foot growth slows to about 1/2 inch per year until reaching adult size. When shopping for shoes, it is crucial to check the fit regularly, ensuring there is enough space for the toes. Non-slip soles are essential for toddlers, as they are still developing coordination. Opt for shoes with easy fastening, like hook-and-loop tape, as toddlers are not yet ready to tie laces independently. Parents can support their toddlers' healthy foot development by choosing the right-sized and comfortable shoes during these crucial early years. If you would like more help in understanding your toddlers’ growing feet and proper shoe selection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how our bodies use food for energy, leading to high blood sugar levels. People with diabetes are more prone to getting wounds on their feet due to poor blood circulation and nerve problems, which can make it hard to feel pain. Open wounds on the feet can easily get infected, so it is essential for diabetics to take good care of their feet. This includes wearing well-fitting and cushioned shoes and regularly checking their feet for any issues. If they notice any wounds, especially if they are oozing pus, they should see a podiatrist immediately. Podiatrists may give antibiotics to prevent infections and clean the wound using special gauze with a saline solution. Sometimes, they might need to place a small tube in the wound called a drain to help with healing and reduce infection risks. After treating the wound, it will be covered with a dressing for protection. If you have diabetes, it is highly suggested to see a podiatrist regularly. This medical professional can help you take care of your feet properly.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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