June 2021

The best shoes for children will always meet their physical needs as their feet develop. Babies will benefit when they can walk barefoot while indoors, as this can help to strengthen the overall foot as the toes grip the floor. When your child starts to walk outside, it can be beneficial to choose a shoe that is made from good quality materials, in addition to ensuring that the sole is not too stiff. Shoe styles can vary, and it is helpful to get your child’s feet professionally measured, followed by trying on and walking in the shoes before any purchases are made. The feet are the foundation of the body, and shoes need to be changed as the feet grow. This allows the feet to have ample room to move and grow. If you would like additional information about what type of shoes to buy for your child, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the right shoes for your child.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact the podiatrists of Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Drexel Hill and West Chester, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet are common, affecting approximately 30% of the population. The term flat foot is used to describe a foot structure in which there is no visible arch in the center sole of the foot while bearing weight. In other words, the entire sole of the foot touches the ground when standing. People with flat feet may also notice that their heels point outward from the ankle and that their feet may be floppy. There are two main reasons why someone might have flat feet. One is due to the inner part of the foot, known as the medial column, having too much motion. This causes the arch of the foot to collapse over time. The other reason is because of tight calf muscles, which set off a cascade of biomechanical issues that ultimately lead to the arch collapsing. If you have flat feet and notice symptoms such as pain and discomfort, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact the podiatrists from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Severe pain and discomfort often accompany the foot condition known as gout. Many patients experience pain in the joints of the big toe and it can be difficult to walk. It occurs as a result of excess uric acid in the blood and may develop from genetic factors. Additionally, research has indicated that eating specific foods may trigger gout attacks due to high levels of purines. These can include seafood, red meat, and beverages that are made with large amounts of sugar. Foods that may lessen the onset of gout can consist of fruits, low-fat dairy products, and recipes that are made with plant-based oils. There are many patients who have changed their eating habits to include brown rice, chicken dishes, and various vegetables, and have found success in managing bouts of gout. If you would like to find out more information about what foods to eat that can help to prevent gout attacks, please consult with a podiatrist.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact the podiatrists from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Corns and calluses are similar in that they are both patches of dry skin that can appear on the feet in response to friction. Corns are small lumps of hardened skin that resemble a corn kernel in appearance. They often form on the soles of the feet or in between the toes and can be yellowish in color. Calluses are larger patches of rough, thick skin that often appear on the balls or heels of the feet. While both corns and calluses can usually be treated with conservative methods such as wearing wider, more comfortable shoes, moisturizing the skin, and wearing thicker, cushioned socks, certain cases may require medical intervention. If you have diabetes, circulatory problems, notice signs of infection such as bleeding or pus discharge, or are in severe pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact the podiatrists of Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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