Shortstop Addison Russell of the Chicago Cubs has been placed on the disabled list with a strain in his right foot. Russell has been valuable to the Cubs’ lineup, hitting 10 home runs and 36 RBIs in 97 games. Nevertheless, the injury has forced the team to move infielder Javier Baez over to the shortstop position.  In order to fill his spot on the active roster, reliever Rob Zastryzny has been called up. It is unclear how long Russell will be on the disabled list, but the Cubs are hoping he is able to return to the lineup as soon as possible.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact the podiatrists of Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

Plantar warts are usually caused by walking around with bare feet in the warmer months. It is very common for warts to appear on the bottom of the foot, however it is possible for them to grow anywhere on the body. They can appear in different shapes, and may even appear in a clustered form. While there are a variety of ways that one can treat warts, the most traditional method is to undergo surgery. Warts can be very painful considering they often appear on the feet which bare most of the body’s weight. If a plantar wart goes untreated, it can become difficult to exercise and perform daily activities.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact the podiatrists from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Summer is the most popular time of the year to go outside and become more active. While exercising is beneficial in order to get your body in shape, you are also becoming more susceptible to running injuries. Ankle sprains, stress fractures, and heel pain can all be preventable injuries if you take precautions before jumping into your workout routine. Unsurprisingly, one of the most common sources of running injuries happens to be improper footwear. You should always make sure that the shoes you buy provide enough support for your feet, and are made from a breathable material. Buying shoes that are made for the type of activity you will be performing can also help in avoiding injury. For example, you should buy running shoes if you want to go for a run, and walking shoes if you plan on walking.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact the podiatrists of Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.

It was recently announced that Greg Bird of the New York Yankees would have to undergo surgery to remove a bone in his foot. It is believed that he suffered the injury when he fouled a ball off his ankle in spring training. Although at first he tried to play through the pain, his road to recovery has been unsuccessful. Bird’s absence has ravaged the Yankees, who have been getting some of the worst production from first base in the league. Bird was only able to play 19 games this year with a batting average of only .100. It is unknown whether or not Bird will be ready to return to the team by the end of the season, but it is likely he will be able to play in 2018.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact the podiatrists of Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects approximately 14% of the population. Fungi can be found almost anywhere in our environment, and it is important that you are aware of the different ways you can avoid them. One of the best ways you can prevent toenail fungus is by wearing socks. Some of the best sock fabrics in terms of protecting your feet are nylon, wool, and polypropylene. Another tip is to avoid walking around in wet areas as much as possible, since fungi tend to thrive in moist environments. Anti-fungal powder has also been proven to be beneficial in fighting fungus. The powder works by weakening the cell membrane of the fungus and preventing it from producing ergosterol, an essential part of its structure.

For more information about treatment, contact the podiatrists of Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Cardinals outfielder Dexter Fowler was recently placed on the disabled list with a heel spur. Fowler suffered the injury in a game against the Pirates. Prior to experiencing the heel spur, Fowler was dealing with a quadriceps injury that kept him out for a few games. This season, the outfielder is hitting .245/.336/.481 with 13 homeruns and 35 RBI in 277 plate appearances. Unfortunately, Fowler’s injury has come at the wrong time for a struggling Cardinals team. In order to fill his spot on the roster, the team has called up outfielder Randal Grichuk from Triple-A Memphis.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact the podiatrists from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices located in Drexel Hill and West Chester, PA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

The health of your feet is very important, and it is crucial that you are aware of what may be harming them so that you can avoid any serious conditions. A good tip to follow while shopping for shoes is to look for shoes made of leather material. Unlike other artificial materials, leather is a natural fiber that allows the feet to breathe. In addition, you should look for a shoe that offers a good amount of arch support for your feet in order to prevent long-term pain and damage. Another tip is to never wear the same shoes two days in a row. When you repeatedly wear a pair of shoes, you are putting a significant amount of pressure on the same area of your foot, which can cause misalignment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact the podiatrists from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors 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 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.

Although Emilie Reas of San Diego loves to run, there is something about her running that makes her stand out from everyone else. Reas has been able to run different marathons all while being barefoot. After discovering in 2013 that barefoot running can reduce injuries, Reas has opted to stop wearing shoes when she competes. There is a difference in biomechanics between barefoot runners compared to runners who wear sneakers. People who wear sneakers are more likely to land on the heels of their feet when they step, while barefoot runners tend to land on their forefeet.

Barefoot running has its own share of benefits and disadvantages. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact the podiatrists from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Barefoot Running

The Impact of Barefoot Running

• Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
• Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.

The Advantages of Barefoot Running

• When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced; this can reduce stress injuries.
• It strengthens muscles in the feet, ankles and lower legs.
• Balance of the body is improved, and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running

• No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
• Blisters may form.
• Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
• Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.

So, what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of 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.

Hammertoe is a type of foot deformity that occurs when the toe begins to bend or buckle, and it is sometimes caused when the feet constantly rub against footwear, like high heels. Consequently, this condition is more commonly found in women compared to men. Laurie Keegan, a sufferer of hammertoe, has this to say about the condition: “I can't do the things I want to do. I get on the treadmill and I can only be on there for about 20 minutes. It's just too painful. I can't continue.” Fortunately, surgery can be done to repair hammertoe, but you should consult with your podiatrist before you begin to seek it as an option.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact the podiatrists from Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please 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.

Although you may be excited to try on your brand new pair of shoes, you should be careful to avoid getting blisters while wearing them. Blisters are not only uncomfortable, but they often force you to walk in an unnatural way to compensate for the pain they cause. Fortunately, there are some tips you can follow to avoid getting blisters and having to deal with them while wearing your new kicks. One tip is to walk around in your new shoes at home prior to wearing them out in public. Wearing your shoes at home will help loosen them up so that the shoes are already broken-in when you are ready for regular use. Another tip is to make sure that you are wearing proper socks. While most people tend to wear ankle socks, they offer very little protection for your feet compared to longer ones. You should also make sure that the socks you wear are made up of a material that dries quickly. A material like cotton, which tends to stay damp for a while, may soften the skin and make you more susceptible to blisters.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact the podiatrists of Dr. Siegerman & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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 care needs.