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Foot drop is often caused by a compression of the nerve that controls the muscles that lift the foot. When this occurs the front part of the foot and toes are difficult to lift or move due to muscular weakness or paralysis. Foot drop may also cause the foot to drag on the ground while walking. This is usually a sign of an underlying problem such as muscular damage, nerve damage like neuropathy, or a brain or spinal injury. While foot drop usually only affects one foot, it can affect both feet depending on the cause. It is most commonly temporary, but in severe cases it may be permanent. People who are finding it difficult to lift the front part of their foot off the ground should consult with a podiatrist who can help diagnose the underlying condition. A podiatrist will also be able to prescribe custom made orthotics or shoe inserts as well as other treatment options depending on the severity.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Michael E. Newman from Pennsylvania. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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.

Despite its name, your child doesn’t have to be particularly athletic to incur athlete’s foot, a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot grows on warm, damp surfaces such as public swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms. It can also thrive on moist feet, or spread from person to person. Athlete’s foot causes symptoms such as cracked, peeling, red, and scaly skin between the toes or on the soles of the feet, itchiness, and an unpleasant odor. Fortunately, treatment for athlete’s foot is usually simple and straightforward. Your child’s doctor will most likely prescribe a topical antifungal medicine, such as a cream or powder, to apply to the infected feet. In more severe cases, oral antifungal medication may be needed. If your child has athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.   

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Michael E. Newman of Pennsylvania. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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 care needs.

Flip-flops are common beach and pool footwear, and if you’ve ever worn flip-flops to these places, you’ve likely worn them while your feet are wet. Although flip-flops leave most of your foot exposed, allowing it to air dry, walking around with wet feet in wet flip-flops can be quite dangerous. Wet flip-flops are more likely to slip off your foot, often coming off entirely while you walk. This can lead to a whole host of injuries, from getting a splinter in your foot from the boardwalk to twisting and spraining your ankle. Keeping the flip-flops on the feet while walking is difficult even under dry conditions, but when the shoes or feet are wet, it becomes a Herculean task. To keep flip-flops on the foot, you must scrunch up your toes in an awkward position. Over time, this can cause joint stiffness and hammertoes to develop. If you intend to wear flip-flops to the beach or pool, be sure to thoroughly dry your feet and the shoes prior to slipping them on. For more information about the relationship between footwear and the health of your feet, consult with a podiatrist. 

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Michael E. Newman from Pennsylvania. 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 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.

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.