Up until its ban in 1911, foot binding was practiced in China until the 10th century. In ancient times, having small feet was a symbol of status and beauty in women. This status signified a wife who was submissive and did not complain. Performed by mothers-in-law and matchmakers, foot binding was a process that ensured that the woman’s feet did not grow.  

Hong Kong photographer Jo Farrell documented the last remaining survivors, who are well into their eighties and older. Farrell describes these women as ‘some of the most amazing, kind, compassionate, and generous women I have ever met’, even in spite of the intense pain involved.

Thankfully, foot binding has no place in any kind of everyday foot care. If you are contending with foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists of Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can treat your foot and ankle needs.

Every Day 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. After all, 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 example.

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.

Also, 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. Also make sure that the socks fit properly and are not uncomfortably tight.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices located in Michigan. We offer all the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet your needs.

Read more about Everyday Foot Care

Aspiring gymnast Rachel Gowey broke her right ankle after a fall while practicing her beam dismount. The sixteen-year-old was training for the upcoming U.S. Gymnastics Championships when she took the fall and received the broken ankle, joining another prior unrelated ankle injury. Gowey is only participating in two events at the championships as is; with her broken ankle, however, the athlete’s participation in the entire competition may now be in jeopardy.

Gowey trains at the gymnasium where Olympic champions Gabby Douglas and Shawn Johnson once trained, under the wing of Coach Liang Chow. Gowey had placed fifth at the international Cup of Jesolo and fourth at the U.S. Classic this year.

To ensure that a broken ankle completely heals, treatment should be sought right away. For assistance, see one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Broken Ankles

The ankle consists of three bones- the tibia, the fibula, and the talus. The tibia and the fibula are the two bones that connect to your knees. They sit directly above the talus bone, which is protected by a fibrous membrane and allows slight movement in the ankle joint. A break usually occurs in one of these bones after the foot is twisted too far, a strong impact like jumping from a great height, or repeated stresses like running.

Diagnosis

If you suffer an ankle injury, it is essential that you receive a correct diagnosis. One of the first signs that the ankle is broken is an inability to put any weight on it. There will often be severe bruising and swelling at the sight of the injury. Your doctor may also order an x-ray be taken to determine the exact location and extent of the injury.

Treatment

Without proper care, a broken ankle may not heal properly and could cause arthritis and instability later in life. Therefore, seeking proper treatment is essential to making a full recovery.

There a number of steps you can take to accelerate the healing process however. Elevating your feet above your head and icing the ankle can reduce pain and swelling.

For more information about Broken Ankles, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.

Read more about Broken Ankles

 It was discovered early on in the season that MLB athlete Josh Zeid would miss the rest of the season in order to fix the sesamoiditis in both of his feet. The Houston Astros reliever was required to have a separate operation for each foot, broken up by six weeks of healing. With the operation of his right foot completed at the end of July, Zeid prepared for his second surgery of the left foot just this past October. The timing of his surgery as well as the projected healing time puts in question his readiness and capability for the 2015 season as well as any chances of an Opening Day bullpen appearance.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Michael Newman and Dr. Denise Kohler of Pennsylvania. Our doctors will perform a diagnostic exam and treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.

Read more about Sesamoiditis

Children attending the school system in Richmond, Virginia were encouraged to participate in International Walk to School Day on October 8th. Children, parents, and school teachers of various Richmond Schools were invited to participate in the event and learn about the benefits of exercise. The day’s activities involved showing students the importance of pedestrian safety and safe walking route to school as well as promoting physical activity and health. Linwood Holton Elementary School of Richmond also hosted a Mini-wellness Fair in an attempt to teach children how to create healthy lifestyles.

All parents should teach their children the importance of caring for their feet. If your child needs foot treatment, see podiatrists Dr. Michael Newman and Dr. Denise Kohler of Pennsylvania. Our doctors will care for your child’s foot needs.

How to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy

Throughout childhood, it is very crucial for children to have and maintain good health and proper care of their feet. With good foot health starting at an early age, foot problems and diseases can be prevented in the future. As children continue to develop so do their feet, and require different techniques of care and maintenance.

Even though babies do not begin walking until later stages, their feet should be taken care of properly:

• Stay away from socks that are too tight for your baby’s feet. This can cause pain and allow less circulation
• Encourage your baby to move their feet as much as possible so they feel comfortable with them

When your baby begins to learn how to walk, do not panic if they are unsteady on their feet. Toddlers are just getting used to the way in which their feet work so wobbliness is completely acceptable.

When your child grows out of their toddler years, here are a few steps they should take to stay with good health within their feet:

• Practice proper hygiene with them
• Be observant of any injuries that might occur

For more information about Keeping Children’s Feet Healthy, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices located in Pennsylvania. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about Keeping Children’s Feet Healthy