Items filtered by date: September 2020

An effective type of therapy that many babies and children respond positively to is reflexology. Parents have found it can help the child to feel better, and may reduce feelings of irritability. The results are often experienced immediately, and this can happen due to undeveloped arches and soft bones in the feet. This type of therapy can be used as a natural healing tool for existing illnesses, in addition to maintaining optimum health. There are several techniques that are used on babies and children of different ages, and it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can inform you of the benefits of reflexology for your children.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer of Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 our office located in Latham, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are a variety of biomechanical issues in the feet that can lead to potential injury. Some of these issues include fallen arches, over-pronation, or supination. Pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward at the ankle, the midfoot bulges and the arch flattens. Supination occurs when the foot rolls out at the ankle and the arch is raised, which leads to issues absorbing shock. When poor foot biomechanics can cause specific foot injuries such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or a Morton’s neuroma, pain in the ankles, heels, and arches is a common result. Poor foot biomechanics can also lead to issues in other parts of the body that include knee pain, hip pain, shin splints and lower back pain. If you are concerned about your foot biomechanics, consult with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. 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 office located in Latham, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis or RA, is an autoimmune condition that can affect joints throughout the body. It often affects the joints of the feet and ankles. The most common joints in the feet and ankles affected by RA are the smaller joints of the toes, the joints of the forefoot, the subtalar joint between the two tarsal bones of the foot, and less commonly the ankle joint. Signs of RA in your feet include soreness, warmth and swelling of one or more joints that lasts for several days, joint erosion, joint instability, and pain. RA could also cause painful fluid-filled sacs or nodules to develop on the feet. For more information on the signs and symptoms of RA in the feet and what you can do to treat this condition, speak with a podiatrist today.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Latham, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Podiatrists are trained to assess and manage a variety of foot related issues. A podiatrist’s primary role is to look for the mechanical issue that is causing pain. One common issue to have a podiatrist look at are bone deformities such as bunions and hammertoes. Another complex but critical issue that a podiatrist will be needed for is heel pain. Heel pain can be caused by plantar fasciitis, wearing of the fat pad on the heel, or a heel spur. Skin and nail conditions on the foot, such as corns, blisters, ingrown toenails or fungal nail infections, are also issues that are treated by podiatrists. Lastly, patients with diabetes will likely need help from a podiatrist in managing potential issues with the feet that may worsen. If you are experiencing foot issues, make sure to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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

Podiatrists are trained to assess and manage a variety of foot related issues. A podiatrist’s primary role is to look for the mechanical issue that is causing pain. One common issue to have a podiatrist look at are bone deformities such as bunions and hammertoes. Another complex but critical issue that a podiatrist will be needed for is heel pain. Heel pain can be caused by plantar fasciitis, wearing of the fat pad on the heel, or a heel spur. Skin and nail conditions on the foot, such as corns, blisters, ingrown toenails or fungal nail infections, are also issues that are treated by podiatrists. Lastly, patients with diabetes will likely need help from a podiatrist in managing potential issues with the feet that may worsen. If you are experiencing foot issues, make sure to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Latham, NY. 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.