August 2019

When children’s feet are cared for as infants and toddlers, it may prevent uncomfortable foot conditions from developing as they get older. It is beneficial to wash your child’s feet everyday, and it is important to pay extra attention between the toes. This may help to prevent athlete’s foot from developing, which can be uncomfortable. Research has indicated that toddlers should walk barefoot while indoors. This is helpful in strengthening the overall foot as the toes grasp the floor. When it becomes time to purchase the first pair of shoes, it is important to properly measure your child’s foot. This is essential in determining the correct shoe size which can provide adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, cutting the toenails properly may help to prevent ingrown toenails. If you would like additional information about how to properly care for your children’s feet, please consult 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. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. 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 Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As the aging process occurs, changes in the feet typically endure. These can include dry and brittle nails, less cushioning in the foot, and sores on the feet that take longer to heal. There are a few tips to keep in mind as one gets older. Research has indicated the importance of wearing shoes that fit correctly. When shoes that are worn fit properly, certain foot conditions may be prevented from developing which include bunions, corns, and calluses. The feet will generally feel better when gentle stretching techniques are frequently performed. Additionally, it is beneficial to keep the legs uncrossed while sitting. Athlete’s foot may be avoided if appropriate shoes are worn while in public pools and surrounding areas. When the toenails are trimmed correctly, ingrown toenails may be prevented. If diabetes is an existing condition, it is suggested to be under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to maintain proper foot care. If you would like more advice, consult with a podiatrist.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Research has shown the importance of properly measuring your feet before shoes are purchased. This can be done by using a Brannock device which is found in the majority of shoe stores. It is helpful to measure your feet and try shoes on during the afternoon, when the feet are typically at their largest for the day. A properly fitting shoe should feel comfortable when tried on, and will have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. It can help to determine the correct shoe size by wearing socks that would be worn with the shoes, in addition to walking on carpeting and hard surfaces before you decide to purchase them. If your foot becomes irritated, the shoes may have tags on the inside of them which need to be removed. If you have any questions about how to buy shoes that fit properly, please consult with a podiatrist.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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

Falling has the potential of causing serious injuries, especially in older adults. This may happen for a variety of reasons, including poor vision, wearing shoes that do not fit properly, or taking certain medications. It may be beneficial to incorporate an exercise practice into your daily routine, as this can help to improve balance and flexibility. Research has indicated that it is important to have regular medical examinations that include reviewing existing medications, as this may be helpful in preventing unnecessary falls. There are household changes that can be implemented, which can help reduce the risk of falling. These can consist of improved lighting, installing grab bars in the bathroom and shower areas, and removing any carpeting that may be loose. Please consult with a podiatrist to learn more about how falling can affect the feet.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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