Items filtered by date: November 2015
University Students donate Shoes to over 300 Children
Student athletes from the University of Central Arkansas shoes to over 300 Conway children through the international project Shoes of Hope. The project aims to bring children together by washing their feet and then giving them a new pair of shoes. For this event, the University’s athletes raised over $5,000. Graham Gibbs of Samaritan’s Feet shared, “60 percent of kids K through 12 in Arkansas are either on or eligible for free and reduced lunches. So that’s a demographic stat that we use to gauge need. If they’re needing food, they’re needing clothes, they’re needing shoes.”
Looking out for potential foot and ankle injuries as well as general health is vital in maintaining proper development in children’s feet. If you have any concerns contact Dr. Eugene Hudyma of Hudyma Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Having healthy feet in childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care from birth to school-age.
Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.
- Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet
- Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable
As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. Be sure the child wears comfortable and protective shoes so that they can grow into their feet properly.
As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet
- Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus
- Be watchful of any pain or injury
- Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible
- Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play
Children of all ages are constantly developing and growing, and as a parent you want to make sure that nothing is hindering their maturation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Glen Burnie, MD. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies for your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting for Foot Growing with Age
As foot size generally does get larger with age, it is important to remember several different pointers when shopping for shoes. Ensure that the uppers on shoes are made of a soft material that matches the shape of your foot. If you regularly walk on hard pavement, consider shoes with thick soles to cushion the feet. Make sure there is about a half-inch extra space for your longest toe when fitting shoes. Your heels should fit comfortably in the shoe with a minimum amount of slipping, and the shoes should not ride up and down while walking.
Finding a proper fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information contact Dr. Eugene Hudyma of Hudyma Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in properly fitting shoes:
- Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
- Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
- Even though they may look fashionable, improperly fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
- Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity
Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, keeping properly fit shoes is vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Glen Burnie, MD. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies for your foot and ankle needs.
Swimming Great for Pregnant Women’s Body and Feet
Because pregnant women put such stress on their feet, finding the right forms of exercise during their pregnancy is essential. One of those exercises is water aerobics, in which you perform aerobic activities in the water in tune with music, building stamina and endurance while also releasing endorphins to relax the mind. The use of water aerobics to remain active during pregnancy as well ease the soreness of swollen feet can be essential to pregnancy health
Swimming is a great way to exercise the feet. If you have any questions regarding the benefits of swimming on the feet, consider contacting Dr. Eugene Hudyma from Hudyma Podiatry. Our doctor will explain the unique health advantages this activity has and recommend some simple exercises.
Benefits of Swimming and Foot care
Our feet receive the most stress on a daily basis. Walking, running, and long standing contribute to pain and stress on the feet. Swimming helps promote circulation and keep the body feeling great and healthy.
Benefits of swimming:
Improve blood circulation
- Swimming is a good, safe way to get in extra physical activity and improve circulation, without causing further trauma to the feet
Relieve aches or pains
- It takes all the pressure off of them, allowing the feet to relax and recover, and improves blood flow to them.
Circulation overall for diabetics
- Swimming contributes to blood flow, and increase oxygen levels within the body.
Reduce foot inflammation
- Swimming in warm water can increase blood flow and make it easier to move and stretch the afflicted foot. The feet are also exposed in water, giving them much needed air.
Swimming the helpful alternative:
Many people like the elderly and diabetics suffer from weakened muscles and joints. A water sport like swimming will support the body, thus allowing him or her to move freely. Blood flow circulation is a main trigger to tired inflamed feet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Glen Burnie, MD. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Pedicurists Cannot Act as Your Podiatrist for Foot Problems
While most people get pedicures to wind down and relax, pedicurists want some of their customers to know a few things they should and should not expect from the process. While pedicurists will take care of your feet by removing dead skin and calluses, somethings they just cannot take care of. For example, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, and fungal should not be taken care of at home or at a nail salon, they should be taken care of by a podiatrist. “A podiatrist is qualified to take care of the problem as quickly as and pain-free as possible,” says pedicurist Alexandra Calle.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you have any concerns with plantar warts on your feet contact Dr. Eugene Hudyma of Hudyma Podiatry. Our doctor will treat 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
- Legions 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
- Freezing
- Electric tool removal
- Laser Treatment
- Topical Creams (prescription only)
- Over-the-counter medications
Treatment
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, will 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 our office located in Glen Burnie, MD. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Arthritis Affects Millions of People World Wide
Arthritis affects millions of people around the world, with 33% of people aged 45-years-old and over suffering from osteoarthritis and a significant amount suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Gout, caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body, is another common form the affects many. To help prevent and combat the effects of arthritis, people should control their weight with a healthy diet, exercise to maintain muscle strength and prevent weakness, and thoroughly rehabilitate from any injuries.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are suffering from arthritic foot pain, contact Dr. Eugene Hudyma of Hudyma Podiatry. Our podiatrist can treat your foot and ankle needs.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of 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 to 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 about arthritic foot care, please feel free to contact our office located in Glen Burnie, MD. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.