While flip-flops may be convenient to wear around the pool and locker rooms, they should not be worn for long periods of time. The only benefit that these shoes provide is that they can help protect you from infection, but they tend to do more harm than good for your feet. Typically, flip-flops fail to provide your feet with arch support, which may cause your natural foot arch to collapse. As a result, other parts of your body, such as your hip and back, may be disrupted. Nevertheless, the key to wearing flip-flops is moderation. It is crucial that you only wear these shoes for short periods of time in order to prevent long-term damage to your feet.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Carl Ginsberg from Pennsylvania. Our doctor 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 our office located in Jenkintown, PA .  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects approximately 14% of the population. Fungi can be found almost anywhere in our environment, and it is important that you are aware of the different ways you can avoid them. One of the best ways you can prevent toenail fungus is by wearing socks. Some of the best sock fabrics in terms of protecting your feet are nylon, wool, and polypropylene. Another tip is to avoid walking around in wet areas as much as possible, since fungi tend to thrive in moist environments. Anti-fungal powder has also been proven to be beneficial in fighting fungus. The powder works by weakening the cell membrane of the fungus and preventing it from producing ergosterol, an essential part of its structure.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Ronald Matarrita of the NYCFC has recently made his return after suffering from a sprained ankle. Unfortunately, the fullback fractured his fifth metatarsal, an injury that will require a recovery time of 3 to 4 months. If he is able to follow through with that timeline, Matarrita is expected to return only to play the final weeks of the season. NYCFC has shown that they are capable of winning without the fullback, and they have experienced success with his replacement, Ben Sweat. The team just finished a game against Minnesota, which they won by a score of 3-1.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

While women often have a diverse range of footwear, some of these shoes can be very dangerous for the feet. The worst shoes that can be found in a woman’s closet are stilettos, ballet flats, and flip-flops. The danger in stilettos stems from the fact that they force all of your weight onto one part of the shoe. When you wear stilettos, your foot is being placed into an unnatural position that can disrupt your overall balance. Ballet flats are also bad because they fail to provide proper arch support for your feet. Flip-flops also fail to give arch support, and have the potential to cause a common foot condition called plantar fasciitis.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Carl Ginsberg from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday 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. 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 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. 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.

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

Michael Brantley of the Cleveland Indians was recently placed on the disabled list due to a sprained ankle. The outfielder suffered the injury earlier this season during a game against Kansas City and has not fully recovered from its effects. Brantley had already missed five games on paternity leave, but that wasn’t enough time for him to fully recover from the ankle injury. Fortunately, the Indians consider this to be a minor setback as Brantley is expected to be back within a week or so. While Brantley is out, the team is expected to give extra at-bats to Daniel Robertson and Austin Jackson.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Carl Ginsberg from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Having flat feet may cause a condition called posterior tibialis tendonitis due to the fallen arch in the foot. When you rush into a new physical activity too soon, you may aggravate the posterior tibilias muscle; this is why it is important to ease your way into a new running routine instead of taking on more than your body can handle. In order to alleviate the pain associated with posterior tibialis tendonitis, you should do exercises that will help strengthen your calf muscles. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Carl Ginsberg from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

It is no secret that the root cause of blisters is increased friction, but it is important to know what is causing the friction. It has been found that the four main causes of friction on the feet are: shoes, socks, sweat, and restricted foot motion. Shoes that squeeze the toes together have the power to increase the amount of friction between the toes, which may result in blisters. According to a study involving military personnel, low friction insoles have been found to reduce blister development. A similar study has shown that wearing double layer socks prevented the military personnel from getting blisters as well.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus thrives in warm, damp environments such as gym showers or other public facilities. In special cases, untreated plantar warts may develop into methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Although sometimes plantar warts may go away on their own, if they are chronic or become painful you should consult with a podiatrist to go over treatment options.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Carl Ginsberg from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of 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

• Lesions 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

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

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, can 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 Jenkintown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the corner or side of the nail grows into the soft flesh. Symptoms may include redness, pain, swelling, and in rare cases, infection. If your ingrown toenail pain is severe or spreading to other places, you may need to see a podiatrist. Your doctor will help give you treatment in order to alleviate the pain you are suffering. People with diabetes and other medical conditions may be at a greater risk of having complications due to ingrown toenails. In order to prevent ingrown toenails, you should always cut your nails straight across instead of in a rounded shape. Another tip is to wear protective footwear such as steel toed shoes. Checking your feet on a daily basis may be helpful in catching an ingrown toenail in its early stage, before it starts to substantially worsen.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Hyperhidrosis is a disorder that is characterized by excessive sweating beyond what is considered  normal. Eccrine glands, or sweat glands, are found at the soles of the feet which is why this condition tends to affect the foot area. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis are often hesitant to reach out for a treatment until their daily routines become affected by the sweat. If the excessive sweating occurs at night, it is important to seek medical assistance as it could be a side effect of a serious medical condition.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Carl Ginsberg of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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