August 2017

When buying shoes for children, comfort is more important than fashion. Things to look for include foot room, foot support, cushioning, breathability, and flexibility. Children should be able to wiggle their toes, but not too much that the shoe shifts around. Shoes should also provide proper foot support and cushioning so that the feet remain comfortable for hours. Breathability is also important and can help keep the feet from sweating too much. Finally, flexibility is essential because children move around a lot, and the shoes they wear must be able to handle their movement. Parents are also advised to examine their children’s shoes every few months to see if they still fit properly.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Harold Sterling of Michigan. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during 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. Here are some things to consider...

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’. 

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 for 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.

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

A study has found that running barefoot reduces stresses on your feet. Utilizing high-speed video and special scales, researchers found that runners in shoes and barefoot runners land on different parts of the foot. Barefoot runners land towards the front of the foot while runners with shoes land on their heels. Landing on the front of the foot produces very little stress compared to landing on the heel. One evolutionary biologist was unsurprised given that humans have evolved to not need shoes. However, it will likely take some time for most people to toughen up the bottoms of their feet to be comfortable running barefoot.

Barefoot running has its own share of benefits and disadvantages. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Harold Sterling from Michigan. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Barefoot Running

The Impact of Barefoot Running

• Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
• Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.

The Advantages of Barefoot Running

• When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced; this can reduce stress injuries.
• It strengthens muscles in the feet, ankles and lower legs.
• Balance of the body is improved, and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running

• No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
• Blisters may form.
• Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
• Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.

So, what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.

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

It is important for people with diabetes to be extra careful with their feet, and to inspect them on a routine basis. Diabetics should look at their feet every day to see if there are any blisters, cuts, or wounds on them. If you are a diabetic and cannot physically do this on your own, you should ask a friend or family member to help. It is also crucial that you take good care of your feet by washing them well with lukewarm water and a mild soap. People with diabetes should also try to exercise often. One of the biggest tips for caring for diabetic feet is to care for wounds as soon as possible and to not let them go untreated. For diabetics, untreated wounds can often lead to hospitalization or even worse, amputation.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Harold Sterling from Michigan. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Now that summer is here, it is especially important that you take care of your feet so you can enjoy the season. The American Podiatric Medical Association recently gave out some tips that are geared towards helping you maintain healthy feet. One of the most important tips you can follow is to avoid walking barefoot. This is especially crucial when you are in locker rooms, pools, or at the beach. You should also protect your feet by using sunscreen and by regularly applying it after you go swimming. Another tip is to drink a lot of water, so that you can avoid swelling in the feet and ankles. Lastly, be sure to wear water shoes if you plan on being around the water, and bring dry shoes that you can change into after you are done swimming.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Harold Sterling from Michigan. 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 Lansing, MI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus may appear as a yellow or white patch on your nail. It is important that you try to treat your fungus in its early stages before it begins to make your nail crumble. In worse cases, the fungus may start to spread to your skin as well as other nails that surround it. People who are older or have a weak immune system are much more prone to toenail fungus than anyone else. Those with diabetes or those who have a genetic history of the infection are also more likely to get it. Treatment for toenail fungus often depends on the severity of your case. Mild cases of the fungus may be treated with topical medications, while more severe cases may need oral therapy or laser therapy.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Harold Sterling of Michigan. 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 Lansing, MI. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.