13 Year Old David Loo’s health and mobility are a result of wearing an orthotic boot. Loo was born with hemiplegia, a form of cerebral palsy that severely weakens the right side of his body. Without the plastic support David’s right foot and ankle turn inward, causing him to walk with pain on the side of his foot. His special orthopedic boot holds his foot and ankle in place so he can freely participate in sports. As with any child, David must have new footwear every nine months, since his feet are growing.   

David Loo shows that foot and ankle orthotics can allow anyone to regain full mobility. This is proof that foot conditions are something that can be overcome. If you have a need for ankle-foot orthotics, it is highly recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist, like Dr. Eric Weinstein of Broward Foot Care. Dr. Weinstein can work with you on treatment options for your foot conditions that might require the use of ankle-foot orthotics.

Ankle Foot Orthotics and What They Do

Usually used for the foot or ankle, orthotics provide support for weakened limbs or help direct the limbs so they may function properly. These orthotics can help strengthen muscles as well as benefitting muscles that need to be loosened or lengthened. Usually the orthosis is designed in a rigid L shape that is contoured to the calf and flesh colored in order to blend with the patient’s appearance.

When are Orthotics Necessary?

Orthotics are prescribed when someone is diagnosed with diseases that affect the musculature such as polio and multiple sclerosis. However, ailments such as arthritis and stroke, or foot conditions that “toe in”, may also require orthotics.

As opposed to metal braces of previous years, modern orthotics have improved tremendously. Many of today’s orthotics are manufactured with lightweight plastics and other advanced materials to provide new levels of support and comfort.

If you have any questions please contact our offices, which are located in Coral Springs and Weston, FL.  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

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At an event in Sanford, NC; 60 children were given shoes donated by New Balance and Aetrex. Their parents were given a free lesson on the importance of proper footwear. According to founder of FootCentric and physical therapist Pat Pande, the importance of healthy feet is often overlooked.

 “We want to get kids (proper footwear) while they’re young and before they destroy their feet,” Pande commented, “You’d be surprised how many kids have bad feet by 6 or 7 years old.”

The event was sponsored by FootCentric, and one of a series of events held at least twice per year across the state.

It is very important to keep children’s feet safe and healthy, so be sure to have their feet regularly checked by a podiatrist such as Dr. Eric Weinstein of Broward Foot Care. Dr. Weinstein can diagnose any injuries as well as provide treatment options that work for you and your child.

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

To learn more about keeping children’s feet healthy, follow link below.

If you have any questions please contact our offices, which are located in Coral Springs and Weston, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

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According to Deepashri V. of PostNoon.com, wearing the same shoes and socks for a long period of time can increase one’s chances of developing athlete’s foot and fungal growth.  

Deepashri suggests, allowing your feet to breathe in warm weather by wearing open shoes. Also, avoid wearing thick socks can help your feet stay more sanitary and hygienic. “It is very common. Every fourth or fifth person has it. It is very common in those with diabetes and people who always wear shoes, resulting in lack of air circulation to the feet” said Dr. Sunitha Sekhar Reddy, dermatologist at ADI clinics.

Anyone is susceptible in attaining Athlete’s foot, but can be easily avoided following the right preventative care and treatment. A podiatrist like Dr. Eric Weinstein of Broward Foot Care will be able to determine your condition and follow the appropriate treatment options for foot care needs.

What is Athlete’s Foot?

If you suffer from itching, burning, dry, and flaking feet, this may be a sign of athlete's foot. Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be extremely contagious, and it often infects shower floors, gyms, socks and shoes, and anywhere else feet may come in contact with. It is commonly found in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools. This condition can also be prevalent in "commons" areas in prisons and residential care facilities.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal product
- Examine feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts are present.

What is Tinea?

- Athlete’s foot is often caused by the same fungus that causes ringworm (tinea).
- Tinea can invade other parts of the body as well, if the proper thriving conditions for it are met.

To learn more about Athlete’s foot follow link below.

If you have any questions please contact our offices, which are located in Coral Springs and Weston, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more on Athlete’s foot.

For the purpose of raising awareness on the subject of diabetes, Erik Bendle and his 6 ½- year-old black mouth cur dog Nice walked a 6,000 mile journey. After the loss of his mother Gerta Bendle due to problems that emerged with having diabetes, Bendle decided it was the right time to raise awareness for others with the condition.

Bendle’s mother lost her toes and needed gall bladder surgery as a result of diabetes. One obese woman had neuropathy -- or lack of feeling -- in her feet. “She started walking and lost a lot of weight,” Bendle said. "She could move her feet again. She was as happy as a schoolgirl." Bendle's motto is simple: "Love yourself -- go for a walk."

If you are currently suffering from diabetes and need help with diabetic foot care, it is recommended to seek the care of a chiropodist like Dr. Eric Weinstein of Broward Foot Care. Dr. Weinstein can help you manage your diabetic feet to ensure that they remain healthy, while also providing you with any treatment options if any problems do arise.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes damages blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. When damage occurs to nerves in the feet, they may be unable to send proper signaling to the peripheral nervous system, resulting in a condition known as neuropathy. Once a diabetic patient develops neuropathy, it is mandatory that the feet are well taken care of to avoid amputation.

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 Hemoglobin A1C levels. This test allows the physician to know how well the blood sugar levels are being controlled during the past 3 months. It is important to keep the blood sugar levels in a normal range (70-110mg/dl). Visiting a podiatrist is highly recommended if the diabetic patient is experiencing any conditions involving his or her feet.

If you have any questions, please contact our offices located in Coral Springs and Weston, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read the full article on Diabetic Foot Care.

According to researchers, a long walk is said to be just as healthful as a run for minimizing the chances of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. The study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California found that the most significant factor is the total energy as opposed to the intensity. It was once believed that running was far better since runners would have to travel further according to Daily Mail. According to Paul T Williams of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, “Walking and running provide an ideal test of the health benefits...because they involve the same muscle groups and the same activities performed at different intensities.”

Although it is important to get adequate exercise for your feet and ankles, as the study indicates, you should be aware of proper exercise techniques before you embark on a new program. A podiatrist like Dr. Eric Weinstein of Broward Foot Care can provide exercise recommendations that allow you to gain strength in your feet and ankles while avoiding foot pain or foot injuries.

Exercise for Your Feet

If you spend most of your time on your feet, or don’t either way your feet should deserve attention. There are many people who exercise regularly and still don’t spend enough time to care for their feet. Your foot does get exposure that requires maintenance since your health has a lot to do with footing.

Exercises

Toe rise – this exercise involves standing on the tip-toes for a count of 15 seconds, then resting your feet on ground. This exercise should be repeated three times a day to strengthen the feet.

Toe Pick-ups – the toes are exercises that are done by picking up small items using your toes. This helps strengthen the muscles on the upper part of the feet. Three sets along with 15 seconds being held should be completed. Small items like marbles or stationary will work.

To learn about more exercises for your feet, please follow link below.

If you have any questions, please contact our offices located in Coral Springs and Weston, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

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