Items filtered by date: December 2023

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, or JRA, can significantly impact a child's feet, leading to symptoms like swollen, stiff, painful joints, and warmth in the affected area. These symptoms can cause difficulty in walking, often observed as limping, particularly in the morning when stiffness is at its worst. The condition varies in how it presents itself. Symptoms can be intermittent, ranging from mild to intense, and they may persist for years. In JRA, several types affect the feet differently. Pauciarticular JRA, the most common form, typically affects up to four joints, often including those in the ankles or toes. JRA affects five or more joints and often involves the small joints in the toes. Systemic JRA and spondyloarthritis, while less common, can also impact foot health, with systemic JRA potentially causing long-term joint damage. If your child suffers from JRA and has foot discomfort, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment that will help restore easier movement.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Katie Besselman, DPM of Advanced Podiatry. 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 Saint Peters, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

As people age, foot pain becomes increasingly prevalent, affecting one-quarter of those aged 45 or older. Primarily concentrated in the forefoot and toes, this discomfort impedes mobility and balance, raising the risk of falls. Common foot problems among seniors stem from overuse and are influenced by factors such as foot structure, activity level, body weight, and footwear choices. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs from heel to ball of the foot, often results in pain in the heel and arch. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease attacking joint cartilage and bone, often targets the ankle, the middle of the foot, and the big toe. Bunions, or hallux valgus, painful bony formations on the big toe joint, are influenced by heredity and can be worsened by years of wearing ill-fitting shoes. Hammer toes, deformity of the smaller toes, often result from tight shoes or inadequate support, especially in individuals with flat feet. Seniors may also experience foot pain due to a decrease in padding on the ball and heel of the foot, as collagen diminishes with age. Early intervention and proper care can alleviate discomfort, improve mobility, and reduce fall risks. Your feet are your foundation, and caring for them ensures a healthier and more active lifestyle as you age.  If persistent foot pain is a concern, it is suggested that you make an appointment 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 Katie Besselman, DPM from Advanced Podiatry. 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 Saint Peters, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Approximately 60,000 lower extremity amputations are performed annually in the United States in patients with diabetes. This fact makes ulceration, infection, and gangrene a prevalent foot and ankle issue for diabetics people. Many amputations can be prevented through daily foot care habits and regular visits to a podiatrist to monitor foot ulcers. These experts suggest adopting an everyday foot care routine of inspecting the feet thoroughly for any changes in shape, color, sensation, or skin integrity. To prevent complications, podiatrists also recommend a gentle cleaning that involves washing feet in lukewarm water with mild soap, avoiding soaking, and ensuring thorough drying, especially between the toes. Nail care includes trimming nails straight across, avoiding rounding the corners. Callus management suggests gently reducing calluses with a foot file or pumice stone, rubbing in one direction to avoid skin tears. Diabetic patients should opt for cushioned, breathable shoes with soft uppers. Choosing cotton or natural fiber socks over synthetic materials is recommended. If you have diabetes, and are experiencing foot ulcers, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who is medically trained to manage this condition.

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, consult with Katie Besselman, DPM from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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

Walking is a popular low-impact exercise with numerous health benefits, and ensuring your feet stay happy and healthy is key to maximizing those benefits. Proper form and posture when walking are essential elements to consider to prevent injuries. Maintaining proper posture and alignment is the foundation of a healthy walking routine. Imagine a string pulling you up from the crown of your head, ensuring you stand tall. Keep your head up, eyes forward, and shoulders back, allowing your arms to move freely at your sides. Tighten your abs and align your rib cage with your hips, knees, ankles, and second toe to avoid strain on your lower half. Pay close attention to your feet during each step. Adopt a rolling motion of heel, ball, and toes to distribute stress evenly across the lower body. Avoid slamming your entire foot down, as this can increase the risk of knee, hip, and ankle injuries. Notice your walking cadence and try to find a balance between longer, less frequent steps and shorter, more frequent steps to reduce joint stress. While walking is generally low-risk, staying alert is essential. Watch out for obstacles like curbs, potholes, or uneven terrain, especially in low-light conditions. If you have foot problems that you believe may be an after effect of your walking routine, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Katie Besselman, DPM from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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