Structure of the Foot

The foot is a highly complex structure, containing 26 bones, 29 joints, and 42 muscles. In a lifetime, an average individual will walk around the world more than 4 times - some 115,000 miles. Therefore, it is not surprising that even a "healthy" person can develop many foot problems. Click here to view an MRI scan of the foot.

What is a Board Certified Pedorthist (C.PED)?

A C.Ped is a member of the allied healthcare community; a professional trained in both foot anatomy and shoe construction, and qualified to fill prescriptions for footwear and related devices.

What are Pedorthics Services?

Pedorthics services are the design, manufacture, fit and/or modification of footwear and foot orthoses to alleviate foot problems caused by disease, overuse, or injury.

Clearance Sale!

For a limited time, Foot Comfort Center is selling TWO PAIRS of diabetic socks for ONLY $9.99! Our socks will comfort, protect and help keep your feet healthy.

Company Overview

Mission Statement:

The mission of Foot Comfort Center is to provide diabetic patients with properly fitted footwear, as well as to educate diabetic patients on foot health. Unlike any "shoe store" you have ever experienced, your feet will be placed 'in the hands' of trained professionals. Foot Comfort Center is a leader in providing solutions that can offer immediate relief from painful foot conditions. People with diabetes might be eligible to receive therapeutic-diabetic shoes and inserts at NO COST. Proper documentation from the doctor is required.

Foot Comfort Center first opened for business in April 2001, in the Northeast section of Philadelphia. What started out as a small local business has become a growing company with 9 centers spanning all across Philadelphia and Bucks County.

Foot Comfort Center is managed by a Board Certified Pedorthist, Sofya Tamarkin who is trained in both foot anatomy and shoe construction. Ms. Tamarkin is trained to utilize shoes, inserts, modification, etc., to solve problems related to feet. These skills can make a profound difference in the quality of people's daily lives.
Diabetics are at a higher risk for ulcers and amputation, due to a problem with circulation and/or sensation in their feet. Properly fitted diabetic shoes with molded inserts provide protection and may decrease chances of diabetic foot complications.
The goal of Foot Comfort Center is to provide diabetic patients with properly fitted footwear, as well as to educate its patients.

We recognize that there is a need for patients to be educated, understood and assisted in their native tongue. Many of our employees are bi- lingual, able to speak English, Spanish, Russian and Ukrainian.
Each of our locations has a wide variety of shoes and sneakers to choose from. Our selection includes shoes in many different widths, colors, styles, and brands.
Please visit us at Foot Comfort Center near you for more information.

Presentations

We have marketers that will come to your retirement home, hospital, community center, clinic, synagogue, church, etc. We will make a presentation where we will explain all about benefits of Diabetic footwear, and how proper footwear can change your life! Call our main location in the Northeast to set up a presentation
(215) 676 7463

Health Fairs

You can find us at local community base health fairs throughout Philadelphia. Health fairs take place all over Philadelphia each year. Dozens of vendors come from all over the city to enlighten the community on local businesses and opportunities that they might not be taking advantage of. They are usually sponsored by politicians, charities, or local organizations. Snacks and drinks are usually included as well as giveaways, prizes, raffles, and literature. Come out and visit us! You might even go home with some free gifts!

Diabetes & Your Feet (HR Audit)

Data from the 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet (released Jan. 26, 2011)
Total prevalence of diabetes

Total: 25.8 million children and adults in the United States 8.3% of the population have diabetes.
Diagnosed: 18.8 million people
Undiagnosed: 7.0 million people
Prediabetes: 79 million people*
New Cases: 1.9 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed in people aged 20 years and older in 2010.
* In contrast to the 2007 National Diabetes Fact Sheet, which used fasting glucose data to estimate undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes, the 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet uses both fasting glucose and A1C levels to derive estimates for undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes. These tests were chosen because they are most frequently used in clinical practice.

Under 20 years of age
• 215,000, or 0.26% of all people in this age group have diabetes
• About 1 in every 400 children and adolescents has type 1 diabetes
Age 20 years or older
• 25.6 million, or 11.3% of all people in this age group have diabetes
Age 65 years or older
• 10.9 million, or 26.9% of all people in this age group have diabetes
Men
• 13.0 million, or 11.8% of all men aged 20 years or older have diabetes
Women
• 12.6 million, or 10.8% of all women aged 20 years or older have diabetes

Race and ethnic differences in prevalence of diagnosed diabetes

After adjusting for population age differences, 2007-2009 national survey data for people diagnosed with diabetes, aged 20 years or older include the following prevalence by race/ethnicity:
• 7.1% of non-Hispanic whites
• 8.4% of Asian Americans
• 12.6% of non-Hispanic blacks
• 11.8% of Hispanics

Among Hispanics rates were:
• 7.6% for Cubans
• 13.3% for Mexican Americans
• 13.8% for Puerto Ricans.

Morbidity and Mortality
• In 2007, diabetes was listed as the underlying cause on 71,382 death certificates and was listed as a contributing factor on an additional 160,022 death certificates. This means that diabetes contributed to a total of 231,404 deaths.

Complications

Heart disease and stroke
• In 2004, heart disease was noted on 68% of diabetes-related death certificates among people aged 65 years or older.
• In 2004, stroke was noted on 16% of diabetes-related death certificates among people aged 65 years or older.
• Adults with diabetes have heart disease death rates about 2 to 4 times higher than adults without diabetes.
• The risk for stroke is 2 to 4 times higher among people with diabetes.

High blood pressure
• In 2005-2008, of adults aged 20 years or older with self-reported diabetes, 67% had blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg or used prescription medications for hypertension.

Blindness
• Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults aged 20-74 years.
• In 2005-2008, 4.2 million (28.5%) people with diabetes aged 40 years or older had diabetic retinopathy, and of these, almost 0.7 million (4.4% of those with diabetes) had advanced diabetic retinopathy that could lead to severe vision loss.

Kidney disease
• Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, accounting for 44% of new cases in 2008.
• In 2008, 48,374 people with diabetes began treatment for end-stage kidney disease in the United States.
• In 2008, a total of 202,290 people with end-stage kidney disease due to diabetes were living on chronic dialysis or with a kidney transplant in the United States.

Nervous system disease (Neuropathy)
• About 60% to 70% of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of nervous system damage.

Amputation
• More than 60% of nontraumatic lower-limb amputations occur in people with diabetes.
• In 2006, about 65,700 nontraumatic lower-limb amputations were performed in people with diabetes.
For Additional Information
These stastics and additional information can be found in the National Diabetes Fact Sheet, 2011, the most recent comprehensive assessment of the impact of diabetes in the United States, jointly produced by the CDC, NIH, ADA, and other organizations.

Want to Do Something About It?
Don't like these numbers? We don't either.
Join the Millions? in the fight to Stop Diabetes®!
Make a donation to the American Diabetes Association to help fund leading-edge research that affects the health and well-being of millions of people living with diabetes. Your funds are put to work immediately to support important research efforts and help provide much needed services

Foot Care

Inspect your feet every day, and seek care early if you do get a foot injury. Make sure your health care provider checks your feet at least once a year - more often if you have foot problems. Your health care provider should also give you a list and explain the do's and don'ts of foot care.

Most people can prevent any serious foot problem by following some simple steps. So let's begin taking care of your feet today.

Prevention
Your health care provider should perform a complete foot exam at least annually - more often if you have foot problems.

Remember to take off your socks and shoes while you wait for your physical examination.

Call or see your health care provider if you have cuts or breaks in the skin, or have an ingrown nail. Also, tell your health care provider if your foot changes color, shape, or just feels different (for example, becomes less sensitive or hurts).

If you have corns or calluses, your health care provider can trim them for you. Your health care provider can also trim your toenails if you cannot do so safely.

Because people with diabetes are more prone to foot problems, a foot care specialist may be on your health care team.

Caring for Your Feet
There are many things you can do to keep your feet healthy.

• Take care of your diabetes. Work with your health care team to keep your blood glucose in your target range.
• Check your feet every day. Look at your bare feet for red spots, cuts, swelling, and blisters. If you cannot see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help.
• Be more active. Plan your physical activity program with your health team.
• Ask your doctor about Medicare coverage for special shoes.
• Wash your feet every day. Dry them carefully, especially between the toes.
• Keep your skin soft and smooth. Rub a thin coat of skin lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between your toes. Read more about skin care.
• If you can see and reach your toenails, trim them when needed. Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file.
• Wear shoes and socks at all times. Never walk barefoot. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet. Check inside your shoes before wearing them. Make sure the lining is smooth and there are no objects inside.
• Protect your feet from hot and cold. Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Don't put your feet into hot water. Test water before putting your feet in it just as you would before bathing a baby. Never use hot water bottles, heating pads, or electric blankets. You can burn your feet without realizing it.
• Keep the blood flowing to your feet. Put your feet up when sitting. Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for 5 minutes, two (2) or three (3) times a day. Don't cross your legs for long periods of time.
• Get started now. Begin taking good care of your feet today. Set a time every day to check your feet.

Shoe Construction

Construction of Therapeutic Shoes

1. Flexible lightweight cushion outsole for maximum stability
2. Long inside counter for maximum rear stability and arch support
3. Padded collar to cushion and comfort ankle
4. Special lining for a smooth, nonirritating surface to help protect the foot
5. Quality breathable leather upper for maximum comfort and volume changes of the feet during the course of the day
6. Removable cushion inlay for immediate comfort and adjustability
7. Extra depth space that provides added depth inside the shoe in order to accommodate custom orthotics.

Fashion is Born in Therapeutic Footwear
Unlike most other practices specializing in pedorthics, we offer patients a choice of truly stylish shoes in which they can feel both comfortable and fashionable. Our special shoes come from some of the most prominent shoe designers. We help patients find the right shoes to fit their prescriptions, budget, and wardrobe.

Latest news

Recently Diagnosed?
Its not easy to find out you have diabetes. Accepting it and learning how to deal with it, is an essential part of living a full happy life. more info
Living with type 2 Diabetes
You have type 2 diabetes. And yes, it's a big deal. But you know what? It's also something you can deal with. And we are here to help. more info
Getting the News
Being told you have diabetes, or that there is a problem with your blood sugar level can cause quite a bit of stress - and rightly so. more info
Latest Advances
Learn about exciting recent advances attributable to American Diabetes Association-funded researchers. more info