Items filtered by date: May 2023

Tuesday, 30 May 2023 00:00

Proper Foot Care While Working

Maintaining good foot care while working can make all the difference in how the workday can progress. Research has indicated millions of working days have been lost to foot pain and lower leg disorders, and there are methods that can be implemented which may help to prevent this. Many professions require standing for the majority of the day, including restaurant employees, medical personnel, and retail workers. Wearing shoes that fit correctly can positively impact the quality of the day. Additionally, it is beneficial to rest the feet while taking breaks, and performing specific foot stretches may help to improve circulation. At the end of the work day, many patients find their feet feel better when they are soaked in warm water, followed by having them gently massaged. If you would like more information about what type of shoes to buy and how to care for your feet while working, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

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Tuesday, 23 May 2023 00:00

Sources of Plantar Fasciitis

The strong tendon found on the bottom of the foot which connects the heel to the toes is called the plantar fascia. Inflammation or a tear to this tendon can be quite uncomfortable and result in plantar fasciitis. This condition can be caused by frequently running on uneven surfaces or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Many people who stand for the majority of the day may develop plantar fasciitis, in addition to pregnant women due to the extra weight their feet must bear. While pregnancy is a temporary condition, obesity may be a more permanent one, and this can put constant pressure on the plantar fascia. Studies suggest that people who have poor circulation may slowly develop plantar fasciitis because of the loss of blood flow to the feet. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer you permanent treatment solutions.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

 

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Wednesday, 17 May 2023 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Tuesday, 16 May 2023 00:00

Various Causes of Heel Pain

A common cause of heel pain is a foot condition known as plantar fasciitis. This condition affects the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis can cause debilitating heel pain and may gradually worsen until medical attention is received. Intense heel pain can also be a result of Achilles tendinopathy, which is a heel and lower calf injury that happens from overuse. Some people who have peripheral neuropathy have a tingling or numbing sensation in their heel that can be uncomfortable. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause the cartilage to tear in the heel and surrounding area and may cause inflammation, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. If you are experiencing heel pain for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is and offer the correct treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 09 May 2023 00:00

Toenail Fungus Foot Soak

When an individual is living with a toenail fungus, they can experience any number of different annoying and unsightly symptoms. For example, a patient may have nails that are ragged and brittle in texture. A patient might also notice that their nails are slightly discolored. People who have toenail fungus can ask a trusted medical professional, like a podiatrist, how they can go about treating this condition. The answer can vary from patient to patient depending on the nature and severity of the condition. For example, a podiatrist might recommend that a patient perform a vinegar foot scrub in the future to prevent the development of the fungus. The reason for this recommendation is that vinegar has many antifungal and antibacterial properties that can prevent the onset of foot fungus. A vinegar foot soak also can soothe dry skin on the feet. If you currently have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 Egg Harbor Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Having the right running shoe is paramount to reducing the chances of pain and injury. However, knowing how to find the shoe that best serves a runner’s needs can be confusing. Here are a few tips for simplifying the decision. The first consideration is knowing the type of running you will be doing and how often you will be doing it. Second, identify the terrain or environment you will be running in. For instance, trail shoes will have more grip and tread on the soles, while road shoes have flatter soles. Third, consider any previous running injuries you may have encountered and see a podiatrist who can examine your gait. Running shoes offer different types of cushioning, support, and stability based on the biomechanics of your feet. A podiatrist, who is a medically trained foot doctor, is a good source of information for anyone interested in finding the running shoe that will best serve your needs and protect your feet. If you are serious about running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation. 

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

  • Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
  • Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
  • Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

Read more about Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

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