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Americans Typically Walk 75,000 Miles by Age 50
By the time the average American reaches age 50, they are expected to have accumulated 75,000 miles on their feet. If you’re an avid runner, you may have more miles on your feet, so it’s especially important to optimize proper foot care. Knowing your body type, running style, your feet and the kinds of activity you routinely follow are all aspects to consider when maintaining foot care. Proper footwear is also vital in making sure that your feet are comfortable and healthy. Our feet change as we age, expanding and potentially becoming flatter.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber, this will help you gain better flexibility.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, and Skaneateles, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Arch Support and Your Feet
It is no secret that high heels are bad for the feet. The human foot is not designed to wear extremely high heels, forcing the foot to adjust to the unnatural height difference when heels are worn. Additionally, women who have flat feet are more susceptible to foot problems due to a lack of arch support in high heels. Examples of such foot problems include arch pain, foot cramps, tired feet, and leg fatigue. Over-the-counter arch products are a solution to the lack of arch support in many types of footwear and may help prevent foot problems in the future.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain, but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct over arched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you, or if you have a more severe foot issue, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and more severe heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses, and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist on the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain free.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, and Skaneateles, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Combating Plantar Warts
Warts can be classified as small bumps or growth on the skin, typically caused by a virus. Warts can appear anywhere on the body, but they most usually appear on the hands and feet. Plantar warts affect the feet and are caused by the human papillomavirus. If left untreated plantar warts can become painful from repeated friction or pressure to the area. Taking antioxidants such as grape seed in the form of extract supplements is believed to help fight against viral infections. Grape seed is suggested to have therapeutic properties that may help improve the body’s immunity. To determine the best treatment for you, it best to consult with your podiatrist.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
- Legions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
- Hard or thick callused spots
- Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
- Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
- Freezing
- Electric tool removal
- Laser Treatment
- Topical Creams (prescription only)
- Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, will help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices in Liverpool, Camillus, and Skaneateles, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Joevin Jones Suffers Broken Toe
Defender Joevin Jones of the Seattle Sounders had been playing with a broken toe for a few months, reported in early November. According to the Western Conference Semifinals against FC Dallas, the injury “stunted his training,” but “proved it hasn’t affected his play.” Jones had said that “it’s been painful, you know, the last 2 months, I’ve been taking injections, like 3-4 injections for every game, it was frustrating you know, not to train with the team… but I’m getting through it now. It’s getting better so, my toe is moving in the right direction.” Jones had missed only the training pitch during the season due to the injury.
A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What to Know About a Broken Toe
Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
- throbbing pain
- swelling
- bruising on the skin and toenail
- the inability to move the toe
- toe appears crooked or disfigured
- tingling or numbness in the toe
Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.
Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, and Skaneateles, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
All About Stress Fractures
The fifth metatarsal is the long bone that connects to the pinky toe on the outside of the foot. This bone is especially prone to fracture for people involved in any sort of prolonged physical activity, especially team sports. This is one of the most common injuries in soccer, but many other athletes also suffer this injury. It is vitally important to never ignore any type of foot pain, on the field or off. Professionally, there is immense pressure to perform, which can lead to dependency on prescription painkillers. But the truth is, we all need our feet, not just star athletes. The best course of action is always to contact a podiatrist and get to the root of the problem.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can treat your foot and ankle concerns.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
The Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. Then the feet and ankles lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection the bones receive the full impact of each step. The stress on the feet causes cracks to form in the bones, thus called stress fractures.
What are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
-runners
-people affected with Osteoporosis
-play tennis or basketball
-gymnastics
-high impact workouts
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures, and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves in high impact will aggravate pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices in Liverpool, Camillus, and Skaneateles, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Dre Greenlaw Sustains Broken Foot Injury
According to Razorbacks coach Bret Bielema, Arkansas linebacker Dre Greenlaw suffered a broken foot, and “will likely miss the rest of the season.” Greenlaw sustained the injury during the 49-30 loss to Alabama. He had to leave the game and he expressed on Twitter that he had to have surgery the following Monday. Greenlaw had to be carted off the field into the locker room, returning on crutches later on. He was replaced by De’Jon Harris for the game.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:
- Bruising
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blue (foot)
- Numbness
- Cold
- Misshapen
- Cuts
- Deformities
Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.
Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Liverpool, Camillus, and Skaneateles, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Treating Ingrown Toenails
Most ingrown toenails can be treated right at home. Ingrown toenails need to be treated in their early stages in order to prevent further pain or infection. When cutting the ingrown toenail, be sure not to cut off too much of your nail. Doing this may lead bacteria and fungus to start growing on the nail. However, if there any signs of infection, you should go to podiatrist to remove it. Signs of an infected ingrown toenail are redness,swelling, and discharge.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
- Bacterial infections
- Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
- Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
- Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
- Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, and Skaneateles, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Manti Te’o Suffered Achilles Injury
Linebacker Manti Te’o of the San Diego Chargers suffered an Achilles injury as he tried to plant and cover Gore while on a pass route during the Chargers’ game against the Indianapolis Colts. Te’o had to be assisted off the field by two fellow teammates and carted to the locker room for further evaluation. Te’o originally had to miss games in his first three years with the team due to foot and ankle problems. The Chargers lost 22-26.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
What is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
- Inflammation
- Dull to Severe Pain
- Increased blood flow to the tendon
- Thickening of the tendon
Rupture Symptoms
- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
- Total immobility
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Liverpool, Camillus, and Skaneateles, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
Although running injuries are very common, there are a few exercises you can do to prevent them from happening to you. The first method is to do foot intrinsic and ankle exercises. These exercises build strength and endurance in your feet and ankle muscles. Another exercise that can prevent running injuries are ankle and mobility stretches. These stretches will help improve the length of your calf muscle and the range of motion in your ankle joint. Doing exercises similar to these should prevent running injuries such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.
Runners can still be prone to running injuries even with proper precautions. If you are suffering from a running injury, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber, this will help you gain better flexibility.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Liverpool, Camillus, and Skaneateles, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
All About Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is usually described as more of a nuisance than an actual health threat. However, it is possible that toenail fungus can get bad enough to the point where an entire toenail needs to be removed. It is more common for adults to have toenail fungus compared to children, and around 13% of North Americans deal with the fungus each year. Most toenail fungus is caused by organisms called dermatophytes which feed on hair, skin, and nails. However, it is difficult to tell what type of fungus an individual has without doing a culture in the lab.
For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will attend to your foot and ankle needs.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a problem which affects many people and is hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating toenail fungus.
Antibiotics & Treatments
Lamisil – is the most commonly effective treatment for toenail fungus. It is available as an antibiotic Terbinafine tablet and cream. Terbinafine is a chemical component which kills fungal growth on the body. Applying regular doses will gradually kill the fungal growth. It is important to keep the area clean and air free.
Talcum powder – applying 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
Alternative Treatments
There are always surgical procedures that are available for toenail fungus. Some people would like immediate quick removal of toenail fungus. Surgeons will be able to cut through and remove the growth using laser surgery. It is important not to try and remove it yourself. Once removed, your old shoes will need to be replaced to avoid reinfection.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, and Skaneateles, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Reactive Arthritis and Your Feet
In New Zealand, arthritis is described as being “the leading cause of disability,” with “more than 620,000 with a diagnosis.” Reactive arthritis in particular is described as inflammation of the joints, which can occur as a result of a bowel infection. Swelling and pain occurs mainly in the knees, toes, or ankles as the first signs. Reactive arthritis is known for typically affecting young men between the age of 20 to 40 years old, although anyone can be affected.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.
In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
- Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
- Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
- Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.
It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, and Skaneateles, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Gut Bacteria and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, or a condition in which the body attacks itself. Bacteria in the gut has been found to predict susceptibility of rheumatoid arthritis. Experts were able to study microbes that were normally low in healthy individuals, but high in people with rheumatoid arthritis. This study could be used to predict if someone is likely to have rheumatoid arthritis in the future.
Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.
Symptoms
- Swelling & pain in the feet
- Stiffness in the feet
- Pain on the ball or sole of feet
- Joint shift and deformation
Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, and Skaneateles, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Shoe Shopping Tips
It is very important to make sure the shoes you wear fit properly. Manager of Charm City Run manager, Caroline Pinkin, says the biggest mistake shoe shoppers make is buying running shoes that are a size too small. Runners should always look for a shoe that is half a size or a full size larger than the size of their foot. A lot of dangerous foot problems can be caused by wearing the wrong size shoe. Some of these injuries include: IT band issues, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints.
Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Proper Shoe Fitting
A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:
- Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
- Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
- Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
- Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity
Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes is vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, and Skaneateles, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Italian Footballer Undergoes Foot Surgery
Italian footballer, Rolando Mandragora recently underwent surgery on a metatarsal injury. The surgery aimed to reduce the synthesis of the fifth metatarsal in his left foot. The surgeon who performed the operation announced that everything was successful, and that Mandragora can start rehabilitation soon. However, he isn’t expected to make a return until about three or four months.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:
- Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
- Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
- Cosmetic reconstruction
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
- Bunionectomy for painful bunions
- Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
- Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Liverpool, Camillus, and Skaneateles, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
