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Minimalist Shoes Mimic the Feeling of Running Barefoot
If you’re interested in trying out barefoot running, opt for starting out with minimalist shoes first. Minimalist shoes usually have flat or thin soles, which give the impression of a barefoot feeling. These shoes can potentially help promote good foot form, strengthen your feet, and reduce the risk of injury as our feet become stronger. Running in a natural form is popular among athletes, especially when training or exercising on rugged terrain.
Barefoot running has its own share of benefits and disadvantages. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Barefoot Running
The Impact of Barefoot Running
-Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
-Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.
The Advantages of Barefoot Running
-When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced, this can reduce stress injuries.
-It strengthens muscles in the feet and ankles and the lower legs.
-Balance of the body is improved and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.
The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running
-No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
-Blisters may form.
-Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
-Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.
So what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.
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 care needs.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Linked to Overall Body Health
Rheumatoid arthritis is known as an autoimmune chronic disease that causes irritation and disability in the joints, and which may be caused by genetic and health condition factors. Rheumatoid arthritis is also found to be more common among women than in men. The disease may be linked to overall body health, with a person’s diet affecting the risk of developing the disease. Smoking is also suggested to increase the risk of the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.
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 will treat your foot and ankle needs.
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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, and Skaneateles, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Various Complications Arise from Habitual High Heel Wear
According to podiatrist Lorcan O’Donaile, wearing high heels is extremely damaging to the feet, as they increase the weight underneath the ball of the foot and restrict the ankles. The calves are also tightened and shortened as the body’s posture is shifted. This can lead to lower back, neck, and shoulder pain. Walking in high heels is the most damaging for both your feet and your back. High heels not only shift the entire biomechanics of your feet and gait, but they can also lead to bunion deformities.
High heels have a history for causing foot and ankle problems. 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.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because their style and societal appeal. Despite this, they can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
What parts my body will be affected by high heels?
- Ankle Joints
- Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
- Balls of the Feet
- Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
- Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.
What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?
- Corns
- Calluses
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Plantar Fasciitis
How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available.
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 care needs.
The Biomechanics of Feet Explained by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
According to Dr. Terry Philbin, orthopedic surgeon and spokesman for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, toes serve many different functions, including gripping ability. The foot can be explained by its three segments: the hindfoot, or the heel and ankle, the midfoot or the arch and ball, and the forefoot or the big and little toes. The hindfoot acts as a shock-absorber, absorbing force from the ground as we walk or run. Toes make it possible for us to walk in a standard gait, propelling ourselves forward.
Proper foot care is important for biomechanics of the feet, which incorporate the parts that manage the movement of your feet. If you have any concerns,contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
A History of Biomechanics
- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974 biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination to the area.
Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, moments and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured.
Advances in materials and more awareness of biomechanics have developed enhanced corrective methods, offering further options for foot-related injuries. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
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 care needs.
James Harden Sustained Ankle Injury, Hasn’t Missed Game Yet
James Harden of the Houston Rockets sprained his ankle in the game at Atlanta. Harden has not yet missed a game this season, and was expected to play against Oklahoma City Thunder. “Every day has been improving and getting better. I’ve been rehabbing and getting treatment every single day, icing it just doing things that hopefully will put me in position to play tonight,” Harden said of his ankle sprain injury.
Ankle sprains are common, but need immediate attention.If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What are the Symptoms?
- Mild to moderate bruising
- Limited mobility
- Swelling
- Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)
Preventing a Sprain
- Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
- Stretching before exercises and sports
- Knowing your limits can aid in prevention
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
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 care needs.
Foot Exercises are Important for Maintaining Proper Muscle and Foot Function
There are many different muscles in the foot that control our movement. There exist the local, or intrinsic, muscles and the global muscles in our feet, both of which are essential to our everyday activities. Our feet’s arches are also necessary for maintaining proper foot function. Training and strengthening your feet are important in preventing foot injuries. Different exercises for your feet include the short foot exercise, toe splaying, big toe presses, leg swings, and calf raises.
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.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you to 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 often we 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 not to have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure its good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rise, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, also flexing the toes and involving the shins may help too. It is best to speak with your doctor regarding how to do these fitness steps and how often is right for you. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different and it varies from individual to individual to determine what should be done for you to maintain strength in your feet.
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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, and Skaneateles, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Take Care of Your Feet Often with DIY Methods
Taking care of your feet is as simple as spending a few minutes at home every day tending to them and wearing the right shoes. Take care of your feet by washing, exfoliating, and moisturizing daily. Avoid wearing uncomfortable shoes such as high heels or flip flops, either of which offer no support for the feet and strain your joints. Coconut oil is good for moisturizing, and lemon juice is good for soaking your feet in. Bananas are also good for hydrating your feet.
Every day foot care is very important, especially for those that are lacking the proper foot care resources. For more information about everyday foot care, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.concerns.
Every Day Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. After all, without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks. It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before, for example.
For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops.
Also, wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
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 care needs.
Managing Your Bunion Condition
Bunions are known as a common ailment on the feet, described as being a bump alongside the big toe joint. Bunions occur when the metatarsal starts shifting toward the smaller toes. Although bunions can occur at any age, many different factors can cause them. Bunions can be inherited or caused by ill-fitting tight shoes such as high heels. One common solution for bunions is putting arch support pads or orthotics in your footwear. If your bunion condition is severe, consider anti-inflammatory medications with the permission of your podiatrist.
Bunion surgery usually occurs after non-surgical methods have proved to be ineffective. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs by the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why do Bunions Form?
- Genetics – susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
- Stress on the feet – poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can cause bunions to form
How are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How are Bunions Treated?
- Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
- Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
- Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
- Orthotics or foot inserts
- Surgery
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 care needs.
Garlic Is One Solution for Treating Athlete’s Foot
Garlic may be one potential remedy to treat foot conditions like athlete’s foot. A New York Times article suggests that garlic cloves that are finely crushed and steeped in water can offer a solution as an antifungal treatment. Athlete’s foot is caused by walking barefoot on contaminated wet surfaces and is characterized by cracked toes.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal products
- Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of athlete’s foot, as well as helping you figure out which treatment options are best 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 care needs.
Foot Care is Vital to Maintain Foot Health for Diabetics
Your feet take you everywhere, making it very important that we take special care of them; this is especially true for diabetics. Many general practitioners warn that foot ailments can become extremely problematic if not treated properly. For diabetic patients nerve damage can occur, leaving them without feeling. This can be an issue if there are any cuts or sores on the feet that need special treatment. Diabetics must pay special attention to their feet regularly to avoid serious damage.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
- Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels because blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
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 care needs.
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Managing Your Bunion Condition
When your big toe bone starts shifting inward toward your second toe, this can result in a bunion forming. Bunions are a progressive problem and can keep growing to become larger. Treating your bunion condition is the optimal way for minimizing bunion growth. Orthotics is a possible treatment option for slowing the progression of your bunion problem. Surgery is considered a last option for correcting a severe bunion growth.
Bunion surgery usually occurs after non-surgical methods have proved to be ineffective. If you have any concerns, consult with one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
What is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs by the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why do Bunions Form?
- Genetics – susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
- Stress on the feet – poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can cause bunions to form
How are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How are Bunions Treated?
- Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
- Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
- Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
- Orthotics or foot inserts
- Surgery
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 care needs.
The “Disease of Kings”
Gout was commonly known as the “disease of kings” throughout history among the rich, but rates have been rising since the 1960s. Gout occurs when uric acid is unable to be properly flushed out from the body, and stays in the body, increasing uric acid levels. Those who have gout experience sudden joint pain as uric acid enters the bloodstream and circulates throughout the body. Gout can be prevented and treated by maintaining a healthy diet and by taking uric acid reducing medication.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
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 care needs.
Devin Hester of Atlanta Falcons Had Surgery for Toe Injury
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver and return specialist Devin Hester had surgery for his toe injury. Hester injured his sesamoid bone, preventing him from being able to walk and run properly. Hester will be on recovery for about 3 to 6 months and was placed on “injured reserve with a designation to return.” He says that “it was just a matter of me trying to fight through it...I knew I was hurt. ...After the season, we knew there was a good chance of having the surgery. That’s how it pretty much went.” Hester currently holds the NFL record of 20 touchdown returns, over a span of a 10-year career.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, and Skaneateles, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Plantar Fasciitis characterized by Heel Pain
Foot pain is a common condition that many people suffer from. There are several factors behind foot pain, and pain can be attributed to poor-fitting footwear, genetics, posture, or weight gain. Plantar fasciitis is one condition that is characterized by its heel pain, which typically occurs on the underside of the foot near the arch or heel. The condition can easily be prevented and treated by stretching the foot and calf regularly, wearing orthotics, icing the area with an ice pack, or wearing a night splint that stretches the foot while one is sleeping.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, consult with one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will attend to all of your podiatric needs.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
· Excessive running
· Non-supportive shoes
· Overpronation
· Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia
How Can It Be Treated?
· Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
· Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
· Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
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 care needs.
