According to a Northwest University Study, even small amounts of exercise can have a positive impact on the health of those living with arthritis.  The federal guidelines suggest that arthritic patients should practice “150 minutes of moderate activity per week,” and that this will help ease the pain and stiffness associated with the disease.  The study, however, which consisted of 1600 adults aged 49 or older, showed that even subjects who did only 45 minutes of brisk walking a week were “80 percent more likely to improve or sustain physical function and gait speed.”  If you are suffering from arthritis in the feet or anywhere else, a little walking may go a long way.  

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 the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to 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 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, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

According to findings presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting, patients with higher weights are more susceptible to foot pain. Instructor of Medicine Alyssa B. Dufour of Harvard Medical School and her colleagues studied 28 different measures over 57 years to identify the trajectories of weight in the Framingham Foot Study. After five such trajectories were established, patterns began to develop that showed a correlation between higher weight over time and higher levels of foot pain.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

For those with rheumatoid arthritis, the risk of heart attacks is at least 60 percent higher than those without the condition “thought to be linked to the inflammation caused by the disease on affected joints.” As rheumatoid arthritis leads to the inflammation, swelling, and potential immobility of our body’s joints, there are several medical treatments such as biologic drugs that can be used to slow down the deterioration of the joints from this autoimmune disease.  Researchers from the British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Register for Rheumatoid Arthritis (BSRBR-RA) conducted a study on rheumatoid arthritis patients, determining that tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) drugs helped to eliminate the proteins that led to inflammation. These drugs reduced the risk of heart attacks by “almost 40 percent,” compared to those who were only taking synthetic disease modifying therapies (sDMARD), which are used to slow down the progression of deterioration of joints.

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 of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

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 and 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, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Among foot conditions, corns and calluses are often seen as some of the more harmless concerns. Regardless, if either condition does become troublesome, there are methods available for removal. Because calluses are essentially small areas of thick, hardened skin, softening them can help aid in their removal. Soaking the feet in warm water and avoiding using harsh soaps while washing can help maintain softness of the skin. Hard areas can also be buffed away using a pumice stone. If you are suffering from corns or calluses and seek ways to remove them, consult with your podiatrist.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Walking is a simple exercise and is one of the easiest that can bring about great results for one’s health. While conditions for walking are often great during the spring, summer and fall, the coldness of the winter often makes it hard to maintain a regular walking regimen. Unless the weather outside is extreme, consider the following recommendations to help get you outside: Check the wind chill before heading out, dress for the weather, invest in the right footwear, stretch to warm up the muscles, stay hydrated, adjust your route to match the conditions outside, and wear reflective clothing when it’s dark.

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 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 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 and ankle needs.

Read more about exercising your feet.

According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), it’s important to keep your feet safe during the winter months with proper footwear. Proper winter footwear should provide traction against the snow and icy surfaces. The footwear should also keep your feet warm, insulated, and be water-resistant. Proper protection can help ward off against poor blood circulation caused by the cold. Wearing breathable, moisture-resistant socks can also offer greater protection, as keeping the feet dry is just as important as keeping them warm.

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 will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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 are 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 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.

Read more about proper shoe fitting.

When it comes to maintaining foot health, wearing properly-fitting shoes is important. While wearing the appropriate pair of shoes may seem like a trivial concern, the reality is that improperly fitted shoes cause an astounding amount of injuries to the feet. The overall structure and the biomechanics of our bodies are directly affected by our posture, gait, and feet. Because of this, pain and discomfort felt throughout the body are often related to a problem in the feet. And, most foot problems usually stem from improper footwear.

Shoes should not be purchased with the expectation that they will easily stretch and contort to the size and shape of your feet. When shopping for footwear, look for shoes that fit correctly and comfortably as soon as you put them on. Do not purchase shoes that are too large or that slip in the heel area when you walk. Do not choose shoes that are loose with the intention of wearing thicker socks to compensate for the space. The widest portion of the shoe, the ball of the foot, must be made sure to fit comfortably in the shoe.

Keeping all of these suggestions in mind may be difficult when shopping and when trying to select from a wide array of different shoes. Nonetheless, your time and money will be wasted if you purchase a pair of shoes that are too uncomfortable for you to actually wear them. After finally selecting and purchasing a pair of shoes, try them on at home. To truly ensure whether or not your shoes fit comfortably with normal activity, walk around on a carpeted surface to determine how they feel on your feet.

The possibility of damaging your feet’s 33 joints, 26 bones, and 100+ ligaments is much higher than many people suspect. Finding an appropriate and properly-fitted pair of shoes is perhaps the single most important action you can take to maintain excellent foot health and help prevent injury. The fact that our feet continue to change with age is one that many people often forget. Even if our feet no longer change in size when we mature, our feet will still change in shape.

If you already have pre-existing foot problems, there is a greater possibility that wearing improperly-fitted shoes will worsen those problems. The good news, however, is that appropriate footwear is not difficult to find. While shopping for shoes, remember that improper footwear can detrimentally affect the feet, the entire body and its biomechanical structure as well. The shoes you wear can greatly impact your legs, back, and entire body, as your posture and gait are related to your feet. Finding and selecting the best properly-fitted shoes is necessary in achieving optimal health.

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.

Read more about Orthotics

If you have symptoms of pain, stiffness, or balance problems in your feet, then you may have fallen arches, or flat feet. Flat feet can be diagnosed by observing how you stand and walk, and tests that gauge flexibility can as well. MRI’s and X-rays can also be useful in determining if you suffer from this disorder. Not only is having flat feet potentially very painful, it can also cause many other problems related to the feet and spine. If you think you have flat feet, it is important to consult a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What are Flat Feet?

Flat feet are a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. Standing about 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arch never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – if you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms:

Pain around the heel or arch area

Trouble standing on the tip toe.

Swelling around the inside of the ankle.

Flat look to one or both feet.

Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment:

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of 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 and ankle needs.

Read more about Flat Feet

Flatfoot is a foot condition in which the arch of the foot has either partially or totally dropped or has never developed. While it is common in babies and small children, it can become a problem for them in adulthood if the arch never forms. For adults, the development of flat feet can be brought upon by injury, as a result of pregnancy due to increased elasticity, or obesity. Those who have health concerns such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes may also be at greater risk for developing the condition.

If you suspect that you have flat feet, it is best to consult your podiatrist. Your foot doctor will examine the suspected foot and observe how it looks while you sit and stand. He or she may take an X-ray to determine how serious the condition is. Some common signs of flatfoot include toe drift, in which the toes and front part of the foot point outward, a short Achilles tendon, and a heel that tilts outwardly while the ankle tilts inward.

Once flatfoot has been diagnosed, your podiatrist may suggest one of several treatment options. Flat feet can be rigid, in which the feet appear to have no arch even when the person is not standing; or flexible, in which the person appears to have an arch while not standing, but once standing the arch disappears. Those with flexible flatfoot may be told to reduce any activities that cause pain and to avoid extended periods of walking or standing. Another suggestion may be weight loss, as excessive weight may be placing pressure on the arches

In few cases, if the condition is severe and all other methods have been exhausted surgery may be required. This is normally avoided, however, due to a lengthy recovery time and high cost.