Items filtered by date: May 2013

Brendan Mitchell will be participating in the Noosa Ultimate Sports Fest by testing barefoot running for his new book “The Shoe Conspiracy.”

Film Students from the Queensland School of Technology have teamed up with Mitchell to put this theory to the test. “I just want people to sort of realize we can’t take everything at face value because a shoe salesman says you need a $500 pair of shoes, said 19-year-old Mitchell.” After running the event, Mitchell said his feet felt okay and was not complaining of any injuries.

Allowing your body time to adjust properly to barefoot running is essential, and part of this preventative care involves talking to a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C Dr. Hyman can advise you on a running regimen, as well as provide information on techniques of barefoot running to help avoid foot pain, heel pain, and injury.

Barefoot Running

Barefoot Running Impact

-Running without shoes changes the motion of your running
-Running barefoot requires landing be done on the front part of the feet as opposed to the heel

Barefoot Running Advantages

-Running and landing on the front feet reduces the impact on the knees and ankles
-It strengthens muscles in the feet and ankles and the lower legs.
-Balance of the body is improved
-Greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

Barefoot Running Disadvantages

-No protection while running resulting in cuts and bruises if the runner lands on something sharp.
-Blisters may form.

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

Read more on Barefoot Running.

According to Deepashri V. of PostNoon.com, wearing the same shoes on a continual basis may increase the risk of athlete’s foot and fungal growth.  

Deepashri suggests allowing your feet to breathe in warm weather by wearing open shoes. Also, refrain from wearing thick socks so your feet stay more sanitary and hygienic. “It is very common. Every fourth or fifth person has it. It is very common in those with diabetes and people who always wear shoes, resulting in lack of air circulation to the feet” said Dr. Sunitha Sekhar Reddy, dermatologist at ADI clinics.

Anyone is susceptible in attaining Athlete’s foot, but can be easily avoided following the right preventative care and treatment. A podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C will be able to determine your condition and follow the appropriate treatment options for foot care needs.

What is Athlete’s Foot?

If you suffer from itching, burning, dry, and flaking feet, this may be a sign of athlete's foot. Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be extremely contagious, and it often infects shower floors, gyms, socks and shoes, and anywhere else feet may come in contact with. It is commonly found in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools. This condition can also be prevalent in "commons" areas in prisons and residential care facilities.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal product
- Examine feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts are present.

What is Tinea?

- Athlete’s foot is often caused by the same fungus that causes ringworm (tinea).
- Tinea can invade other parts of the body as well, if the proper thriving conditions for it are met.

To learn more about Athlete’s foot follow link below.

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

Read more on Athlete’s foot.

People are eager to store away their winter boots and trade them in for their spring sandals and flats now that spring is in the air. On top of this, everyone is looking forward to discovering shoes that properly fit their feet.

However, the shoes that retailers sell have been proven to be dangerous for some shoe-goers; causing problems like tendon injuries and foot pain. In the spring people should always wear a shoe that has a two-inch platform and no more than a three-inch heel, according to Kenneth Leavitt, chief of podiatric medicine at New England Baptist Hospital. “Flat shoes stress the Achilles tendon and cause extensive pronation or flattening of the feet,” Leavitt explained. “Surgery is sometimes warranted for severe, chronic foot pain to fix it.”

It is important that the proper shoes are worn for protection against pain and discomfort. A podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C can make recommendations and help you with any foot pain you might have experienced from wearing ill-fitting footwear.

The Importance of Proper Foot Support

Walking is an everyday function for both men and women, and in order to keep your body’s balance in order, you are going to need shoes that provide the proper kinds of support.

Poor foot support can cause pain and discomfort in the lower back, hips, knees, neck and shoulder. It also can lead to emotional stress, and physiological changes in the body. In order to avoid these problems, you must have proper foot support.

The arch is the most important part of the foot, which is where most of the support and balance of your feet lies. The arch of your foot varies in height, and as you age, this height can change. Proper foot support will help musculoskeletal issues, which causes inactivity or disability.

Shoes to Consider:

• Good heel and arch support
• Have proper length and width for your feet
• Avoid tight/cramped shoes
• Have many eyelets –will give feet better support when the laces are tied

To learn more about proper foot support, please follow link below.

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

Read the full article on Proper Foot Support.

At an event in Sanford, NC; 60 children received shoes donated by New Balance and Aetrex and their parents a free lesson on the importance of proper footwear. According to founder of FootCentric and physical therapist Pat Pande, the importance of healthy feet is often overlooked.

“We want to get kids (proper footwear) while they’re young and before they destroy their feet,” Pande commented, “You’d be surprised how many kids have bad feet by 6 or 7 years old.”

The event was sponsored by FootCentric, and one of a series of events held at least twice per year across the state.

It is very important to keep children’s feet safe and healthy, so be sure to have their feet regularly checked by a podiatrist such as Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can diagnose any injuries as well as provide treatment options that work for you and your child.
Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet in childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care from birth to school-age.

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

• Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet
• Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.  Be sure the child wears comfortable and protective shoes so that they can grow into their feet properly.

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet

• Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus
• Be watchful of any pain or injury
• Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible
• Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play

To learn more about keeping children’s feet healthy, follow link below.

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

Read more on Keeping Children’s Feet Healthy.