Items filtered by date: March 2016

University of Michigan guard, Caris Levert, has finally discussed his stress fracture in his lower extremity. The senior co-captain was left unable to play for six weeks due to the injury in his ankle and claims that he did not once wonder if he would ever be able to play for his school again. As he has become well again with the help of rest and rehab, Levert states, “I was thinking positive. That's what I came back in my senior year for, to play in games and things like that. I tried to stay positive throughout the whole process.”

Activities, where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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 office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

If you do a lot of swimming, make sure you take precautions to ensure that you keep your feet clean, especially in public locker rooms or in swimming pool areas. Areas like swimming pools can be a factor for a number of skin infections, such as athlete’s foot or plantar warts. Bacteria thrives in moist places, and both athlete’s foot and plantar warts are highly contagious. It is recommended not to wear outdoor shoes in wet public places, and to wear clean footwear. Avoid using public gear and bring your own.  

Swimming is a great way to exercise the feet. If you have any questions regarding the benefits of swimming on the feet, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Benefits of Swimming and Foot care

Our feet receive the most stress on a daily basis. Walking, running, and long standing contribute to pain and stress on the feet. Swimming helps promote circulation and keep the body feeling great and healthy.

Benefits of swimming:

Improve blood circulation

• Swimming is a good, safe way to get in extra physical activity and improve circulation, without causing further trauma to the feet

Relieve aches or pains

• It takes all the pressure off of them, allowing the feet to relax and recover, and improves blood flow to them.

Circulation overall for diabetics

• Swimming contributes to blood flow, and increase oxygen levels within the body.

Reduce foot inflammation

• Swimming in warm water can increase blood flow and make it easier to move and stretch the afflicted foot. The feet are also exposed in water, giving them much needed air.

Swimming the helpful alternative:

Many people like the elderly and diabetics suffer from weakened muscles and joints. A water sport like swimming will support the body, thus allowing him or her to move freely. Blood flow circulation is a main trigger to tired inflamed feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about the Benefits of Swimming and Foot Care

High heels can do noticeable damage to your feet if you wear them for long periods of time, so make sure to care for your tender feet the proper way following your ordeal. Look for high heels that are comfortable and that fit your feet, but also allow for some space for your toes. After wearing high heels, “soak your feet in hot water with epsom salt for at least 15 minutes,” and opt for doing yoga exercises to stretch your sore muscles. Make sure that your toenails are trimmed so that they don’t cause discomfort when wearing heels. Give your feet proper rest following wearing high heels.

High heels have a history for causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. 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 our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about the effects of high heels.

Jared Allen of the Carolina Panthers suffered a foot injury during a game against the Seattle Seahawks. While the broken bone is near his pinky toe, the defensive end still intended on playing through it. Allen was initially able to play through it and even though surgery was almost guaranteed, it appeared as though the 33 year old was going to continue to play through the pain for as long as possible.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, see one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will treat your heel pain symptoms in addition to other podiatric-related 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 our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about a broken toe.