Items filtered by date: October 2024

Intoeing, commonly referred to as pigeon toes, is a condition where a child's feet point inward when walking or standing. This alignment issue is often noticeable during infancy and can persist into later childhood. Factors that contribute to intoeing, include genetic predisposition and the natural development of the musculoskeletal system. In infants, intoeing may result from the position in the womb, as tight spaces can affect foot positioning. As children grow, it can be linked to conditions such as femoral anteversion, where the thigh bone is rotated inward, or tibial torsion, where the shinbone twists. While intoeing often improves as children grow, persistent cases may require evaluation by a podiatrist. If your child has this condition, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively monitor intoeing.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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 care needs.

Improving balance is an important way to reduce the risk of falls, especially as people age. Foot-related issues such as nerve damage, weakened muscles, and joint problems can disrupt balance and increase the risk of injury. Exercises that focus on foot strength and flexibility are helpful in maintaining stability. Finding supportive footwear that fits well can also make a significant difference by providing a stable base. A podiatrist can assess any medical conditions that affect your feet, such as fallen arches or neuropathy. Custom orthotics, certain exercises, or assistive devices can help to improve your balance. Scheduling regular foot check-ups is a good way to detect early signs of issues that might contribute to instability. Making small changes, such as decluttering walkways and ensuring adequate lighting, can reduce hazards at home. If you have fallen and have injured your foot or ankle, or at risk for falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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 care needs.

Maintaining a consistent foot care routine is vital for overall foot health and can prevent common issues such as infections and discomfort. Start by washing your feet daily with mild soap and warm water, including between the toes. After washing, dry your feet thoroughly to prevent moisture buildup. Regularly moisturize the skin, focusing on the heels and any dry areas, but avoid the spaces between the toes to prevent fungal growth. Check your toenails frequently, trimming them straight across to avoid ingrown nails. Wearing breathable shoes and changing socks daily can also help keep feet dry and healthy. Lastly, consider giving your feet a break with gentle stretches and massages to improve circulation. If you have developed foot conditions from lack of practicing a regular foot care routine, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot ailments and advise you on a foot care routine that is right for you.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday 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. 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 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. 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 our office located in Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Injury prevention is vital for runners, and incorporating both static and dynamic stretches into a routine can significantly enhance performance and reduce the risk of injuries. Static stretches involve holding a position for a period, promoting flexibility and helping to lengthen muscles. Common static stretches for runners include hamstring and calf stretches, which can alleviate tension after a run. Conversely, dynamic stretches involve active movements that prepare the body for exercise, such as leg swings and walking lunges. These movements increase blood flow to the muscles and improve range of motion, making them ideal before hitting the track or trail. By integrating both types of stretching, runners can enhance their overall flexibility, strengthen key muscle groups, and create a solid foundation for injury-free running. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you relief options, and guide you on additional running injury prevention stretches.

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 of The Podiatry Center, PC. 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 our office located in Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Basketball players often face foot and ankle injuries due to the sport's high-impact and dynamic nature. Common injuries include muscle strains, stress fractures, midfoot sprains, and Achilles tendon injuries. Muscle strains occur from sudden movements or excessive stress on the leg muscles. Stress fractures, often caused by repetitive impact, can lead to pain and swelling. Midfoot sprains result from twisting or rolling the foot, while Achilles tendon injuries usually arise from intense jumping or sprinting. To reduce the risk of these injuries, players should focus on proper warm-ups, strengthen their muscles through targeted exercises, and use supportive footwear. Additionally, practicing good technique and maintaining overall physical conditioning can help prevent common foot and ankle issues. If you enjoy playing basketball and have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can treat it accordingly.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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 care needs.