Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
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Who May Benefit From an Ankle-Foot Orthosis
An ankle-foot orthosis, or AFO, is a device worn on the lower leg and foot to support, align, or improve function for people with weakness, deformities, or injuries affecting the ankle and foot. Common causes for needing an AFO include muscle weakness in the ankle, nerve injuries, arthritis, fractures, or conditions that change normal walking patterns. Symptoms that indicate an AFO may help include difficulty lifting the foot while walking, instability in the ankle, pain during movement, and frequent tripping or fatigue in the lower leg. An AFO works by maintaining proper alignment, preventing the foot from dragging, and providing support during walking, including heel contact during standing. Different types, such as plastic AFOs, hinged designs, and leaf-spring AFOs, offer varying levels of support and flexibility depending on the user’s needs. If foot or ankle weakness is affecting your daily mobility, it is suggested that you schedule an evaluation with a podiatrist to further discuss AFO benefits.
Custom orthotics are specialized shoe inserts created to support and align the feet according to each person’s unique structure and walking pattern. They are an effective way to relieve foot discomfort caused by conditions such as flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel pain. When the natural alignment of the foot is off balance, it can lead to pressure points, strain, and pain that affect how a person stands, walks, and moves. Orthotics work by redistributing weight evenly and supporting the arch to reduce stress on the muscles, tendons, and joints of the feet and lower legs.
Foot discomfort can develop for many reasons, including wearing improper footwear, long hours of standing, repetitive motion, or underlying structural problems. Over time, this discomfort can extend beyond the feet, contributing to knee, hip, or lower back pain. Custom orthotics help correct these issues by improving alignment and promoting more efficient movement. They are made using precise measurements and imaging to ensure the best fit for each patient, providing targeted support and cushioning where it is needed most.
Unlike generic insoles, custom orthotics are durable, medically designed, and tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply seeking better comfort and stability, orthotics can make a noticeable difference in how your feet feel throughout the day.
If you are experiencing persistent foot discomfort or fatigue, it may be time to have your feet evaluated by a podiatrist. Call our office today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ .
Ingrown Toenail Causes and Minor Surgery for Relief
An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to irritation and inflammation. This condition often affects the big toe and can become painful, if left untreated. Common causes of ingrown toenails include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, injury, and inherited nail shape. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, tenderness, drainage, and infection. Risk factors include diabetes, poor circulation, and excessive sweating. When conservative care does not relieve symptoms, a minor in-office procedure may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the nail and prevent recurrence. A podiatrist can safely perform the procedure and provide guidance for proper healing. If your ingrown toenail has become uncomfortable or infected, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. 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 alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
- Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
- 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 our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
How Balance Changes With Age and Why It Matters
As people grow older, balance can become less reliable due to changes in strength, sensation, vision, and reaction time. Reduced nerve feedback from the feet and ankles, joint stiffness, and muscle weakness all affect how the body stays upright during movement. Certain medications and chronic conditions may further interfere with coordination. When balance declines, the risk of falls increases, which can lead to injuries, loss of independence, and reduced confidence with daily activities. Early attention can make a meaningful difference. Wearing supportive footwear, strength and stability exercises, vision care, and management of underlying foot or ankle issues may help improve steadiness. Addressing foot pain or altered sensation is especially important, since the feet provide critical feedback for balance control. If unsteadiness, frequent tripping, or a fear of falling develops, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and appropriate care.
If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.
It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.
Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities.
Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.
Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Protecting Your Feet While Working in the Kitchen
Working in a kitchen often requires long hours of standing, walking, and moving quickly on hard surfaces, which can place significant strain on the feet and ankles. Prioritizing foot comfort is essential to prevent pain and fatigue. Wearing supportive non-slip shoes helps improve stability and reduce the risk of slips and falls. Using anti-fatigue mats can cushion hard floors and decrease pressure on joints, and taking regular breaks to rest the feet allows muscles to recover and circulation to improve. Additionally, wearing compression socks may also support blood flow and reduce swelling during extended shifts. If you have foot pain during your work day, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, and guide you on the right shoes to wear.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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