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Monday, 08 February 2016 16:18

Portland Trail Blazers Damian Lillard Out With Plantar Fasciitis

heel pain01 Two of the Portland Trail Blazers basketball players will be out due to injuries and unable to play in the game against the Sacramento Kings. Damian Lillard is recovering from plantar fasciitis and is unable to run in the court. Lillard seems to be limited in leg and foot motion by his condition. He is currently receiving physical therapy.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, L.L.C.. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

· Excessive running

· Non-supportive shoes

· Overpronation

· Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

· Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices

· Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis

· Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Byron Maxwell Sustains Sprained Ankle Against Buffalo Bills

$stress fractures2$ During a game against the Buffalo Bills, Byron Maxwell was left unable to walk due to a sprained ankle. The cornerback still played the rest of the game despite the injury and will continue to play and practice for the foreseeable future. “It was a little swollen. I could barely walk. As the week gets deeper, I'm getting better. I can walk. It’s an ankle sprain. It’s not a high ankle,” Maxwell stated during a press conference.

Ankle sprains are common, but need immediate attention. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, L.L.C.. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What are the Symptoms?

Mild to moderate bruising
Limited mobility
Swelling
Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
Stretching before exercises and sports
Knowing your limits can aid in prevention

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Going Barefoot Can Help Strengthen Intrinsic Foot Muscles

running Will wearing comfy running shoes add to the likelihood of foot injuries? According to mensjournal.com, this may be true. As you run in shoes, the intrinsic muscles, “or little muscles in your feet” often do little to no work. As a result, your feet may become prone to injury as your feet become used to the cushion in your shoes. Running barefoot can help strengthen your intrinsic muscles and your overall balance. Going barefoot is a beneficial activity, but must be eased into, especially if you haven’t exercised regularly while barefoot before. Mensjournal.com suggests a core workout for your feet to help ease the transition into barefoot running, which include strengthening your heels.

Barefoot running has its own share of benefits and disadvantages. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, L.L.C.. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Barefoot Running

The Impact of Barefoot Running
-Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
-Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.

The Advantages of Barefoot Running
-When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced; this can reduce stress injuries.
-It strengthens muscles in the feet, ankles and the lower legs.
-Balance of the body is improved and there is greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running
-No protection while running makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, resulting in bruises and cuts on the feet.
-Blisters may form.
-Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
-Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.

So what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.

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

Dutch Shoe Designer Creates New High Heels

high heel14 Dutch shoe designer Marloes ten Bhomer has created a conceptual high heel designed to contour the foot better than regular high heels. The shoe also supports the foot better than most shoes in general. In order to create the shoe, Bhomer researched cultural connotations of women’s footwear at the Stanley Picker Gallery at Kingston University in London. The shoe was also designed based on the natural movement of women’s feet, designed to move the wearer forward.

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 Active Foot and Ankle Care, L.L.C.. Our doctor 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 offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Monday, 11 January 2016 09:19

Golden State Warriors Harrison Barnes Suffers Ankle Injury

broken foot5 Starting small forward Harrison Barnes of the Golden State Warriors will have to miss the game against the Kings because of a sprained left ankle injury. The details of his injury are unknown as the team awaits test results from his examination. Brandon Rush may be expected to sub in for Barnes. Barnes averages 50 percent in shooting and 38.9 percent behind the arc.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

What are the Symptoms?

Mild to moderate bruising
Limited mobility
Swelling
Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
Stretching before exercises and sports
Knowing your limits can aid in prevention

Treatment of a Sprain

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Treating Your Feet After Sports Injuries

foot care8 Dr. Michael Sisk, an orthopaedic surgeon at Steamboat Springs, advises taking care of your feet following foot and ankle injuries. It’s essential to act after sustaining an injury, and common treatments include surgery, physical therapy, stretching, and orthotics. Sisk recommends wearing shoes with good support to avoid sports injuries. Taking a break from physical activity is crucial to the healing of your injury, as well as seeing a doctor immediately after sustaining the injury.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries need proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, L.L.C.. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Sport Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciosis
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles Tendon Rupture
Ankle Sprains

Sports-related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Monday, 28 December 2015 02:19

Foot Exercises to Increase Marathon Stamina

stretching4 According to Yahoo! Health, there are some simple exercises you can do for your feet that can help increase your 5k marathon time, and just your overall foot health as well. There is the ladder exercise, in which you mimic climbing a ladder. The jump rope is the next movement you can perform without an actual jump rope but which can help increase your agility. Mini hurdles are another suggested workout which can also help with your balance and stamina.

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 Active Foot and Ankle Care, L.L.C.. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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 our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Antonio Valencia to have Foot Surgery

ankle surgery Antonio Valencia of Manchester United had to have foot surgery after the progression of an injury he sustained in a goalless Manchester derby last month. The injury he sustained damaged his left foot’s bone. Valencia went on to continue playing, which may have further damaged his foot. He is currently on bedrest for as long as the next five months as he recovers from his surgery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. If you have any concerns about your foot and ankle needs contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, L.L.C. Our doctors will treat 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 help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:

Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
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 concerns feel free contact our offices located in Fair Lawn and Riverdale, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The Proper Care for Preventing Ingrown Toenails

While ingrown toenails can become painful and problematic, there are ways to reduce and prevent the pain. Trim straight across and never on a curve while only cutting the tip; you don’t want to cut them too short. Avoid digging the nail clipper into the corner of the nail beds, filing them down is the best option. Wearing shoes with a wider toe box can keep the pressure off the toes, preventing ingrown toenails from occurring.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. If you have any concerns contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, L.L.C. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

Bacterial infections
Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any concerns feel free contact our offices located in Fair Lawn and Riverdale, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Warm Winter Shoes Necessary for Growing Feet this Winter

childrens feet14 With the winter months coming closer, it is important to maintain your children’s feet by finding the proper shoe concerning support, fit, and warmth. Children grow quickly, so it is important to have their feet measured every two months or so to ensure a proper fit. Wearing shoes that are too small or too big can lead to developmental problems. Since most parents are interested in buying boots for the winter months, make sure that the collar of the boot sits comfortably around the ankle bone and heel since having a collar that is too tight can cause blisters on the feet.

Taking care of your children’s feet is essential in development. If you have any concerns contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, L.L.C. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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

Children of all ages are constantly developing and growing, and as a parent you want to make sure that nothing is hindering their maturation.

If you have any concerns feel free contact our offices located in Fair Lawn and Riverdale, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 30 November 2015 16:18

University Students donate Shoes to over 300 Children

childrens feet11 Student athletes from the University of Central Arkansas shoes to over 300 Conway children through the international project Shoes of Hope. The project aims to bring children together by washing their feet and then giving them a new pair of shoes. For this event, the University’s athletes raised over $5,000. Graham Gibbs of Samaritan’s Feet shared, “60 percent of kids K through 12 in Arkansas are either on or eligible for free and reduced lunches. So that’s a demographic stat that we use to gauge need. If they’re needing food, they’re needing clothes, they’re needing shoes.”

Looking out for potential foot and ankle injuries as well as general health is vital in maintaining proper development in children’s feet. If you have any concerns contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

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 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

Children of all ages are constantly developing and growing, and as a parent you want to make sure that nothing is hindering their maturation.

If you have any questions, please contact our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Monday, 23 November 2015 18:09

New Medications May Help Severe RA Sufferers

toenail fungus7 A new form of medications for rheumatoid arthritis patients called Janus kinase inhibitors (JAK inhibitors) has the potential to help patients with moderate to severe RA. The way these JAK inhibitors work is by suppressing a person’s immune system back to its basic roots, reverting the body back to its normal function instead of attacking its own joints like rheumatoid arthritis does. However, these JAK inhibitors have different side effects on different patients, so understanding more about them by doing your own research is highly recommended..

RA can be extremely problematic and painful. For more information about Rheumatoid Arthritis and its symptoms, consult with one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care LLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

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 & 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.

For more information about rheumatoid arthritis please follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swimming Great for Pregnant Women’s Body and Feet

swimming4 Because pregnant women put such stress on their feet, finding the right forms of exercise during their pregnancy is essential. One of those exercises is water aerobics, in which you perform aerobic activities in the water in tune with music, building stamina and endurance while also releasing endorphins to relax the mind. The use of water aerobics to remain active during pregnancy as well ease the soreness of swollen feet can be essential to pregnancy health

Swimming is a great way to exercise the feet. If you have any questions regarding the benefits of swimming on the feet, consider contacting one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will explain the unique health advantages this activity has and recommend some simple exercises.

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 offices located in Fair Lawn and Riverdale, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Monday, 09 November 2015 03:16

UFC Fighter Suffers Broken Toe and Broken Foot

corns2 A month before her UFC debut fight, Jessica Aguilar says she suffered a broken toe and broken foot, both on her right foot. It turned out to be a lose-lose situation for Aguilar during her fight with Claudia Gadelha who ended her 10-fight win streak. Aguilar told FOX sports that she “learned from her decision and won’t be doing that again” in regards to trying to fight with a severely debilitated right foot. Aguilar has not called for a return-date and is taking her foot injury much more serious now.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle 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 concerns please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn and Riverdale, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Blog

Portland Trail Blazers Damian Lillard Out With Plantar Fasciitis

Byron Maxwell Sustains Sprained Ankle Against Buffalo Bills

Going Barefoot Can Help Strengthen Intrinsic Foot Muscles

Dutch Shoe Designer Creates New High Heels

Golden State Warriors Harrison Barnes Suffers Ankle Injury

Treating Your Feet After Sports Injuries

Foot Exercises to Increase Marathon Stamina

Antonio Valencia to have Foot Surgery

The Proper Care for Preventing Ingrown Toenails

Warm Winter Shoes Necessary for Growing Feet this Winter

More...

University Students donate Shoes to over 300 Children

New Medications May Help Severe RA Sufferers

Swimming Great for Pregnant Women’s Body and Feet

UFC Fighter Suffers Broken Toe and Broken Foot

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