Monday, 02 November 2015 01:49

Tips to Avoid Running Injuries this Fall

running shoe9As the cooler Fall weather begins to take over, more people will head outdoors for a run. Here are a few tips to help prevent common foot injuries this season. Achilles tendonitis can usually occur when the tendon between the heel and calf muscle becomes over stressed. Rehabbing the area with ice and anti-inflammatories can help prevent the injury from becoming any more severe. Plantar fasciitis mostly occurs in the heel of the foot and can result in pain all over the body if not properly treated. Stretching and applying ice to the area. Additionally strengthening and stretching the foot, calves, and Achilles tendon can reduce the pain. While injuries typically occur when workouts are intensified, make sure to take it easy and give your feet the proper care they need.

Runners can still be prone to running injuries even with proper precautions. If you are suffering from a running injury see one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will provide you with quality treatment and assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns.

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

Read more about How to Prevent Running Injuries

Monday, 26 October 2015 14:50

Start-Up Creates Orthotic Flip-Flop

orthotics5Jackson Hole, WY based Kickstarter company Foot Flops have created a line of heat-molded orthotic flip-flop styles this week. Foot Flops customizable to each owner’s foot using patent pending HEAT technology made from Thermo-Form foam. The flip-flops are heated in an oven for five to seven minutes and are stepped on immediately upon removal for precision of support. The Foot Flop creation takes up to twenty minutes to cool and complete.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain, but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct over arched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you, or if you have a more severe foot issue, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and more severe heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses, and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist on the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain free.

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

Read more about Orthotics

fungal toenail2Jacboy Jones, wide receiver for the Chargers, has been temporarily sidelined for what appears to be a minor ankle sprain. The injury occurred during the Week 1 win over the Lions. While Jones is a key player for the team, Branden Oliver and Keenan Allen are likely to take over for him until he is ready and healthy enough to join the team again. Should Oliver and Allen not be available or prepared fourth receiver Dontrelle Inman will step up.

Ankle sprains are common, but need immediate attention. If you have any concerns about your potential ankle sprain contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors 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 Fair Lawn and Riverdale, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about ankle sprains.

foot ankle injuriesDetroit Lions rookie Alex Carter is doing his best to get back into shape after suffering an ankle injury. “I’m still doing as much as I can right now. We’re still working on the progression, getting back. But this week will be a good week for me,” Carter stated during a press conference. Although the Detroit Lions are pleased to potentially have Carter back, Coach Jim Caldwell has stated that they are in no way rushing the healing process.

Getting back into sports after injuring a foot or ankle can be very difficult for both the body and mind. See one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Getting Back into Sports after Foot and Ankle Injuries

While one of the most common injuries among athletes may be a sprained ankle, there are still many other types of injuries that plague athletes in any sport. But for less severe foot and ankle injuries, it is recommended by physical therapists and sports medicine doctors that athletes use the R.I.C.E. method to help alleviate pain and to speed up the healing process.

The acronym R.I.C.E. stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These four steps help in the healing process, not only to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, but also to improve overall health of the affected area, allowing you to get back on to your feet again. Although resting is usually the key to all healing, it is necessary to see a doctor to ensure treatment for any other problems that may not be obvious to you right away.

It is best for injured athletes to allow themselves time to heal. Some athletes need hours of re-training, exercise, check-ups with their physical therapist, and other remedies.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices in Fairlawn, Englewood, and Riverdale, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Getting Back into Sports after Foot and Ankle Injuries

Monday, 05 October 2015 14:25

Surgery Not the Only Option for Hammertoes

corns2Many patients often have the misconception that conditions such as hammertoes can only be treated and cured through surgery. But such minor conditions can effectively be managed with treatments such as ultrasound-guided injections, which send anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of pain, and shock wave therapy, which promotes soft-tissue healing. Physical therapy and insoles that ease pressure on the foot are other nonsurgical treatments that have proven successful.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. If you are suffering from hammertoes, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot & Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the affected toes
  • Development of corns or calluses due to friction
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Contracture of the toes

Causes

  • Genetics – people who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
  • Arthritis – because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
  • Trauma – direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
  • Ill-fitting shoes – undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

  • Orthotics – custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
  • Medications – oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
  • Surgery – in more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Englewood, and Riverdale, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read More about Hammertoes

stretching2According to a study reported at the American Pain Society Annual Scientific Meeting chemotherapy induced neuropathy has been found to hurt more in the feet than in the hands making every day routine difficult. The study included 184 patients from the San Francisco Bay area completing taxane or platinum based chemotherapy where chemo-induced neuropathy was in their hands and feet. With the help of questionnaires such as the pain interference scale and brief pain inventory, chemotherapy induced neuropathy was found to cause treatment delay, decreased functioning of the feet, and poorer quality of life since the pain reduced everyday activities.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly. For professional help, see one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will ensure that your feet receive the care that they need.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Fairlawn, Englewood, and Riverdale, NJ. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Read more about Systemic Diseases of the Feet

plantar fasciitis6With marathon training season coming our way, many runners will experience foot injuries and aches along the way. Finding the proper shoe and paying mind to running habits will reduce and identify pain; massaging and stretching the feet can especially eliminate the foot pain problem. Stretching your feet should be done without shoes on to get the best results and relief. Ignoring foot pain will only increase problems later on making it important to take the proper measures in reducing the pain.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Stretching Your Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Good ways to stretch your feet are:

  • Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
  • Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
  • Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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

Read more about stretching the feet.

Monday, 14 September 2015 00:00

The Role 3D Printing Has on Feet

toenail fungus7While wearables in 3D printed technology, such as orthotic insoles or shoes, have made great advances present day, some question the effectiveness of 3D printing in fitness gear. Major brands such as Nike and New Balance are already selling 3D printed athletic shoes while newer companies such as SOLs and EXO-L are using 3D printing to sell orthotics and ankle braces to keep the feet safe. The process has been proven to provide comfort, affordability, less production time, but 3D printing is still new and complex. Pieter Strikwerda, co-CEO and founder of 3Dprinting.com states, “It’s not a plug and play machine yet,” meaning 3D printing still has a long way to go, but it is still providing better options out there for our feet.

While 3D technology and shoes may become the future, it is important that you provide yourself with everyday foot care to keep any eye on any potential problems. For more information about everyday foot care, consult with one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.

Every Day 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. After all, 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 example.

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.

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

Read more about Everyday Foot Care

fungal toenail2Lifehacker reports that shoe shopping should be done in the evening to ensure the best fitting shoes for the feet. As the day passes, the feet swell in size. Shoe shopping later in the day or in the evening ensures that the feet are at their largest when trying on shoes. While this slight increase in size would normally not make a significant difference, those looking for something supportive such as running shoes or shoes that will be worn all day should consider these slight changes important.

Finding a proper fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are come factors to consider when it comes to investing in properly fitting shoes:

  • Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
  • Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
  • Even though they may look fashionable, improperly fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
  • Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, keeping properly fit shoes is vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Englewood, and Riverdale, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies for your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about proper shoe fitting.

Wednesday, 02 September 2015 22:44

Blisters are More Common During the Summer Months

fungal toenail2While a blister is one of the most common foot conditions a person can develop, they are especially common during the summer because of the excessive heat. While most blisters will go away within a few days, those who are looking to treat their condition should avoid popping blisters and instead soak the feet. Popping should only be done if the blister is located in a weight-bearing area and the pain is too much. If a blister manages to pop on its own, clean the area with mild soap and water and dry it gently before applying a topical antibiotic.

Blisters on the feet are very painful and can become problematic if not treated properly. If you have any concerns about your foot and ankle needs contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a band-aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister seek attention from a doctor.

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

Read more about blisters on the feet.

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