The design of the many different bones, muscles, and ligaments in the feet is masterful and enables the feet to move to perform their different functions. There are 26 bones in each foot, which includes the phalanges in the toes, the metatarsals in the middle of the foot, and the calcaneus bone at the heel. There are also approximately 30 joints in the feet and 100 different ligaments. The feet contain a group of intrinsic muscles and ligaments. These are primarily located across the bottoms, or soles, of the feet. This group is contrasted with the extrinsic muscles and ligaments that are found in the lower leg and essentially curve around the ankle. This then attaches to the foot. If you want to learn more about the biomechanics of the foot and how this critical body part functions, contact a podiatrist today.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 and ankle needs.

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, is a specific kind of foot condition that is characterized by extremely dry skin on the back of the heels. There are many causes of cracked heels, including eczema, athlete’s foot, and aging. However, there is another often overlooked potential cause of cracked heels that is known as a vitamin deficiency. Certain essential vitamins can ultimately keep your skin healthy, preventing them from flaking and cracking. Just some of these essential vitamins include vitamin E, vitamin B-3, and vitamin C. All of these aforementioned vitamins keep the skin around the heels well-nourished. If you have heel fissures and suspect that it might be due to some kind of vitamin deficiency, contact a podiatrist today for treatment.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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.

There is a foot condition that can affect the nerves between the third and fourth toes which is known as Morton’s neuroma. If prompt treatment is not received, it can cause severe pain and discomfort. This foot condition can occur as a result of wearing shoes that are too tight in the toe area. An example of these types of shoes is high heels, and the higher the heel is, the pointier the shoe can be. Pain in this area of the foot will often bring a patient into a podiatrist’s office, where a proper diagnosis can be performed. This often includes a physical examination, in addition to having X-rays taken, and an MRI or ultrasound may be necessary for further confirmation. In the beginning stages, relief may be found when larger shoes are worn, and the heel size is reduced. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove or repair the affected nerves, which can accelerate the healing process. If you have pain between your toes, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide the treatment that is best for you.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

A diabetic foot ulcer is a common foot wound. Without prompt medical treatment, it can quickly become infected, possibly lead to gangrene, and amputation. There are different types of foot ulcers, and they fall into three categories. There are diabetic foot wounds that are considered to be neuropathic, and the patient generally loses sensation but there is no underlying arterial disease (ischemia). This comprises approximately 35% of foot wounds.  An ischemic wound occurs when the patient retains feeling in the foot but there is an indication of underlying arterial disease. The neuroischemic bracket represents 50% of all foot wounds, and both iscehemia and neuropathy can be present. Effective healing begins with having a healthy environment for the wound to heal, in addition to the patient having little or no health issues. Most wounds begin healing by accessing the cause of the wound, followed by removing any damaged tissue from it. It is beneficial to refrain from putting any weight on the foot, and this may help to accelerate the healing process. Treating a wound on the foot is often done by a podiatrist, and it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can effectively provide relief treatments.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

People who have gained weight may be concerned that their feet have gotten larger. Weight gain generally affects the overall body, and the feet are no exception. They may increase in length and width, and larger shoes often need to be purchased, which may be bothersome to some people. However, the feet will feel better when comfortable shoes are worn. It is suggested that a healthy diet be consumed, which may start the process of weight reduction, including in the feet. Drinking plenty of water daily, and implementing a gentle exercise routine may accelerate the desired weight loss. Additionally, elevating the feet frequently may reduce excess fluid build-up. Research has shown it may be beneficial to purchase running shoes that are larger, which may help to accommodate the size of the feet as a result of increased blood flow while running. If you would like more information about obesity and how it can affect the feet, please confer with a podiatrist. 

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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.