Items filtered by date: April 2023

Tuesday, 25 April 2023 00:00

Soothing Foot Stretches

Individuals might choose to stretch their feet for any number of reasons. This is because stretching the feet offers a range of different health benefits. For example, some individuals opt to incorporate foot stretches into their daily health routine because they can increase flexibility, mobility, and range of motion in the feet. Additionally, others choose to stretch their feet because of the soothing capacity of the stretches. In other words, stretching the feet can soothe pain. Pain felt from plantar fasciitis in particular can be soothed by performing certain foot stretches. Rolling the bottoms of the feet on a frozen water bottle can effectively stretch out and soothe the plantar fascia. If you are someone that wants to soothe foot pain through stretches, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for treatment. 

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the 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.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

  • 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 office located in Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 18 April 2023 00:00

Treatment Options for Turf Toe Injury

Turf toe is an injury that affects the base of the big toe, which is termed the first metatarsophalangeal, or MTP joint. It occurs from repeatedly overstretching that joint. This is a common injury among football or soccer players, and dancers who frequently overextend the MTP joint with the heels raised.  Turf toe is considered to be a toe sprain, and ignoring it can be detrimental to continuing your sport. Resting the toe is essential, but more serious treatment options may be required in order for the MTP joint to fully heal and activity to resume. A visit to a podiatrist may involve ultrasound or electric stimulation techniques, as well as prescribing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain. In many cases, being fitted for an orthotic shoe insert may be deemed necessary. In extreme cases, surgery is recommended to repair any tears, fractures, or other joint damage. For a proper diagnosis of your turf toe sprain, along with an appropriate treatment plan, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

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Tuesday, 11 April 2023 00:00

What Is the Arch of the Foot?

Learning about the biomechanics of the feet can help an individual become more knowledgeable about how the foot works and how to prevent injury. Learning about the arch of the foot can be especially helpful. The arch of the foot is complex and has many essential functions. There are three different arches in the foot. The medial arch, the lateral arch, and the anterior transverse arch. Each of these arches is ultimately formed by the interaction of different bones, ligaments, and tendons in the feet. The arch enables the feet to perform many functions. For example, the arches in the feet provide flexibility and shock absorption when walking and running. In a way, the arch helps act as a kind of spring in the feet. If individuals did not have arches in their feet, engaging in motion would be significantly different and perhaps more difficult. If you are someone that wants to learn more about the biomechanics of your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 office located in Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Thursday, 06 April 2023 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Preventing running injuries is crucial in maintaining good form and completing running goals. When the body is strong, running injuries may be avoided. Many people understand the importance of running correctly and training to get the body accustomed to running. Most runners enjoy having a goal that can range from running a few miles on the weekend to practicing to run a marathon. It is important to warm up and cool down before and after running to help prevent running injuries. If you would like to know how running injuries affect the feet as well as learn about successful prevention strategies, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

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