Items filtered by date: April 2023

Tuesday, 25 April 2023 00:00

How to Keep Your Feet Healthy

Some people consider the feet to be the workhorses of the body. They carry the weight of the body, provide balance and the ability to walk and run. Poor foot health can limit activity, and it may be difficult to complete daily activities. It is beneficial to keep the feet feeling as best as possible, and this can be done by practicing simple everyday foot care tips. It can start with washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. Regularly trimming the toenails can be done by using a stainless steel toenail clipper, and this may help to prevent an ingrown toenail from developing. When purchasing shoes, it is helpful to ensure there is adequate room for the toes to move in freely, in addition to being comfortable. Many foot conditions may be avoided when proper hygiene is practiced. If you would like additional information about everyday foot care tips, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you with the correct knowledge.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday 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. 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 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. 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 Fort Lee, NJ and Flushing, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Pickleball has become a popular sport in recent years. It is a mix between tennis, badminton, and ping pong. While it is exciting to experience the thrill of victory, it may come with having foot pain. The game is played by pushing off on the ball of the foot, and this may cause the plantar fascia to undergo stress. When played frequently, it may lead to plantar fasciitis, which is the inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia. This is the band of tissue that connects the heels to the toes, and provides the ability to walk and run. Effective stretches for the plantar fascia can begin with rolling the affected foot on a tennis ball or frozen water bottle. This can help to strengthen the arch of the foot. Some people find it helpful to wear custom-made orthotics, in addition to choosing shoes that fit correctly. If you are interested in playing pickleball, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward techniques that can protect the plantar fascia.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

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Tuesday, 11 April 2023 00:00

Foot Care Tips for Seniors

Healthy feet allow seniors to stay independent longer. Foot care is essential to reaching this goal and keeping senior feet comfortable and healthy. Since the feet take one through a lifetime of mobility, it stands to reason that aging feet need extra attention. Over time, feet become flatter and wider. The fatty padding on the foot naturally wears down, and the bones and joints are exposed to more wear and tear. Simple foot problems, like blisters, can interfere with mobility and balance in older adults. More serious foot conditions, like ingrown toenails, sprains, or fractures, can increase the risk of falling and result in various health conditions. Simple foot care tips to help keep feet as healthy as possible include washing, drying, and moisturizing the feet daily, trimming nails straight across, and examining the feet for abnormalities, such as sores. Wearing properly fitted shoes that are sturdy and low-heeled is recommended. If you are an older person or taking care of one, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist among the doctors you visit to monitor any problems brewing and continue caring for the feet.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Lee, NJ and Flushing, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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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.

Tuesday, 04 April 2023 00:00

Is Wearing High Heels Bad for the Feet?

Wearing high heels can make you feel more attractive, but there is often a price to pay for this fashion. High heels can cause a host of foot problems that result in pain. Wearing them too often or for too long can cause other foot problems, such as hammertoes, bunions, or neuromas. Additionally, wearing high heels can put stress on the back, hips, and legs which can affect posture, gait, and balance. High heels place feet in an extended downward position and increase pressure on the forefoot. The rest of the body is thrown off and must compensate for the change in balance. Wearing high heels interferes with the ability to push off the ground with the toes efficiently. The rest of the body must work harder to propel the body forward. The higher the heel, the worse things can get. Trying to walk on uneven surfaces or with elevations and declines can be hazardous and increase the risk of injury. It is best for your health to wear lower-heeled shoes. Occasional high heel use is acceptable with frequent time off the feet and stretching and relaxing the feet while wearing. See a podiatrist to learn more about wearing high heels and getting help for the problems high heels may create is suggested.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of 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.  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 Fort Lee, NJ and Flushing, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Advanced Podiatric Procedures & Services in Flushing, NY 11355 and Fort Lee, NJ 07024