Some Children prone to Pediatric Flat Feet
Babies have many bones in their feet that need to close and grow to become a proper joint later in life. Many of these bones make up the arch that usually starts out as flexible flat feet. For 80-90% of children, those flat feet will eventually turn into arches, but for the rest pediatric flat feet occurs. Children with pediatric flat feet may experience pain, tenderness, cramping in the feet and legs and should seek treatment especially if they have difficulty walking. Treatment for flat feet includes activity modifications, such as cutting down on sports, orthotic inserts, physical therapy, and surgery.
Certain sports and physical activities may become difficult for children with flat feet. If you suspect that your child has the condition, speak to one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will answer any of your foot and ankle related questions and attend to all of your podiatric needs.
What are Flat Feet?
Flat feet are a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. Standing about 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arch never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – if you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms:
Pain around the heel or arch area
Trouble standing on the tip toe.
Swelling around the inside of the ankle.
Flat look to one or both feet.
Having your shoes feel uneven when worn
Treatment:
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and treatments for your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoes Are Necessary in Maintaining Biomechanics of the Feet
Footwear News shares with readers several tips to keep in mind while shopping for properly fitting shoes this summer. Knowing your size, not always relying on cushioning, arch support, ensuring room for the toes, and not always relying on bounce are all ways to ensure that consumers get the best fitting shoes for their feet. Consumers should always get their feet measured each time they shop and always ensure that the position of their arch aligns with the one built into the shoe. Cushioning is often a factor many people consider, but it is important to remember that even the best material can compact over time, and that some people need firmness to keep the foot comfortable.
Proper foot wear is important for biomechanics, which incorporates the moving parts that manage the movement of your feet. To learn more about biomechanics, see one of our podiatrists from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide you with the foot and ankle information you seek.
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 to the area.
Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, moments and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured.
Advances in materials and more awareness of biomechanics have developed enhanced corrective methods, offering further options for foot-related injuries. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
If you have any questions, please contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
United Kingdom Blames 135 Weekly Diabetic Related Amputations on Obesity
In the last five years, the United Kingdom has seen a 17% increase in diabetic amputations, performed on average 135 times per week. Experts blame this increase on Britain’s obesity epidemic where there has been in a 62% increase in diabetes overall within the past decade. Despite these figures, Diabetes UK believes that these numbers can change and amputations can be avoided if diabetic patients are given the correct care and education.
Feet associated with obesity and diabetes need regular care and attention. If you have any concerns about your feet contact Dr. Harvey R. Jacobs, DPM, FACFAS, and Dr. Marc Berman of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Obesity and your Feet
Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.
Problems & Complications
Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.
Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.
Solutions
Footwear – Specially made footwear that supports your joints, arches, and ankles, and allows room for good circulation is a great option to mitigate pressure and pain. A podiatrist will help you decide what works best for your specific needs.
Exercise – Exercise will help alleviate the pain and give your feet the strength it needs to support your body. Exercise also increases blood flow to your feet, allowing them to remain healthy and strong.
Most importantly, seek the help of a podiatrist for foot care if something is wrong or doesn’t seem to be working. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Specialty Walking Shoes are Made Completely Different than Running Shoes
While the casual recreational walker has fewer needs compared to the runner, those who are looking for shoes fit especially for walking must be as careful as the runner in selecting footwear. A running specialty store is a great place to start, as here shoes are often specifically fit to the foot. Walkers should explain to their salesperson that they are interested in walking long distance in their shoes as opposed to running. While a cushioned heel is excellent for a runner, it may make walking more difficult. When trying on shoes, be sure to walk a little bit in each pair until you can narrow it down to the pairs that feel best.
For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes consult with one of our podiatrists from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.
Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes
There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.
You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.
Differences
Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.
Flexibility – walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about The Differences between Walking and Running Shoes
Poor Blood Circulation can be Improved Through Several Simple Concepts
Patients with poor blood circulation should take care to improve their circulation as the condition is linked to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and several heart diseases. There are several simple concepts patients can keep in mind to help improve circulation: walking, avoiding stress, dieting properly, drinking water, and maintaining a correct posture. Walking causes the body to pump more blood into the heart and can also act as a stress reliever. A healthy diet should include leafy greens and foods rich in iron and vitamins. Hydration is important, and water should be drunk daily; while a straight posture can help improve the way blood flows throughout the body.
Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our podiatrists will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. It usually restricts the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.
Causes
Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development.
It can also cause:
-muscle pain -numbness in legs
-cramps -skin discoloration
-weakness -slower nail & hair growth
-stiffness -erectile dysfunction
Those who have diabetes and or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, or who are over 50.
If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD, and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.
As always see a doctor as they will help try and fit a regime that suits you. A doctor will also prescribe you medication which will help for PAD.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Rugby Halfback Breaks Ankle During Tackle
Danny McGuire, halfback for the Leeds’ Rhinos, has sustained a broken ankle after being tackled by Hull FC’s Marc Sneyd. The tackle resulted in a penalty for the Rhino’s after Sneyd was carded for holding, but McGuire needed medical attention and had to be helped off the field. Head coach Brian McDermott states, “He could have broken his ankle by the looks of it. He’s not walking - he can’t even put it on the ground. It’s a bad one.”
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle and the following symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle
- Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
- Swelling around the area
- Bruising of the area
- Area appears to be deformed
If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Tips for Shopping for Shoes with the Right Fit
Harvard Health Publications has come up with a few tips in getting the right shoes. Shopping in the afternoon is the best time to try on shoes since that is when the foot has naturally expanded and the most accurate fit will be experienced. It is also a good idea to have the foot measured by a salesperson since the foot does change with age. Stand and walk around in the shoe and trust how comfortable the shoes feet to you. Additionally, take out any tags that may make the fit distorted or uncomfortable and examine how supportive the sole may be..
Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Getting the Right Shoe Size
There are many people that wear shoes that are ill-fitting, which affects their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to selecting the right pair.
- When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot
- When measuring your foot with your shoe on, add 1-2 inches to the size
- Be sure there is
Leather Flip Flops Less Likely To Blisters
Many podiatrists blameflip flops for various foot conditions such as foot pain, bunion exacerbation, hammertoe, and especially blisters. To prevent blister formation, the American Podiatric Medical Association states that leather flip flops are less likely to cause blisters due to their smoother and less rough material. Leather also wears out nicely, giving those who are more fashion conscious a trendy, well-worn look without having to break in the shoes too much.
Blisters on the feet can be very inconvenient and especially painful whether you are a marathon runner or not. If you have any concerns about your foot and ankle needs contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Foot Exercises can help decrease Fall Risk for the Elderly
APMA spokesman Dr. Howard Osterman stresses the importance of regularly exercising the feet. Easy exercises such as trying to pick up a towel, washcloth, or marbles with the feet kick starts the muscles that build arch strength. Building core strength can be down by standing on one foot for 10 seconds. “(It) stimulates the nerve endings from the brain down to the small nerves in the feet,” he said. “It’s especially important to train the brain of elderly people at greater risk for falls.”
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. For more information, consult with one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
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 threating 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 office in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Stair Exercises for Aching Feet
According to Kevin Murray of Movement Masterminds, those suffering from chronic foot pain can exercise their feet with stairs. Movement Masterminds aims to provide advice for those suffering from foot pain and has created a series of exercises that might seem simple, but are a great way to keep the feet and legs strong without inducing too much effort or pain. Murray states that foot pain should not be ignored since “Pain is not black and white. It’s very real and highly subjective.”
Exercising your feet regularly is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors 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 office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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Danny Graham Makes Generous Donation to JJ O’Donnell’s Surgery
Danny Graham, striker of Sunderland, has donated money to a fund created to cover the cost ofJJ O’Donnell’s surgery. O’Donnell, the midfielder for Gateshead, is suffering from a rare foot condition known as sesamoiditis. The midfielder confirmed the news on his Twitter account, stating, “I’m not singling Danny out as, without everybody donating, I wouldn’t have ever reached my target, but a donation like that has left me speechless.”
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 Quality Foot Care Center. 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 questions please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Nail Salon Safety Necessary in Preventing Infections and other Foot Ailments
Nail salon safety is essential in avoiding catching fungal infections. Before making an appointment, it is recommended that customers first take a quick look around the salon to note cleanliness and see if nail technicians are washing their hands after each customer. As most salons don’t have technicians wear gloves like health care workers, hand washing is a standard of care. The sterility of nail tools should be ensured; tools should be soaked in a disinfectant such as Barbicide for 10 to 20 minutes, and the liquid should periodically be changed.
Nail salon safety is important for every day foot health. For more information about everyday foot care, consult with Dr. Harvey R. Jacobs of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctorwill 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 office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Usher Attends Met Gala with Broken Foot
Usher, singer of popular songs such as Climax, arrived to the Met Gala in New York earlier this month with a supportive walking stick and a camouflaged foot cast. Although the pop singer looked his best for the influential event, he still limped his way around the red carpet and up the stairs of the Metropolitan Museum of Arts in NYC. Usher broke his foot during one of his shows in Canada that resulted in an operation and crutches to help him walk.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment to prevent exacerbation. If you are seeking treatment for a broken foot, visit one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:
- Bruising
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blue (foot)
- Numbness
- Cold
- Misshapen
- Cuts
- Deformities
Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.
Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Surgery Often Necessary in Treating Bunions
Hallux valgus, or more commonly known as bunions, occurs when the joint of the big toe turns into a large bump and the big toe starts to turn into the smaller toes. Accordingly, the foot condition occurs in nearly one in three adults and can occur due to family genetics and through improper footwear. Bunion treatment typically begins with non-surgical treatments such as wearing a shoe with a wider toe box or wearing pads over the bump to cushion the area. When nonsurgical treatments do not work, surgery is considered as a last resort. With the surgery come risks such as scarring, bunion recurrence, arthritis, and other ailments. Recovery usually takes up to 12 weeks and a protective sandal or boot is necessary for proper healing.
The pain and discomfort caused by bunions can put a halt to everyday activities. If you have any concerns contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs by the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why do Bunions Form?
- Genetics – susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
- Stress on the feet – poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can cause bunions to form
How are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How are Bunions Treated?
- Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
- Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
- Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
- Orthotics or foot inserts
- Surgery
If you have any concerns please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about bunions.
