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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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UK Woman Called Emergency Number because of Athlete’s Foot
A woman from Conwy reportedly dialed 999—the U.K.'s 911—because she had athlete's foot. This case was just one of the many "ludicrous" phone calls made to ambulance chiefs in Wales over the span of seven months. Other calls included a diner who felt their face burning after eating a red hot chilli pepper, someone who had two cotton buds stuck down their ear, a man who was feeling tired, and a man who had broken his two teeth and wanted dental work. Another woman from Rhyl called paramedics after pulling her side reaching for a phone charger.
Athlete's foot is an inconvenient condition, but nothing to call an ambulance for. If you are concerned about your athlete's foot contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete's Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete's Foot
• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop
Athlete's foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, athlete's foot can cause blistering as well. Speaking to your podiatrist will give you a better understanding of the different causes of athlete's foot, as well as helping you figure out which treatment options are best for you.
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.
New Technology useful for Runners
According to Jennifer Jolly of USA Today, this summer we can vamp up our workouts and reduce injury with the help of new technology. RunScribe, a tracker that attaches to the back of the shoe, captures at least 13 different data points to help analyze and perfect our form. This helps runners understand if they are routinely making running mistakes that will hurt the body.
Another gadget called the Hyperice Vyper is a roller that helps stretch the body and aid in recovery post workout. The ball shaped device is used to rub against muscles in the legs and feet with the help of extra pressure and vibrations dedicated to protecting and loosening them up.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. 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 office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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High Heels leave Angela Kelly with serious Foot Damage
Angela Kelly of England says she was left crippled after a lifetime of wearing high heels. The 67-year-old first became aware of the problem four years ago while on a shopping trip. The former All England badminton mixed doubles champion was in so much pain she was latching onto her cart to help her move.
Kelly had suffered damage in her feet and knees due to wearing only high heels for nearly thirty years. Although many women wear high heels to boost their confidence, the ending results of high heel wearing can have extremely negative effects on the body.
The effects of high heels can cause many complications in the feet. 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.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity. Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
What parts 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. Also, 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.
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.
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