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Tuesday, 24 August 2021 00:00

Footwear Do’s and Don’ts for Elderly Feet

As we age, our feet experience the effects of age-related wear and tear. This can increase the risk of developing various foot and ankle problems, so it becomes increasingly important to take good care of the feet. One of the most important aspects of proper foot care is wearing the right shoes. Not only does wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes make a foot or ankle injury less likely, it also reduces the risk of falling. Look for shoes that have a firm, non-slip sole and adequate cushioning. You should avoid walking barefoot, in slippers or flip-flops, or with only socks on. Wearing shoes with high heels taller than one inch is also not suggested, as excessively high heels can put too much pressure on the toes and balls of the feet. To learn more about elderly foot care, please speak with a podiatrist.

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 Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. 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 Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

How Do Podiatrists Treat Plantar Hyperhidrosis?

Plantar hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes the feet to sweat excessively. Having wet, sweaty feet most of the time is not only annoying, but can ruin your shoes, increase your risk of slipping and falling, and break down the skin on the feet, leading to athlete’s foot and other skin infections. The first line of treatment for this condition is usually topical medications, which are applied directly to the skin’s surface. Your podiatrist may prescribe an antiperspirant cream or powder. If these fail, your doctor may suggest iontophoresis, a procedure that uses electrical currents to reduce sweating. Botox injections into the feet are another potential solution. To learn more about treatments for plantar hyperhidrosis, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

Tuesday, 10 August 2021 00:00

Flexible Flatfoot FAQs

There are two types of flat feet: rigid and flexible, with flexible being the most common. Unlike rigid flatfoot where the arch is never present, the arch in flexible flatfoot is present when the foot is elevated and flattens upon standing. Flexible flatfoot in children is generally not concerning because their arches typically develop between the ages of 7 and 10. It is said that up to 25% of kids will continue to have flexible flatfoot as adults. While flexible flatfoot in children and adults may not always produce symptoms, the condition may cause tired, achy feet after walking, leg cramps, overpronation—where the ankles roll inward while walking—and foot or ankle pain. Flexible flatfoot may be inherited and indicative of loose ligaments and flexible joints throughout the body. If flatfoot develops during adulthood, it could be caused by rheumatoid arthritis or neuropathy. Contact a podiatrist for more information about flat feet and to explore various treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is 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. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches 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.

Wednesday, 04 August 2021 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

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, 03 August 2021 00:00

Facts About Orthotics

Orthotics are inserts that you wear inside your shoes. They can be used to treat or manage a variety of foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis and acquired flat foot. Orthotics are typically not used to prevent overuse injuries like stress fractures or tendonitis. There are two types of orthotics: over the counter and custom. Over the counter orthotics can be bought in most major drug, department, and shoe stores. Custom orthotics are made especially for your foot. The type of orthotic you should get depends on the specific foot problems that you are dealing with. Over the counter orthotics that are appropriately selected can be beneficial for treating a variety of common foot problems, while custom orthotics are especially useful for those who have foot deformities. To find out if orthotics are right for you, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please 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.

How to Alleviate the Damaging Effects of High Heels

Wearing high heels on a daily basis puts excessive pressure on the balls and soles of your feet and toes, as well as on the back of the heel bone—all of which can cause a host of foot and ankle problems. You can try to help alleviate pain in the plantar fascia by applying light pressure while rolling a tennis ball under the ball of one foot as you stand on the other. Use small, circular motions moving from front-to-back, and switch sides after 30-60 seconds. You can also try to help stretch your calf muscles and strengthen your shins by lifting your toes off of the floor as you walk around in the morning getting ready. A podiatrist can offer more suggestions and therapies to help counter the effects of high heels, as well as treat any foot conditions they may have caused.

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 Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. 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.

Tuesday, 20 July 2021 00:00

Are Corns Painful?

The main reason that corns develop is often due to excess friction. This can happen from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Corns can form on different parts of the foot. A soft corn is found between the toes, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. A hard corn can develop on the outside of the toe, or on the bottom of the foot. People who are diabetic may have a higher risk of developing an infection with corns. Patients have found mild relief when the affected foot is soaked in warm water, followed by using a pumice stone. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit properly, as this may help to prevent the onset of corns. If you have a corn on any part of your foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

Well-fitting socks
Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Tuesday, 13 July 2021 00:00

The Most Common Cause Of Heel Pain

Heel pain is a common ailment which may be caused by an irritation of the nerves, arthritis, tendonitis, stress fractures in the heel, a cyst, or—most commonly—plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia—the long band of connective tissue on the sole which links the heel bone to the toes—becomes torn, stressed, or otherwise damaged. Repetitive movements during sporting activities, having flat feet or high arches, obesity, prolonged standing, non-supportive footwear and other factors can all put undue stress on the plantar fascia and cause this painful condition to manifest. If you have heel pain of any kind, make an appointment with a podiatrist who can pinpoint the cause of your heel pain and treat it accordingly.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

Wearing ill-fitting shoes
Wearing non-supportive shoes
Weight change
Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please 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.

Can Falling Be Prevented?

Falling is a common fear many of us are born with. When adults fall it can induce damage to the body, and the feet are often affected. Research has indicated many people over the age of sixty-five fall, and it is helpful to implement preventive methods into their living environment. These can include removing frayed rugs and improving lighting in the household. Additionally, it is beneficial to install grab bars in the shower and toilet area, and many patients find it useful to use a bathmat. It is important to have regular physical and eye examinations, where current medication can also be monitored. Many patients perform frequent stretching and exercise routines as this is often a key factor that can help to ensure strong bodies. If you would like more information about preventing falls and how falling can affect the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
Utilizing a walker or cane
Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.

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.

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Tuesday, 29 June 2021 00:00

How Do I Get Rid Of a Foot Blister?

Blisters often occur on the feet due to friction from shoes or socks rubbing against a part of the foot while you walk. Fortunately, blisters usually don’t require any special care and typically go away on their own. If you see a blister on your foot, protect it by covering it with a loosely wrapped bandage or cushioning it with an adhesive bandage. This will help prevent the blister from popping, which can be painful and expose the raw skin underneath the blister to infection. While usually not serious, foot blisters do sometimes require medical care. If your blister is showing signs of infection or becoming more painful over time, or if you are prone to getting blisters over and over again, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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 assistance from a podiatrist.

Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Tuesday, 22 June 2021 00:00

Shoes and Hammertoe

When the second toe bends up at the middle joint, it may be indicative of a condition that is known as hammertoe. This is considered to be a deformity, and can cause difficulty in walking. In severe cases, these deformed toes can resemble hammers, and may require surgery to permanently straighten the toes. Hammertoe can occur from genetic factors, or from wearing high heels, or tight shoes. Many times, these types of shoes do not provide adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Some patients find mild relief when specific toe stretches are performed, and custom made insoles are worn. If surgery is performed, it can take several weeks for a full recovery, and a special shoe may need to be worn. If you suffer from hammertoe, please speak with a podiatrist when the first symptoms appear, so a proper diagnosis can be made and treatment can be started.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

Painful and/or difficult toe movement
Swelling
Joint stiffness
Calluses/Corns
Physical deformity

Risk Factors

Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

Contagious Toenail Fungus

Research has indicated that millions of people worldwide are affected by toenail fungus. It is an unsightly condition that typically begins with symptoms showing in the big toe. These can include a change in nail texture and color, in addition to becoming thick, brittle, and gradually crumble. It is caused by a fungus that lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, consisting of public swimming pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. It is considered to be contagious, and can enter the body through tiny cracks in the skin on the feet. Treatment can begin with changing the socks and shoes daily, and properly trimming the toenails. If you are afflicted with toenail fungus, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment technique.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.