Items filtered by date: October 2015

Jackson Hole, WY based Kickstarter company Foot Flops have created a line of heat-molded orthotic flip-flop styles this week. Foot Flops customizable to each owner’s foot using patent pending HEAT technology made from Thermo-Form foam. The flip-flops are heated in an oven for five to seven minutes and are stepped on immediately upon removal for precision of support. The Foot Flop creation takes up to twenty minutes to cool and complete.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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 over arched 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 issue, 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 more severe 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 on 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn and Riverdale, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Orthotics

Jacboy Jones, wide receiver for the Chargers, has been temporarily sidelined for what appears to be a minor ankle sprain. The injury occurred during the Week 1 win over the Lions. While Jones is a key player for the team, Branden Oliver and Keenan Allen are likely to take over for him until he is ready and healthy enough to join the team again. Should Oliver and Allen not be available or prepared fourth receiver Dontrelle Inman will step up.

Ankle sprains are common, but need immediate attention. If you have any concerns about your potential ankle sprain contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits can aid in prevention

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Read more about ankle sprains.

Detroit Lions rookie Alex Carter is doing his best to get back into shape after suffering an ankle injury. “I’m still doing as much as I can right now. We’re still working on the progression, getting back. But this week will be a good week for me,” Carter stated during a press conference. Although the Detroit Lions are pleased to potentially have Carter back, Coach Jim Caldwell has stated that they are in no way rushing the healing process.

Getting back into sports after injuring a foot or ankle can be very difficult for both the body and mind. See one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Getting Back into Sports after Foot and Ankle Injuries

While one of the most common injuries among athletes may be a sprained ankle, there are still many other types of injuries that plague athletes in any sport. But for less severe foot and ankle injuries, it is recommended by physical therapists and sports medicine doctors that athletes use the R.I.C.E. method to help alleviate pain and to speed up the healing process.

The acronym R.I.C.E. stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These four steps help in the healing process, not only to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, but also to improve overall health of the affected area, allowing you to get back on to your feet again. Although resting is usually the key to all healing, it is necessary to see a doctor to ensure treatment for any other problems that may not be obvious to you right away.

It is best for injured athletes to allow themselves time to heal. Some athletes need hours of re-training, exercise, check-ups with their physical therapist, and other remedies.

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

Read more about Getting Back into Sports after Foot and Ankle Injuries

Many patients often have the misconception that conditions such as hammertoes can only be treated and cured through surgery. But such minor conditions can effectively be managed with treatments such as ultrasound-guided injections, which send anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of pain, and shock wave therapy, which promotes soft-tissue healing. Physical therapy and insoles that ease pressure on the foot are other nonsurgical treatments that have proven successful.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. If you are suffering from hammertoes, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot & Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

• Genetics – people who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
• Arthritis – because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
• Trauma – direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
• Ill-fitting shoes – undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

• Orthotics – custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
• Medications – oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
• Surgery – in more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Englewood, and Riverdale, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read More about Hammertoes