Items filtered by date: August 2020

High heels are a style staple for many people, but unfortunately, these beautiful shoes can wreak havoc on the feet. Still, giving up your favorite pair of heels can be a big ask. If you would like to continue wearing high heels, you can take several measures to reduce your risk of pain and injuries. Limit the time that you spend wearing your high heels by wearing them on days when you will not be doing much walking or standing, or alternate wearing high heels with wearing flats. Be sure that you are wearing the correct size and that your shoes fit comfortably. Look for well-constructed, supportive shoes when you buy your next pair. You may want to opt for a lower heel of one to two inches as well. For more information on what you can do to protect your feet, speak with a podiatrist today.

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 Crosstown Podiatry. 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 Wayne, Montclair, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters occur when the skin is stretched too much and the skin cells become fatigued and break apart. After the skin breaks apart, it will naturally fill with fluid as a protective measure. The most common issue that causes these skin breaks is repetitive trauma. Those who run long distances or hike are at a higher risk for developing blisters. When the foot steps forward and the heel hits the ground, the bones in the foot slide forward relative to the skin. Thankfully, the feet can handle a lot of repetitive steps before blisters form, but everyone’s tolerance is different. If you are struggling with blisters it is suggested to check with a podiatrist to see which preventative measures are right for you.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Crosstown Podiatry. 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.

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

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden pain, swelling and inflammation of the joints, typically in the big toes. Gout attacks are caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. Fortunately, you may be able to minimize the occurrence of gout attacks by altering your diet. To lower the levels of uric acid in your blood, it is recommended that you avoid consuming organ meats, game meats, fish and other seafoods, foods that contain added sugars or yeasts, and sweet beverages such as fruit juices and soda. Foods that are safer for people who suffer from gout include fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, whole grains, low-fat dairy, eggs, coffee, tea, herbs, spices, and plant-based oils. For more information about gout, and for treatment and prevention options, consult with a podiatrist today.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a medical condition in which the blood vessels in your lower limbs narrow or become clogged due to the buildup of arterial plaque. This reduction in blood flow means that you have poor circulation, which increases your risk of developing a whole host of potentially serious medical complications, including strokes, heart attacks, and aneurysms. Left undiagnosed and untreated, PAD in your lower limbs can advance to the point where there is limited to no blood flow, resulting in the death of the muscles in your lower limbs and increasing your risk of needing a limb amputation. Fortunately, PAD is easy to screen for and can usually be managed with lifestyle changes and medication, especially if it is detected in its earliest stages. Symptoms of PAD in the lower limbs include pain or cramping while walking, swelling, numbness, skin discoloration, and poorly healing sores. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a podiatrist who can screen for PAD and provide you with treatment options.   

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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

Sesamoiditis refers to pain around the sesamoids, two tiny bones near the big toe that help move the foot. The most common symptom of this condition is pain that is usually made worse by walking or wearing high-heeled or thin-soled shoes. Swelling, warmth, and redness due to inflammation may also occur. Sesamoiditis is particularly common amongst dancers, joggers, high heel wearers, people who have high foot arches, and people who have bunions. Treatment usually entails wearing flat, thick-soled shoes or orthotics to ease the pressure on the sesamoid bones. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist, who can diagnose and treat your condition.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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