Cold Weather Professions
Many people have professions that require standing for most of the day. These may include outdoor jobs, and temperatures may become cold. It is important to have knowledge about how to protect your feet from the cold while working, and this is beneficial to maintaining proper circulation. If the feet are not properly protected from the cold, the body will gradually start to ration the blood supply and redistribute it to the heart, lungs, and other organs. When this happens, less blood flow is going to the feet, which may lead to getting frostbite or immersion foot syndrome. Good foot protection from the cold begins with wearing the correct shoe size. It is helpful to measure the feet properly, and this can determine what the right shoe size is. It is suggested that boots or shoes that are worn for the cold weather are made with heavy insulation, in addition to anti-slip soles that are designed for walking on wet or slick surfaces. If your profession involves working outside in cold weather, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist for advice to help you determine what shoes are best for you.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Frank Colabella, DPM from Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Wayne and Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Foot care is important regardless of your profession, but those who work on their feet must pay special attention. Bunions, calluses, blisters, and plantar warts are just a few of the many conditions that can arise after standing all day. While painful at their worst, these conditions can easily be avoided with the right foot care. This includes both appropriate footwear and proper posture—important elements that affect the health of your feet.
Choosing appropriate footwear means choosing a shoe that has a negative heel. This means that the heel is slightly lower than the ball of your foot, which places less of a strain. If you have a profession that requires you to be on your feet all day, investing in a pair of high-quality shoes is pertinent. High-quality shoes can be purchased from a respected manufacturer that emphasizes foot care and foot health.
Despite the regularity of wearing shoes, the feet are naturally not designed to be enclosed. Regular “barefoot” time for your feet can be beneficial for foot health. Among other methods, allowing your feet to breathe can help alleviate the pain and pressure your feet may be experiencing from being on your feet all day.
Simple foot exercises and yoga positions can help improve both the health and function of your feet. Active foot exercises that create movement will stimulate your foot’s blood flow and circulation, and yoga positions that place your feet flat onto the floor will stretch out their muscles. Yoga is particularly beneficial for your Achilles tendon and calf muscles, which are areas that can become especially problematic if not taken care of. Foot exercises and yoga positions can be easily performed every day at virtually any location and any time; whether it is at the office, at the gym, or at home right before you go to bed. Simple stretching can increase your foot health by miles.
The foot pain you experience after lengthy hours working on your feet may seem inevitable and unavoidable; in reality, however, that is not the case. Wearing proper footwear and performing simple foot exercises and stretches can help ease foot pain and allow you to truly avoid frustrating foot problems.
Your feet can easily be kept healthy with some education and a little effort. Pain that begins at the feet can eventually affect the whole body. Begin taking care of your feet now!
Facts About Heel Pad Syndrome
Many people who experience heel pain have developed a common condition called plantar fasciitis. But the same type of pain may also be the result of heel pad syndrome. The heel pad, medically known as corpus adiposum, is actually a number of fat chambers wrapped in connective tissue at the bottom of the heel bone. The heel pad serves as a kind of shock absorber every time you stand, walk, run, or jump. When you are young and healthy, the heel pad is thick and dense. But as you age, it becomes thinner and less elastic, thereby less able to absorb the same amount of force it once did. Patients with heel pad syndrome may have a bruised heel that is tender to the touch. Walking barefoot or on hard surfaces and carrying extra body weight can contribute to the pain. Adequate heel padding, heel cups, and proper footwear are ways of reducing the pain of heel pad syndrome. In some cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication can be a treatment option. A podiatrist can examine your heel to determine if heel pad syndrome is the cause of the discomfort and offer the appropriate treatment options.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Frank Colabella, DPM of Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctor 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Wayne and Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Heel Pain
Heel pain can be difficult to deal with, especially if you do not know what the underlying cause is. If you ignore your heel pain, the pain can magnify and potentially develop into a chronic condition. Depending on the location of your heel pain, you have developed a specific condition.
One condition is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia, or the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes. The pain from this condition is initially mild but can intensify as more steps are taken when you wake up in the morning. To treat this condition, medication will likely be necessary. Plantar fasciitis is often associated with heel spurs; both require rest and special stretching exercises.
There are various options your podiatrist may suggest for heel pain. Treatment options for heel pain typically include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which may reduce swelling and pain. Other options are physical therapy, athletic taping, and orthotics. In severe cases of heel pain, surgery may be required.
Preventing heel pain is possible. If you are looking to prevent heel pain from developing in the future, be sure to wear shoes that fit you properly and do not have worn down heels or soles. Be sure to warm up properly before participating in strenuous activities or sports that place a lot of a stress on the heels. If you are experiencing any form of heel pain, speak with your podiatrist to determine the underlying cause and receive the treatment you need.
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.
What to Do About Toe Cramps
Toe cramps can be painful as well as extremely annoying, especially when they wake you out of a sound sleep. Most cases of toe cramps are believed to be the result of overuse. Common culprits include walking too long, working out too much, and wearing shoes that force your feet to flex too much. Other causes of toe cramps include dehydration, along with consuming too much salt. Toe cramps also may be the result of deficiencies in such minerals as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. In addition, increased age, high anxiety, and other underlying medical conditions have been known to cause toe cramps. If you have toe cramps, it is suggested that you massage the area while trying to move the toes as much as you can. Also, applying a heating pad to the area for about 10 minutes can help. Be sure to wear shoes that fit properly and don’t squeeze the toes. Avoid sandals and flip-flops that cause the toes to flex when walking. Stretch your toes frequently and massage them while resting. For more information on how to deal with toe cramping, please consult a podiatrist.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Frank Colabella, DPM of Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Causes Toe Pain?
Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.
Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Trauma
- Sports injury
- Wearing shoes that are too tight
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Corns and calluses
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Blisters
- Ingrown toenails
- Sprains
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Dislocations
When to See a Podiatrist
- Severe pain
- Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
- Signs of infection
- Continued swelling
- Pain that prevents walking
Diagnosis
In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Wayne and Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Toe Pain
Toe pain can originate from corns, calluses, hammertoes, and bunions, as well as ingrown toenails, sprains, fractures, and dislocations. Corns develop as the toe rubs against the inside of a shoe which causes the skin to thicken as a form of protection. A corn is typically cone-shaped and has a small, hardened spot that points inward. When a corn is pressed into the skin, the toe becomes painful. Corns usually form on the top or side of the toe. A callus is also a thickened patch of skin that generally forms on the bottom of the foot. Calluses are the result of friction from the toe rubbing against the inside of a shoe. They may also occur by walking barefoot or having flat feet. A hammertoe is a bump on the knuckle of the second toe that is produced by wearing shoes that are too short for your feet. The bony protrusion rubs against the top of the shoe causing pain and irritation. A bunion is a malformation of the big toe. The base of the big toe pushes away from the smaller toes, forcing the top of the big toe to press toward the other toes. Bunions can be hereditary, or they can result from injury to the toe joint or from wearing high heels with a narrow toe box. The toe becomes inflamed, and a bump may develop at the end of the misplaced bone. Ingrown toenails typically affect the big toe and its surrounding skin. The nail will dig into the skin and become painful. Wearing tight or narrow shoes that compress the big toe causes the nail to grow into the fleshy part of the toe. Cutting toenails incorrectly can also add to the development of an ingrown toenail. A toe sprain originates from a torn or stretched ligament. Strapping the injured toe to the toe next to it for stabilization is common. A broken or fractured toe usually occurs from trauma like dropping a heavy object on it or bumping into something extremely hard and rigid. Osteoporosis, a thinning of the bones, can also bring about toe fractures.
Any of the conditions mentioned can lead to pain and irritation. While some are more serious than others, seeking an examination and diagnosis from a podiatrist is a good idea. A podiatrist can treat each ailment and get you back on your feet again without pain.
Puncture Wounds and Splinters in the Foot
Splinters are one of the most common and widespread foreign bodies that may enter the bottom, or sole, of the feet. In addition to splinters, pieces of glass are another very common foreign substance that may enter the feet. When a splinter enters the bottom of the foot, it is important that this foreign substance is removed or the foot may become infected. Additionally, it is important that the entire splinter is removed, not leaving part of the substance still in the feet. The deeper a splinter is in the foot, the more difficult it may be for an individual to actually detect the splinter. Often, a medical professional such as a podiatrist may be needed to help identify where a splinter is. This medical professional will then be able to safely remove the splinter. If you are someone that has a splinter in their foot, or believes that they might, consider contacting a podiatrist today for more information and treatment.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Frank Colabella, DPM from Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Wayne and Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Wound Care
Diabetics must be wary of all wounds, regardless of depth or size. Diabetes, a chronic disease in which the body cannot properly use glucose the way it normally would, causes various complications that make wounds difficult to heal. Nerve damage or neuropathy will cause diabetics to have trouble feeling the pain of a blister or cut until the condition has significantly worsened or become infected. A diabetic’s weakened immune system can make even the most minor of wounds easily susceptible to infection. Diabetics are also more prone to developing narrow, clogged arteries, and are therefore more likely to develop wounds.
Wounds should be taken care of immediately after discovery, as even the smallest of wounds can become infected if enough bacteria build up within the wound. To remove dirt, wounds should be first rinsed under running water only. Soap, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine can irritate the injury and should be avoided. To prevent infection, apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover it with a bandage. The bandage should be changed daily. The skin around the wound may be cleaned with soap.
To prevent further exacerbation, see a doctor—especially if you have diabetes. Minor skin conditions can become larger problems if not properly inspected. As the wound heals, make sure to avoid applying pressure to the affected area.
Gym Injuries
With increased sports and physical activity being done at gyms, being aware of injuries and how to prevent them is important. As with all body parts, harming one’s ankles and feet while at the gym is possible. The weight rack and treadmill are considered by experts to be the key culprits for injuries. Tips to avoid injuries at the gym include doing a proper warm-up and stretching before exercising, increasing frequency and intensity of movement at a steady pace, listening to the body, and adjusting workouts as needed. It is best to avoid sitting for long periods of time and to take multiple breaks throughout the day. If you should sustain an injury to your feet and ankles while at the gym, seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe proper treatment. You will be able to get back to the gym as soon as possible if you give yourself time to properly heal.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Frank Colabella, DPM of Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Wayne and Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
