Wednesday, 04 February 2015 16:02

Effects of High-Heels on the Feet

Women have been wearing various kinds of high-heels for hundreds of years, mostly for aesthetic reasons. Shoes with heels make their wearer appear to be taller and to have longer and thinner legs, and change the wearer’s gait and posture. High-heels’ association with femininity have kept them popular over the years, but there are definite health problems caused by wearing high-heels too frequently.

High heels also limit the motion of the ankle joints as well when they are worn. The ankle is a very important joint in the body when it comes to walking. These joints have a great deal of weight put on them because of their location. This is why it is so important to keep them as healthy as possible. The main tendon in the ankle is the Achilles tendon. Studies have shown that wearing high heels often causes the calf muscle and Achilles tendon to shorten, and stiffens the Achilles tendon as well, which can cause problems when shoes without heels are worn.

By forcing the toes into a small toe box, and putting a great deal of pressure on the ball of the foot, high-heels can cause or worsen many foot problems, such as corns, hammertoe, bunions, Morton’s neuroma and plantar fasciitis.

Wearing high-heels regularly, especially very high ones, can have long term negative effects on many other parts of the body, as well as the feet. One of the most important joints in the entire body, the knees, can be affected by wearing high heels. Wearing high heels causes the knees to stay bent at all times. It also causes them to bend slightly inward as well. Many doctors believe that constantly walking like this is the reason that women are so much more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis later in life. High-heels also cause increased stress on the knees by limiting the natural motion of the foot during walking.

The back may also be negatively affected by high heels because this shoe style causes the back to go out of alignment. This affects the spine’s ability to absorb shock, and can cause continued pain in the back if high heels are worn constantly. High-heels also compress the vertebrae of the lower back, and can cause overuse of the muscles in the lower back.

This is not to say that high heels should never be worn. They will not cause serious problems if they are worn only occasionally. However, they should not be worn every day in order to avoid long term physical health problems to the feet, knees, ankles and back.

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Wednesday, 04 February 2015 00:00

Baylor College Professors Tips for High Heel Wearers this Holiday Season

According to Baylor College of Medicine assistant professor Dr. Jason Ahuero, women should be sensible about how often they wear high heels. Wearing high heels regularly can lead to many foot problems such as foot pain and ankle sprains. Ahuero states that women should not wear heels for long periods of time and they should alternate heel height if they are unable to just wear flats. High heel wearers should also roughen up the bottoms of their heels to avoid slipping during inclement weather. When buying new high heels, Ahuero suggests that women have their foot measured each time, purchase shoes with thicker heels for stability, and to avoid high heels that are uncomfortable to wear. At the end of a day of wearing high heels, elevating the feet as well as icing them may reduce any pain or swelling.

High heels are very fashionable and a necessity to some, but they can cause a tremendous about of harm to the feet and ankles. To learn more, contact Dr. Genine M. Befumo and Dr. Mark J. Berger of University Foot & Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors will answer all of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

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 one of our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 26 January 2015 00:00

Alternative Methods for Bunion Pain Relief

In response to a concern over increasing bunion pain and shoes that hurt, Mayo Clinic reports that while surgery is an option to consider for bunion pain, it is not the only treatment available for the condition. One of the first steps one should take to relieve bunion pain is to change footwear and wear shoes with a wide toe box and soft leather uppers, which will relieve pressure on bunions. Stretching out shoes can also aid in decreasing irritation and make them feel more comfortable. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen are pain-relieving medications one can take that may help control bunion pain, as well as cortisone injections.

To avoid extended pain, consider bunion treatment as soon as possible. For more information about bunion treatments, consult with one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality care.

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or boney growth enlargement, 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 to become inflamed and often painful.

Why do Bunions Form?

Genetics – susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary, particularly among Caucasians

Stress on the feet – poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that place undue stress on feet, such as heels and stilettos, can cause bunions to form

How are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists knowledgeable in anatomy and foot structure can be able to diagnose bunions through the following two methods:

Blood Tests – to help rule out other conditions while finding underlying causes to bunions, especially from disease

Radiological Exam- X-rays can show whether there are any joint enlargements near the toe’s base, which can indicate a bunion

For more information about Bunions, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Bunions

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Thursday, 22 January 2015 00:00

Two Year-Old Receives Surgeries That May Allow Him to Walk Again

Tripp Halstead of Atlanta was hit by a tree branch in 2012 and had numerous surgeries since. His most recent surgery was surgery of the feet. When the tree branch hit Halstead, the two year-old suffered severe trauma to the brain and his parents have noticed that his feet have not grown since. His parents and doctors are now hoping that this latest procedure will allow the boy to walk again someday instead of using a wheelchair to get around. The surgery lasted around seven hours, but hospital staff claims that everything went according to plan. Nurses even created his casts based off Cars, Halstead’s favorite movie. “I put more emphasis on the positive,” said Tripps’ mother, Stacy Halstead, “That one day he would be able to walk and run like the other kids and that seemed to relax him.”

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary. If you are struggling with a foot or ankle condition, talk to one of our podiatrists of University Foot & Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors can 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

- Reconstruction to attend injuries caused by accidents or malformations

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will be dependent on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

- Bunionectomy for painful bunions

- Surgical fusion for realignment of bones

- Nerve removal for painful nerve endings

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, when it is undertaken, if can provide more complete pain relief than before, and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Such techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Friday, 06 March 2015 00:00

University Receives Grant to Create Orthotics with 3D Printer

Glasgow Caledonian University has partnered with University of Newcastle and the SME Peacocks Medical Group to receive a grant of nearly €115,000 to create 3D printed foot orthotics. The purpose of the grant is to enable and aid the “FootFEMan” project that uses elemental analysis to create improved orthotics for specific patients. Each orthotic will be printed and developed using technology from another project funded by the European Union. Each orthotic will be tested at Glasgow Caledonian University to ensure the orthotics properly improve foot function and lessen foot symptoms. Gordon Henry, PhD and project researcher states, “We are confident that we can successfully 3D print new orthotic insole devices. This project will now enable us to improve each orthosis tailored to the individual patient according to whatever foot problem they have.”

Foot orthotics are useful in treating a myriad of conditions, including heel injuries like plantar fasciitis. If you are dealing with foot pain and are interested in the possibility of using orthotics as a treatment, call one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors can evaluate the severity of your condition and determine what type of care would best suit your needs.

What is Ankle Foot Orthotics?

Orthotics is physical aids used to support weak limbs or direct the proper function of limbs. Often they are used to support the ankle and foot. Such orthotics is known as AFOs. AFOs help strengthen the muscles or train them to function in the proper position. AFOs can also benefit muscles that need to be lengthened or loosened.

Why might you need orthotics?

Modern orthotics has improved dramatically from the metal braces of previous years. Many of today’s orthotics is made of lightweight plastics and other advanced materials to provide new levels of comfort and support.

For more information about Ankle Foot Orthotics, please follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ.

Read more about Foot Ankle Orthotics

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Friday, 16 January 2015 11:02

Ancient Foot Binding Custom Subject of Photographer’s Documentary

Up until its ban in 1911, foot binding was practiced in China until the 10th century. In ancient times, having small feet was a symbol of status and beauty in women. This status signified a wife who was submissive and did not complain. Performed by mothers-in-law and matchmakers, foot binding was a process that ensured that the woman’s feet did not grow.

Hong Kong photographer Jo Farrell documented the last remaining survivors, who are well into their eighties and older. Farrell describes these women as ‘some of the most amazing, kind, compassionate, and generous women I have ever met’, even in spite of the intense pain involved.

Thankfully, foot binding has no place in any kind of everyday foot care. If you are dealing with foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors can treat your foot and ankle needs.

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. Also make sure that the socks fit properly and are not uncomfortably tight.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Scientists of the University of Calgary Study Running Shoes

University of Calgary scientists want to build the perfect running shoe through studying the effects of comfort and its effect on the rates of injury. Even though the idea of the perfect running shoe has circulated for years, modern schools of thought claim that shoe design has no effect on the rate in which running injuries occur.

Advocates of the ‘comfort theory’ suggest that people should just go with the pair of running footwear that feels best for them. The scientific team still wants willing participants for their study, hoping to learn more through research.

For help with selecting an appropriate shoe size, consult with podiatrists Dr. Genine Befumo and Dr. Mark Berger of University Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

Sometimes it may be difficult finding the right shoe size especially because shoe sizes tend to vary depending on the brand and company you are looking for. A size 6 for one brand may be a size 7 in another. Although many people know their exact shoe size, it can range within 2 sizes depending on where they shop.

So it is important not to always go for a size 7 just because you think you might be a size 7 universally. It is best to try on the shoe and walk around for a bit to see how it fits and how it feels. Comfort is essential and the fitting has to be well otherwise it can lead to blisters, bruises at the back of the ankle and it can also hurt your toes if the shoe is too tight for example.

People walk a lot, so it is important for you to find what is comfortable when it is possible.

For more information about Getting the Right Shoe Size, follow the link below.

Read more about Choosing the Right Running Shoes

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Thursday, 01 January 2015 23:22

Kindergartener Pushed Under School Bus, Breaks Foot

Thaddeus Delaney, kindergartener at Denver Public Schools was involved in an accident with a township school bus. The five-year-old broke three bones in his foot when a third grader at the school pushed him under a school bus as it was approaching. The victim states that he was trying to give his sister a hug when the incident occurred. After the bus ran over his legs, Delaney was taken to the hospital by ambulance. “He’s been mean to me all my life,” Thaddeus said of the bully while sitting in a wheelchair with an orange cast on his leg. “There’s gotta be a point where it’s gotta stop, it’s got to,” his mother added.

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 University Foot & Ankle Center, LLC. 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 ‘breaking’, or fracturing. Bones typically break when the bone is bent, 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 who are experiencing any of these symptoms, or suspect that they have a broken foot, should seek medical attention in a center where x-rays can be performed. This is especially urgent if any of the symptoms include numbness, blue coloring, cold feet, cuts, misshapen toes or deformities as these indicate more severe cases.

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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is when one of the bones located in the foot fractures, or breaks. About 10% of broken bones occur in the foot.

Bones typically break when an object crushes, bends, or stretches the bone. In the foot, the location of the broken bone is usually indicative of how the break occurred. Toes usually break when something hard and solid is kicked with great force. Broken Heels are usually a result of falling from a great height and landing on the feet. Other broken bones in the feet can occur because of a twisted or sprained ankle. Most of the time, a broken foot results from a sudden accident or injury. Sometimes small cracks can form over time in the bones of the feet from repeated stress. These cracks are called stress fractures and usually only occur in athletes that put a lot of pressure on their feet, like runners, dancers, and gymnasts.

Symptoms of a broken foot typically include pain, swelling, bruising, and redness. Occasionally the pain of a broken foot may be so severe that walking is not an option. However, this depends on the location of the broken bone within the foot. Broken toes are usually less painful than broken heels or other bones within the foot. A foot that is blue, numb, cold, misshapen, cut or deformed can occur in more serious cases of broken feet. Those who are experiencing any of these symptoms, or suspect that they have a broken foot, should seek medical attention in a center where x-rays can be performed.

Prior to seeking the attention of a doctor, several steps can be taken at home in order to reduce pain and swelling. Stabilization and elevation of the broken foot should be the number one priority. It is important not to move the foot, so any type of homemade splint will work well. However, any splint that causes the foot to become more painful, or cut off blood circulation should be removed. Ice can also decrease swelling and alleviate some of the pain that a broken foot can cause.

In a medical center, treatment for a broken bone will differ depending on which bone in the foot is fractured and depending on what caused the break. Some broken feet will require the patient to use crutches, while others will require splits or casts. More severe cases may require surgery on the foot to repair the broken bone or bones.

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Tuesday, 23 December 2014 19:18

Patient Finds Shockwave Therapy to be Most Helpful in Treating Plantar Fasciitis

Oakville, Ontario resident Connie Glen has being using shockwave therapy to aid her plantar fasciitis that came without any warning or explanation. The 49-year-old has spent nearly $2,000 in finding the most efficient form of treatment. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue from the heel to the bones in the toes becomes inflamed. Glen attempted many treatments including stretching, orthotics, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and even a cortisone shot in the inflamed area. After many of these treatments were not working as well as they could, Glen and sports medicine specialist Dr. Chris Woollam both agreed that shockwave therapy seems to be doing the trick in alleviating her pain during even the most simple of activities such as walking short distances.

Shockwave therapy is one of many forms of treatment for plantar fasciitis. If you are interested in receiving shockwave therapy for your lower extremities, contact Dr. Genine Befumo and Dr. Mark Berger of University Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your needs and give you his professional opinion.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. This technique is used on patients that do not respond well to physiotherapy. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, attacking the source of the problem so treatment lasts for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Effects of High-Heels on the Feet

Baylor College Professors Tips for High Heel Wearers this Holiday Season

Alternative Methods for Bunion Pain Relief

Two Year-Old Receives Surgeries That May Allow Him to Walk Again

University Receives Grant to Create Orthotics with 3D Printer

Ancient Foot Binding Custom Subject of Photographer’s Documentary

Scientists of the University of Calgary Study Running Shoes

Kindergartener Pushed Under School Bus, Breaks Foot

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Patient Finds Shockwave Therapy to be Most Helpful in Treating Plantar Fasciitis

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