Foot Conditions
President Obama Struggles with Effects of Plantar Fasciitis
As leader of the United States of America, President Barack Obama needs to be on his feet with all the meetings and conferences he must attend daily. As a result, it may come to no surprise that our president has been contending with pain in his right foot. Dr. Ronny L. Jackson states that Obama’s symptoms happen to be consistent with “regular recurring plantar fasciitis”.
Chronic plantar fasciitis tends to be common among middle aged people, especially those with overworked feet. Fortunately, our president remains up to the task and is said not to be hampered by his foot pain.
Plantar fasciitis can be quite painful. If you have heel pain, visit Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Dr. Hillel can treat your heel pain as well as any other foot or ankle condition.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis refers to heel and arch pain caused by an inflammation of the connective tissues on the bottom of the foot.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
- Ill-fitting shoes
- Weight change
- Excessive running
- Non-supportive shoes
- Overpronation
How Can It Be Treated?
- Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices.
- Shockwave therapy – sends sound waves to the areas where pain is experience. Requires multiple sessions. This is used for very persistent cases of plantar fasciitis.
- Ultrasound-guided technique with steroid injections into the plantar fascia. This is from a relatively new and small study, but was shown to be effective in most cases treated.
New Studies on Treatment
According to groundbreaking treatment option studies, Luca M. Sconfienza, M.D. says that ultrasound with steroid injections was effective in over 95% of cases that involve plantar fasciitis. This process involves anesthesia and is a single process, out-patient treatment that was discovered to be highly effective. Luca M. Sconfienza M.D. presented her study at an annual meeting for the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Be sure to speak with your podiatrist about different methods that can be used, as well as finding out what treatment options they offer.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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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 Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Dr. Hillel 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.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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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 podiatrist Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Dr. Hillel 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.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Jack Wilshere of Arsenal to Miss the Rest of the Season due to Tackle on Ankle
Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere suffered ligament damage to his left ankle due to a tackle from a Manchester United player during a recent game. The twenty-two year has to undergo surgery to repair the ligaments in his ankle and will be off the playing ground for nearly three months. Recently Wilshere has suffered a series of similar injuries throughout the season totaling around nearly thirteen injuries. The tremendous amount of injuries has caused some questioning in the strength of his ankles to which the midfielder replied on social media, “Luckily I have ‘loose joints’, not brittle, only damaged ligaments.” As Wilshere recovers from his treatment he will miss many important Premier League games against Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham as well as the last rounds in the Champions League and FA Cup.
No athlete wants to get hurt while playing their sport and suffer any foot or ankle injuries. For assistance with any kind of sports related foot or ankle injury, consult with Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Dr. Hillel can present you with an ample amount of treatment options and will do everything he can to help you heal.
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
- Plantar Fasciosis
- 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 feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Runners can benefit from a Post-run Stretch
Runners who exercise daily will often suffer from sore or painful feet. While a daily foot massage is ideal, it is also not always possible. After their daily run, runners should instead consider removing their sneakers and socks to perform foot stretches, which can help soothe the muscles in their feet. While kneeling on a yoga mat or carpet, tuck the toes toward the knees and slowly lower the pelvis to the heels. This position should be held for at least thirty seconds before slowly lifting the hips off the heels. The toes should then be pointed away from the knees before sitting back down on the heels to stretch the tops of the feet. This can be repeated two or three more times to optimally stretch the feet.
Stretching the feet is an important part of any runner’s exercise routine. To learn more, consult with Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Dr. Hillel will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
Stretching Your Feet
Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.
Good ways to stretch your feet are:
- Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
- Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
- Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle
Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Remedies for High Heel Pain during NYFW
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York is a very exciting time to see new season trends. During this week is not unusual to constantly see high-heels around the city. High Heels are a major way to make a statement in the fashion world since they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. With that being said, heels can also cause a lot of trouble for the feet. Topical BioMedics, Inc. has come up with some tips to avoid the pain created by wearing heels for fashion week.
Making sure shoes fit well, choosing a chunky heel rather than a stiletto, and elevating your legs for a few minutes to reduce swelling and promote circulation are just a few ways you can do your feet a favor. Lou Paradise, president and chief of research at Topical BioMedics states, “Women love wearing heels, but the resulting pain is not glamorous… Squeezing feet while thrusting toes forward can lead to such problems as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, sprained and swollen ankles, blisters, aching feet, hammertoes, corns and calluses, lower back pain, and knee strain, as well as other painful conditions.”
Despite being very fashionable, high heels can have a detrimental effect on the feet. To learn more, see Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Dr. Hillel 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 our office located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Boys & Girls Club Members receive New Shoes thanks to Samaritan’s Feet
The successful Samaritan’s Feet event, held by Samaritan’s Feet International and Northeastern Indiana Credit Union Chapter (NEICUC), was able to put new pairs of shoes onto three hundred members of the Boys & Girls Club of Fort Wayne and the Euell A. Wilson Center. To help spread and share hope among local children, the event also had the members’ feet washed by volunteers. Samaritan’s Feet’s leaders believe it is possible to show to the youth that they can reach their dreams. NEICUC financed the event, coordinated the logistics, and recruited over 40 volunteers to help run the project. “It is wonderful to see the collaborative efforts that have been done on behalf of the youth in our community,” said Joe Jordan, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne.
Growing children should wear proper fitting shoes to ensure that their development is not hindered by detrimental foot problems. For more information about proper shoe fitting and its benefits for children, consult with podiatrist Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Dr. Hillel can help you determine the best fit for your children’s feet and provide you with the information to help answer all of your questions.
Proper Shoe Fitting
A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in properly fitting shoes:
- Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
- Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
- Even though they may look fashionable, improperly fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
- Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity
For more information about Proper Shoe Fitting, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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APMA Study Finds Americans Don’t Care About Their Feet
The American Podiatric Medical Association recently published a study revealing that much of this nation’s foot pain goes untreated. In a survey of 1,000 people over the age of 18, 77% reported experiencing foot pain, but only a third of those claim they would see a podiatrist. Half of the participants with foot pain say that the pain has hindered walking, exercising, playing with grandchildren, and other daily activities.
Among the group who sought podiatric help, 88% reported a quick diagnosis and 76% received treatment that eliminated the problem. A third of the group said that their visits to the podiatrist exposed other health concerns, such as diabetes, circulatory issues, and nerve issues.
"It's not surprising to see how many people are affected by foot pain, when survey results show that we view our feet as the least important body part in terms of our overall health and wellbeing," said AMPA President Frank Spinosa. "Our feet are literally and figuratively the furthest things from our minds."
If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Seek podiatrist Dr. Moshe Hillel of Advanced Footcare NY. Dr. Hillel will provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.
What is a Podiatrist?
Someone would seek care of a podiatrist when they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as: heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems etc.
Podiatric Treatment
A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:
- physical therapy
- drugs
- perform surgery on lower extremity fractures
- orthotic inserts or soles
A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.
For more information about Podiatrists, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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