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Recently, celebrities have been seen showing off the new trendy shoe known as “flatforms,” which is a combination flats and platforms. While this shoe provides appeal and adds height to its wearer, it does not come without its share of physical risks.

The reason this shoe is dangerous is because flatforms cause the ankles to move in ways they aren’t biomechanically designed to. This can lead to painful ligament damage if they are worn extensively, as one journalist for Vogue magazine reports. It remains to be seen if the potential foot risks that come with wearing flatforms will keep this shoe afloat.

Shoes should have proper foot support. For foot and ankle pain or injuries, see podiatrists Dr. Genine Befumo and Dr. Mark Berger of University Foot & Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors can treat your foot and ankle needs.

The Importance of Proper Foot Support

Walking is an everyday function for both men and women, and in order to keep your body’s balance in order, you are going to need shoes that provide the proper kinds of support. 

Poor foot support can cause pain and discomfort in the lower back, hips, knees, neck and shoulder. It also can lead to emotional stress, and physiological changes in the body. In order to avoid these problems, you must have proper foot support.

The arch is the most important part of the foot, which is where most of the support and balance of your feet lies. The arch of your foot varies in height, and as you age, this height can change. Proper foot support will help musculoskeletal issues, which causes inactivity or disability.

When looking for shoes that give proper support to your feet, you should refrain from wearing ill-fitting shoes. 

Shoes to Consider:

• Good heel and arch support
• Have proper length and width for your feet
• Avoid tight/cramped shoes

For more information about Proper Foot Support, 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 care needs.

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Although enrolling in marathons, mud runs, and obstacle courses are great excuses to get in shape, it is important for runners to pace themselves and not attempt too much before the body is ready. Over conditioning the body for a marathon can lead to a variety of injuries such as stress fractures, shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and ankle sprains. Arizona Sports recently provided some tips for runners to avoid injury. Stretching before and after each run is essential; stretches can reduce tight leg muscles, shin splints and aid the muscles that impact the feet. Running on soft surfaces such as grass reduces the impact on the feet and in order to give the feet a break, switch up exercises by choosing to bike or swim on occasion. The last important thing runners can do to sustain the health of their bodies is to buy the correct running shoe for their foot.

Running is one of the best ways to stay in shape, but precautions must be taken to prevent any injuries. If you have a running injury or have an interest in preventing one, contact one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors can instruct you on proper running techniques and help you keep your lower extremities safe.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. Runner’s knee usually is treated with strengthening exercises focusing on the quad muscles and sports orthotic. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned. Physical therapy can help you learn the best exercises to heal runner’s knee.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?

- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries

- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule.

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 injuries.

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According to the World Health Organization, as obesity increases in young adults and children, so do foot and ankle problems. These issues are more likely to occur because there is too much pressure being put on the lower extremities. Obese children are less likely to participate in physical activities due to the problems that may occur in the foot structure and often time, obese individuals end up with flat feet due to the pressure. Childhood obesity may have a negative effect on the feet over a period of time and may result in permanent issues with foot function. For children and young adults to reduce the chance of permanent foot problems, it is important to establish the proper amount of diet and exercise. For some, additional coaching may be necessary to overcome the challenges of obesity.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet if not taken care of properly. If you’re an obese individual and you’re concerned about your feet, talk to one of our podiatrists of University Foot & Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors can determine if your weight has caused you to develop any complications in your lower extremities and get you the care that you need.

Obesity and your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

For more information about Obesity and Your Feet, follow the link below.

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

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 The Fitbit allows users to track their steps, miles, calories burned, and heart rate with the help of assisting smartphone apps and sensors. Recently, lawmakers and administration officials of Washington, D.C. are using these new forms of technology to fuel their competitive ways. Many employers are even allowing in-office competitions, which helps workers reach their doctor recommended 10,000 steps a day. “The type of people you find on Capitol Hill are very competitive by nature,” Alexa Marrero says, “You have a bunch of Type A personalities in jobs prone to keeping you behind a desk all day, so there are a lot of people who have found this as a fun way to get up.”

Walking is a tried and tested way to successfully exercise the feet. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists of University Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Exercise for Your Feet
If you spend most of your time on your feet, or don’t either way your feet should deserve attention. There are many people who exercise regularly and still don’t spend enough time to care for their feet. Your foot does get exposure that requires maintenance since your health has a lot to do with footing.

Exercises
Toe rise – this exercise involves standing on the tip-toes for a count of 15 seconds, then resting your feet on ground. This exercise should be repeated three times a day to strengthen the feet. 

Toe Pick-ups – the toes are exercises that are done by picking up small items using your toes. This helps strengthen the muscles on the upper part of the feet. Three sets along with 15 seconds being held should be completed. Small items like marbles or stationary will work.

Ankle Pump – can be performed upwards or downwards. The workout can be completed both ways at the same time. This involves flexing the foot either towards the shin or to the ground. This makes the foot work very well, working large parts of the muscles.

For more information about Exercise for Your Feet, 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 Exercise for Your Feet