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Wednesday, 10 September 2014 16:30

Scientists Research Role of Foot Muscles

University of Queensland scientists focused their research efforts and discovered the role foot muscles play in arch support. To prove that it isn’t just the plantar fascia, an experiment involving weights was conducted. The scientists monitored the responses of the muscles in their feet as the subjects moved.

Another experiment involving electrical stimulation was performed soon after, which showed that when activated, these tissues cause the arch to rise. Dr. Glen Lichtwark believes this could play an important role in fields focusing on the feet. This includes footwear design, injury rehabilitation, and even the biological understanding of bipedalism.

The biomechanics are the cogs behind the gears that manage your feet. If you would like more information, see podiatrist Dr. Genine Befumo of University Foot & Ankle Center. Dr. Befumo can provide in-depth information as well as measure your personal foot biomechanics.

A History of Biomechanics

- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974 biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination to the area.
Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, moments and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured.
Advances in materials and more awareness of biomechanics have developed enhanced corrective methods, offering further options for foot-related injuries. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Read more about Biomechanics of Podiatry.

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Basanta Roy Loses Hammertoe but Retains Passion for Mountaineering

Basanta Kumar Singha Roy is planning to scale the Neelkanth peak of the Garhwal Himalayas sometime this August. This will be his first time mountain climbing again after a failed expedition to the top of Dhaulagiri last year, which ended in disaster when his oxygen canister sprung a leak. While his friend rushed to their camp to get help, Roy was left alone on the mountain in freezing conditions. After he finally got to the hospital doctors had to amputate several of his toes, including a hammertoe on his right foot.

Fortunately Roy wasn’t too daunted by his loss. He has been making preparations for his trip to the Himlayas since the Dhaulagiri incident, and now he’s ready to stage his triumphant return to mountaineering. “Making a comeback was not that tough, because mountaineering has been a passion all my life and I owe it to my family because of their full support,” he said.

Hammertoes can be debilitating, but Roy’s case shows that it’s possible to make a full recovery from them. If you find yourself with this foot deformity, visit podiatrist Dr. Genine Befumo of University Foot & Ankle Center. Dr. Befumo can determine whether your condition is in fact a hammertoe and do everything in her power to treat you.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is little-known a painful condition that affects the second, third and fourth toes involving different joints of the toe and foot. Hammertoe can be caused by many other conditions such as RA (rheumatoid arthritis), osteoarthritis, trauma or injuries to your foot, it can be hereditary and it can also be caused by a cerebral vascular accident. If you wear shoes that are too narrow or short for your feet, it may exacerbate any pain you already have.

It is really important to your overall well-being to seek out medical attention at the first signs of foot pain or anything that may hinder your ability to walk in a normal manner. Taking care of your feet is one of the first steps to being able to live a full and healthy life.

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

Mixed Martial Artist Sustains Fractured Toe in Fight

Uriah Hall defeated Thiago Santos at UFC 175 this week but didn’t leave the cage unscathed. Hall sustained a badly broken toe, presumably during the fight. The commentators remain unsure when or how exactly the injury occurred, but it became noticeable that Hall was limping midway through the first round after countering a powerful kick from his opponent.

Hall clearly appeared to be having difficulty moving around after that, but he somehow managed to ignore the pain and beat Santos into submission. After the fight he posted a photograph of an X-ray of his foot online that showed that the second toe in his right foot was horribly dislocated.

Broken toes hurt. If you think your toe is broken, contact podiatrist Dr. Genine Befumo of University Foot & Ankle Center. Dr. Befumo can evaluate the severity of your injury and help you decide how you want to proceed with your treatment.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture). Another type of trauma that can break a toe is repeated activity that places stress on the toe for prolonged periods of time.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

throbbing pain
swelling
bruising on the skin and toenail
the inability to move the toe with ease.
toe appears crooked or disfigured
tingling or numbness in the toe
injured person experiences fever or chills throughout their body, and when there is an open, bleeding wound present on the toe.

Generally, a minor toe break will heal without long-term complications, but it is important to discontinue activities that put pressure on the toe.

For more information about Broken Toes, follow the link below.

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

Predators Forward Suffers Ruptured Achilles

Nashville Predator Mike Fisher has ruptured his Achilles tendon and will have to spend the next four to six months recovering. This means he’ll have to miss at least the first part of the 2014-2015 hockey season.

Fisher’s absence will probably be a painful blow to Nashville’s already inferior offensive roster. The team managed to acquire some fresh blood in the form of James Neal and Olli Jokinen during the offseason, but it may not matter much without the presence of their star forward. The lineup will also have a new leader in coach Peter Laviolette, who was brought on this year to replace the fired Barry Trotz.

Achilles tendon injuries can be nasty business. If you think you have hurt your Achilles in some way, visit podiatrist Dr. Genine Befumo of University Foot & Ankle Center. Dr. Befumo will examine the afflicted area and prescribe an effective form of treatment.

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body, and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

- Inflammation
- Dull to Severe Pain
- Increased blood flow to the tendon
- Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
- Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation. Often the doctor will order an MRI to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment will involve rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
- Proper fitting shoes
- A healthy diet

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

Read more about Achilles Tendon Injuries

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Scientists Research Role of Foot Muscles

Basanta Roy Loses Hammertoe but Retains Passion for Mountaineering

Mixed Martial Artist Sustains Fractured Toe in Fight

Predators Forward Suffers Ruptured Achilles

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