October 2014

 Northeastern Indiana Credit Union Chapter (NEICUC) recently joined forces with Samaritan’s Feet International in creating the Samaritan’s Feet event. NEICUC financed, coordinated logistics, and recruited 40 volunteers for the event that provided three hundred new pairs of shoes for members of the Boys & Girls Club and the Euell A. Wilson Center. Members also had the option of having their feet washed by one of the volunteers to spread hope and sharing. Samaritan’s Feet leaders believe that they can show the youth that their dreams are attainable. “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.

To ensure that their feet will grow and develop healthily, children need to proper fitting shoes on their feet. For more information about determining proper shoe fitting for children, see podiatrists Dr. Genine Befumo & Dr. Mark Berger of University Foot & Ankle Center, LLC.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.  

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 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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 Over the years there have been plenty of collaborations between airlines and big time fashion designers. Some of these include Pierre Balmain for Singapore Airlines and Christian Lacroix for Air France. Recently, Virgin Atlantic has made an agreement with Vivienne Westwood on creating the new flight attendant and crew member uniforms. The global wearer trial for the uniforms has had positive reviews; however, plenty employees have described blisters from the designer’s shoes. The shoes are an adaptation of Westwood’s signature heels.  A spokesperson for the airline responded to the reports declaring that the company is working to ensure that its employees are “happy and comfortable in their working environment.”
If you work in an environment that requires extensive standing and walking, you may develop blisters on the feet. To learn more about blister treatment and prevention, speak to Dr. Genine Befumo and Dr. Mark Berger of University Foot & Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns and answer any of your related questions. 

Blisters on the Feet
When tight or ill-fitting footwear is worn, many times a foot blister may develop. Blisters can even develop by constant rubbing from the shoe, often times leading to pain. 

What is a Foot Blister?
A foot blister is a small pocket that is filled with fluid, forming on the upper most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid, and may lead to drainage of blood or pus if the area has become infected. 

How do they Form?
Blisters of the feet are almost always the result of shoe rubbing and constant friction of the skin and material. Long periods of walking in shoes, sandals, or boots which don’t fit properly can result in a blister. Those who often have moisture or humidity in the feet, are prone to blister formation easily. 

Prevention & Treatment
Proper care is vital to alleviate pain and prevent infection to the affected area of the foot. The best treatment is to leave them alone. New skin will develop under the blister and during the healing stages, your blister will pop.

For more information about Blisters on the 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.

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 Although many patients suffering from hammertoes would like to receive immediate surgery to get the process over with, many insurance companies will not even consider covering the costs until non-surgical treatments are attempted first. Invasive methods of non-surgical treatment include cortisone injections, analgesic drugs, or anti-inflammatory drugs to help ease the discomfort and swelling caused by hammertoes. Using custom orthotic inserts can help decrease discomfort as well as wearing a splint if the toe is still capable of being straightened are some non-invasive methods. The splint can also keep the toe from rubbing against the top of the toe with its protective padding. Hammertoes can be prevented with proper fitting footwear and by avoiding high heels.

Successful hammertoe correction will often require the assistance of a medical professional. If you would like to make a consultation for a hammertoe, see podiatrist one of our doctors of University Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. We will provide you with quality treatment and attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

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 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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Recent research from the University of Queensland scientists has shed some light on the role other foot muscles play in arch support. The scientists used an experiment that involved weights to prove this. Upon studying the movement of the muscles in the foot, it became clear that more muscles aid in arch support than originally thought.

Dr. Glen Lichtwark and his colleagues at the university conducted another experiment using electrical stimulation. When activated, the tissues in the arch began to rise. Lichtwark believes that this could play an innovative role for the feet when it comes to designing footwear, injury rehabilitation and understanding bipedalism.

The biomechanics are the cogs behind the gears that manage your feet. If you would like more information, see podiatrist Dr. Genine Befumo or Dr. Mark Berger of University Foot & Ankle Center, LLC.  Dr. Befumo and Dr. Berger 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 feel free to contact one of our offices located in Monroe Township and East Brunswick, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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