November 2014

 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

Whether your feet are over-worked or under-worked, chances are they could benefit from some special attention. Even those who exercise regularly probably do not spend any time strengthening their feet. This can be just as rewarding as strengthening the rest of the body, since the health of your feet affects the health of the rest of the body as well, especially the ankles, legs, and spine.

For those who might not have any idea on how a foot-specific exercise might be conducted, there are several workouts that are fairly easy to perform in the comfort of ones’ home. One of the easiest is the toe rise, also known as the tip-toe. This exercise involves standing on the tip-toes for a count of 15 then resting the feet on the ground. This process should be repeated a minimum of three times a day in order to strengthen the feet.

Toe pick-ups strengthen the feet by working them in a very different way. In this exercise, small items are picked up using the toes in order to strengthen the muscles on the upper part of the feet. Once again three sets should be performed, with the item in question being held for 15 seconds then dropped. Items that may be picked up using the feet include marbles and even stationery, which works wonders for the toes and the surrounding muscles.

Yet another simple workout is the ankle pump. This can be done either upwards or downwards, but for the workout to be most effective both can be incorporated into the routine. As the term suggests, this involves lifting the foot off the floor and flexing the toes either towards the shin or towards the ground. This movement puts the feet and ankles through a large range of motion which works muscles.

Last but not least, feet should be stretched so that the muscles can relax and recuperate. This can be done by placing both feet of the floor and bracing oneself against the wall at a 45 degree angle. This ensures that the feet and ankles are adequately stretched once the workout is complete.

In short, giving the feet a good workout every now and then is important in order to avoid problems such as plantar fasciitis, as well as to warm-up or cool-down after running or vigorous walking. Foot exercises may be followed by a good foot massage which encourages circulation in the feet as well as muscle relaxation.

Members of the researcher faculty at the St. George’s University of London recently discovered that diabetes patients with the systemic disease peripheral neuropathy may be more likely to get heart disease than other diabetics. They arrived at this conclusion after detailed observation of around 13,000 type-2 diabetes patients who had never had any cardiopulmonary problems.

The researcher’s findings might be useful for doctors who are trying to determine the probability that a particular diabetes patient will get heart disease. “There is likely an unmet potential to reduce cardiovascular disease in this group of patients through greater monitoring and simple treatments," stated Robert Hinchliffe, Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Vascular Surgery.

Systemic diseases typically affect the whole body, but they can be particularly detrimental to the heels. If a systemic disease is causing you to experience lower extremity problems, see one of our podiatrists of University Foot & Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors will analyze your need for treatment and provide you with a suitable form of medical care.

Systemic Diseases and the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include: gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Some common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs, which relieves pain and inflammation and other drugs which lowers the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus- is an increase in the level of blood sugar in which the body cannot counteract with the insulin in the body. When the body doesn’t produce enough insulin this is a factor in Diabetes.

*Diabetes of the Feet
*Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.
*Peripheral Vascular Disease- can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

For more information about Systemic Diseases and the Feet, 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.

Read more about Systemic Diseases and the Feet

Michele Crow, a 41-year-old teaching assistant has always preferred flip-flops and flat shoes over high heels, never taking into consideration that flat shoes can create just as many problems. Crow started to notice her foot problems when she went on vacation to Portugal and realized that her wooden-soled flip-flops were creating an ache in the arch of her foot. When the teaching assistant went for a run a few days later, the pain worsened to the point that she could not walk and had to see a doctor. Crow has since been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and is taking on a wide variety of treatments to try and fix her foot. She states, “You often hear about the twisted ankles, bunions, and backache that can be caused by wearing high heels, but I had no idea flat shoes could also damage your feet so badly.”

Flip-flops, while usually cited for their comfort, do not have the proper foot support. For more information, consult with one of our podiatrists of Univeristy Foot & Ankle Center, LLC.  Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Flip-Flops and Feet
When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off, perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are there injuries associated with flip-flops?
Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like wearing flip-flops, are there safe alternatives?
When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and are made of high quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more, but will also last longer as a result.

For more information about Flip Flops, 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 all the newest in diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle conditions.

Read more about Flip Flops and Your Feet

Flip-flops are some of the most comfortable and convenient kinds of shoes there are. They let you freely move your toes, aren't constrictive, and allow your feet to breathe. They can also be worn with almost any attire, and match most clothing styles. Unfortunately, wearing flip-flops can also be very dangerous. These sorts of shoes can harm your feet in more ways than you may think.

Although they are comfortable, constant flip-flop use can lead to problems with the ankles, hips, and lower back if worn on a long-term basis. This is because people walk much differently in flip-flops than they do in other shoes like sneakers. Their natural gait is being forced to change, throwing the body off and causing stress to different parts of the body. Flip-flops can also lead to problems in the arches of your feet, and pain in the balls of your feet. There is little to no support provided by flip-flops, so some parts of the foot undergo much more stress than normal.

Flip-flops can cause more obvious short term problems as well, like ankle sprains and frequent blisters. Because these shoes are relatively weak and can easily bend while walking, wearers are far more likely to trip and hurt their ankles. Flip-flops can also cause bad blisters, because their straps are constantly rubbing up against the foot. Additionally, someone wearing flip-flops is more prone to infections, due to the openness of the shoe. It very easy to scrape and cut your foot when wearing flip-flops because they offer little protection for the foot. If left untreated and uncovered, these same cuts can get dirtied and infected as flip-flops wearers walk around.

In order to avoid this, make sure to get a pair of flip-flops that will keep your feet as safe as possible. When looking to purchase flip-flops, you should check that the actual sole is sturdy and firm. The flip-flops are too floppy if the sole droops and wiggles a great deal when lifted off the floor. These will offer very little support, and may lead to other problems like tripping.

If you only purchase flip-flops made of high quality, sturdy materials, you won't have to worry about this. Although they will cost a little more, flip-flops made of these materials will last longer, and will protect your feet more so than a cheap pair of flip-flops. Also, make sure to buy from a reliable brand name. You can often find relatively cheap shoes from these companies, and once you have bought them you know they will last.

You can still wear your favorite flip-flops, just avoid wearing them every day of the week, or for extended periods of time. It is also recommended that you replace flip-flops every three or four months, in order to be sure that they provide maximum protection to your feet.

Specially crafted shoes are made for the various actors and dancers performing at the annually-held Stratford Festival and its several productions. The Stratford shoemakers crank out about 1000 pairs of shoes each year in preparation for the festival. Performers often request customized specifications for their shoes to optimize foot support while on stage.

The theater’s upcoming production of Crazy For You features numerous tap dancers; several of these dancers have requested altered shoe sizes to allow a specific amount of toe room for dancing. Shoes are either altered by the Stratford shoemakers themselves or off-site. “It makes a difference to how you perform, especially with tap dancing,” said Kerry Gage, associate choreographer of Crazy for You. “Everybody’s feet are entirely different.”

Getting the right shoe size is important for those who rely on the performance of their feet. If you would like more information in determining your shoe size, speak to one of our podiatrists of Univeristy Foot & Ankle Center, LLC.  Our doctors can assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns.

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

Read more about Getting the Right Shoe Size

Are your shoes the right size? Many people are walking around with ill-fitting shoes. Picking the right shoe size is not rocket science, but there are a few things to remember when selecting your next pair.

Most shoe stores and department stores have rulers for measuring your feet, and these can give you an exact size. Be sure to measure with your shoe on. Measuring your foot will give you a different size than your shoe. If you do measure your foot size, you will need to add 1-2 inches to get the proper sizing.

Wiggle room is the most important factor when selecting shoes. Make sure that your toes are not cramped and that you can wiggle them. A rule of thumb is that there should be one inch between your toes and the tip of your shoe. If your shoes are not properly sized, you can experience foot pain, knee pain, blisters and swelling.

Don’t assume that you will always wear the same size in a shoe. Often manufacturers size shoes differently. The size you wear with one company may not be the same as the size you wear with another. Make sure that the company you buy from has a return policy. No one needs a closet full of shoes which they cannot wear.

It is advisable not to buy your shoes in the morning, but rather late in the day. Your feet actually swell as the day goes on and you need plenty of room to walk comfortably. Buying shoes in the morning that are snug is sure to cause problems once the day is done. Also, make sure that you are buying the right sizes for both feet. It is not uncommon for one foot to be larger than the other, and some people have to buy two separate sizes to accommodate different sized feet.

The biggest concern in buying shoes is comfort. Oftentimes people will buy shoes that are not the most comfortable in the store. People think that the shoes simply need to be “broken in”. If a shoe does not fit in the store, it will not fit at home either. Comfort should be the ultimate goal when purchasing a pair of shoes; your feet will thank you.

Let’s face it; we all walk a lot, some of us more than others. Selecting the best shoes for your particular lifestyle is essential. By properly sizing your shoes and buying the proper comfort level, your feet will be dancing all day long.