January 2015

• Genetics – susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary, particularly among Caucasians


• Stress on the feet – poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that place undue stress on feet, such as heels and stilettos, can cause bunions to form

• Blood Tests – to help rule out other conditions while finding underlying causes to bunions, especially from disease


• Radiological Exam- X-rays can show whether there are any joint enlargements near the toe’s base, which can indicate a bunion

Up until its ban in 1911, foot binding was practiced in China until the 10th century. In ancient times, having small feet was a symbol of status and beauty in women. This status signified a wife who was submissive and did not complain. Performed by mothers-in-law and matchmakers, foot binding was a process that ensured that the woman’s feet did not grow.  

Hong Kong photographer Jo Farrell documented the last remaining survivors, who are well into their eighties and older. Farrell describes these women as ‘some of the most amazing, kind, compassionate, and generous women I have ever met’, even in spite of the intense pain involved.

Thankfully, foot binding has no place in any kind of everyday foot care. If you are dealing with foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors can treat your foot and ankle needs.

Every Day Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. After all, without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks. It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before, for example.

For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops.

Also, wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat. Also make sure that the socks fit properly and are not uncomfortably tight.

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 Everyday Foot Care

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 podiatrists Dr. Genine Befumo and Dr. Mark Berger of University Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors 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 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 Choosing the Right Running Shoes

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 one of our podiatrists of University Foot & Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors 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 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 Broken Feet

A broken foot is when one of the bones located in the foot fractures, or breaks. About 10% of broken bones occur in the foot.

Bones typically break when an object crushes, bends, or stretches the bone. In the foot, the location of the broken bone is usually indicative of how the break occurred. Toes usually break when something hard and solid is kicked with great force. Broken Heels are usually a result of falling from a great height and landing on the feet. Other broken bones in the feet can occur because of a twisted or sprained ankle. Most of the time, a broken foot results from a sudden accident or injury. Sometimes small cracks can form over time in the bones of the feet from repeated stress. These cracks are called stress fractures and usually only occur in athletes that put a lot of pressure on their feet, like runners, dancers, and gymnasts.

Symptoms of a broken foot typically include pain, swelling, bruising, and redness. Occasionally the pain of a broken foot may be so severe that walking is not an option. However, this depends on the location of the broken bone within the foot. Broken toes are usually less painful than broken heels or other bones within the foot. A foot that is blue, numb, cold, misshapen, cut or deformed can occur in more serious cases of broken feet. 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.

Prior to seeking the attention of a doctor, several steps can be taken at home in order to reduce pain and swelling. Stabilization and elevation of the broken foot should be the number one priority. It is important not to move the foot, so any type of homemade splint will work well. However, any splint that causes the foot to become more painful, or cut off blood circulation should be removed. Ice can also decrease swelling and alleviate some of the pain that a broken foot can cause.

In a medical center, treatment for a broken bone will differ depending on which bone in the foot is fractured and depending on what caused the break. Some broken feet will require the patient to use crutches, while others will require splits or casts. More severe cases may require surgery on the foot to repair the broken bone or bones.