April 2022

Just as we need to keep our cardiovascular system and our overall body in shape, it is a good idea to exercise the feet. Be careful not to overstretch, not to overdo it in the beginning and to build up the repetitions gradually. Here are a few simple exercises that can help to keep your feet, toes, and ankles in shape. Achilles tendon and plantar fasciitis stretch: Sitting on the floor with a straight back and your legs extended in front of you, loop a towel around the ball of your right foot and pull it toward you. Try to keep your knees straight and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat three times on each leg. Simple plantar fascia stretch: Sit on a straight chair with one foot crossed on top of the opposite knee. Hold the ball of the foot and gently stretch it toward your leg. Hold for 15-20 seconds. Do this 3 times and repeat on the other foot. Ankle range of motion: From a sitting or reclining position, bend your ankle toward your body as far as you can, and then point your foot in the opposite direction, 10 times. Repeat on the opposite foot. If you have any toe, foot, or ankle pain that seems out of the ordinary, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist for a complete exam.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Genine Befumo, DPM from University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday 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. 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 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. 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.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Monroe Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions, which are bumps on the big toe caused by the misalignment of the bones, can be aggravated by your choice in footwear. In fact, many types of shoes, such as high heels, either have a role in forming a bunion or make it worse if you have one. For smaller bunions, finding a comfortable shoe may be as simple as finding one with a roomier toe box, in both width and height; wearing a slightly larger shoe size; or choosing a lower heel. These measures give the toes a bit more room and reduce the squeezing of the big toe and lesser toes that can be extremely painful as well as further misaligning the bones of the foot. In addition, a shoe with more depth allows for orthotics to be added, if the bunion has already caused pressure and pain in the ball of the foot. Shoes should be wide enough for the toes to move around and have a soft sole for extra cushioning. The outer part of the shoe can be made of mesh or other flexible material that molds to the shape of bunion, rather than pressing against it. If you need guidance in finding the right shoe to accommodate bunions, please make an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Genine Befumo, DPM from University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Monroe Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetes can reduce blood flow and decrease your body’s ability to heal. Both complications can lead to, and exacerbate, foot problems, which makes it vitally important for diabetics to take care of their feet. The following four measures are basic, yet very effective as part of a daily diabetic foot care regimen. 1) Perform a thorough daily inspection of your feet to check for any injuries that may have developed such as cuts, scrapes, blisters, bruises, swelling, changes in skin color, and more. If you notice anything unusual, make an appointment with your podiatrist right away. 2) Take care of the skin on your feet to avoid any infections or cracked skin. Wash and dry your feet every day and keep them moisturized—taking care to keep the area between your toes dry and free from lotion. 3) Your feet should always be covered when you are walking to keep them protected from injury. Wear slippers around the house, and your socks should never be tight. 4) Keep the blood flowing in your feet by elevating them whenever possible and wiggling them for a few minutes throughout the day. If you have diabetes, see your podiatrist for regular checkups. They can ensure that your feet are staying healthy and offer you professional foot care advice.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Genine Befumo, DPM from University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Monroe Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is known to be an excruciating, painful foot condition. It often affects the big toe, and can cause difficulty in walking. It develops as a result of a uric acid build-up in the joints of the big toe. This can happen as a result of genetic traits, or it may come from specific types of foods and drinks that are consumed in abundance such as red meat, shellfish, sugary drinks and alcohol. Symptoms can consist of swollen joints, tenderness, and the affected area may be red. In order to make a proper diagnosis, a podiatrist may extract a portion of fluid between the affected joints and view it under a microscope. This is an accurate method for observing urate crystals. Research has indicated it may be beneficial to drink cherry juice or skim milk, as this may provide mild relief. If you have any symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can properly diagnose and treat this painful foot ailment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Genine Befumo, DPM from University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Monroe Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.