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Posts Tagged ‘foot pain’

What Do Your Feet and Your Butt Have In Common?

Monday, January 24th, 2011

Shoes change with the season and with trends. They may change with age and various styles. Shoes are an important part of the fashion world and with daily lifestyle. Popular culture megastar Lady Gaga makes statements with the bizarre shoe styles she wears and can become a symbol that is associated with her and become so significant that they are very recognizable. Everyone knows Dorothy’s ruby red slippers or Cinderella’s glass slipper as well. Certain eras throughout America went through extreme shoe style changes. The Fifties had Saddle shoes. The sixties were barefoot, to stilettos, to high heel boots. The seventies had platform shoes and earth shoes. The eighties changed to sneakers and colorful pumps and the nineties Doc Martins and return of the platform shoes. As with every other era today there are a variety of shoes that symbolize the current.

Toning shoes, Uggs and converse are all popular styles today that may not all give the most support for proper foot function. At Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center, LLP, in Howell, NJ where I practice, all of the following are popular styles that I receive questions on regularly. Toning shoes are a very big trend for companies such as New Balance and Sketchers. They make claims that one who wears and walks in the shoes will burn more calories and tone the back of the legs and butt. There are several different models of these shoes and some work better than others. Do not be fooled by any of the claims they make. Recently there has been a class action lawsuit brought against New Balance for false claims. The shoes are a new trend and do help patients with back pain and some foot pain but may not provide the muscle toning capabilities that they claim. The American Podiatric Medical Association has listed the toning shoes that they recommend. If anyone is interested in these shoes for comfort or style they should get the shoes that the AAPMA endorses.

If you think you foot pain, have any questions about shoes, or would like more information about Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center, LLP, with locations in Howell, NJ, Edison, NJ and Monroe Township, NJ, please visit www.footdoctorsnj.com.

By: Dr. Alison DeWaters

Tags: foot pain, Lady Gaga, proper footwear, shoes
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Cold Weather Exercising? YES!!!

Tuesday, January 4th, 2011

Winter running or biking outdoors is tough on your body temperature. It is best to dress in layers when exercising outdoors below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. One of the hardest things about exercising outside in the cold weather is dealing with cold feet. I battle that problem every winter. My running shoes are not the best for outdoor runs or bike rides. The wind goes right through my Asics Kayano’s and my feet go numb after 20 minutes.

So what is the solution? (Follow these helpful hints to keep your feet warm during cold weather exercise)

Wear running shoes with little mesh as possible. Most running shoes are made with a mesh fabric which allows moisture to evaporate, best for warm weather. Trail running shoes are the best for the cold and wet days. Most trail running shoes are somewhat water-proof and will give you a little more traction in the snow.

Be sure to wear a good pair of wicking socks made of fabrics such as acrylic, CoolMax, or wool. Never wear cotton socks, this applies to cold or warm weather, when running because they won’t wick away the moisture, leaving your feet wet and at risk for frostbite. If it’s really cold, you may need to wear two pairs of socks; one thinner (synthetic material) pair closest to your feet and a thicker (wool) pair over them. For this strategy, you have to be careful that your running shoes still fit properly with the extra layer. You may want to purchase another pair of running shoes that are a 1/2 size bigger than regular running shoes, so you have some extra room. To help prevent your feet from sweating too much, spray anti-perspirant on them before you put your socks on.

Your feet will obviously be the coldest at the beginning part of your run/bike ride. To avoid that uncomfortable feeling for your first mile or so, try marching or slowly jogging in place for a few minutes inside before you head out.

Some exercise enthusiasts love to put in hand warmers in their running shoes. I especially use them in my ski boots when I hit the mountains. They’re easy to use: Just take them out of the package and put them inside your sock, on top of your toes. Once your feet warm up, you can take them out so you don’t overheat.

Try to avoid puddles, slush, and snow. This may sound like common sense, but steer clear of wet ground. It may seem like fun to run in the snow for a little while, but your feet will get wet and cold quickly.

Wear a hat. This may sound strange as a cold feet prevention tip, but you can lose a reported 40% of your heat from your head. So, in order to help keep the rest of your body warm, you need to make sure your head is covered. Wear a wool or synthetic-blend hat that will wick away sweat.

Enjoy the outdoors and don’t be a couch potato!

By Valerie Gregory, MSPT, CKTP

Tags: Add new tag, athlete, athletes, Exercising, foot pain, Frostbite, howell, proper footwear, runner, runners, valerie gregory
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My Interesting Trip Back to Jersey; Thoughts About the Dangers of Frostbite

Thursday, December 30th, 2010

Tis the holiday season… Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and all the usual activities that goes along with it… except for the freakish blizzard that pummeled the Northeast over this past weekend.

I recently drove home to Ohio from New Jersey to spend some quality time with my new wife and her family. Near the end of my mini vacation, I packed up my car and heard about the bad snowstorm. I left for New Jersey on Monday, Dec 27^th. The 500 mile trip along the toll roads was great, a little snow and lots of wind, but that was all. It wasn’t until I was within 25 miles of Howell, NJ when I got off the turnpike that I realized how bad the snow was; it was easily 2 ½ to 3 feet.

As I was driving cautiously through the blizzard, I kept thinking about a patient I had encountered a while ago in Iowa. The snow out there was terrible, and with the wind chill, it was 35 degrees below zero. The patient had been shoveling snow outside wearing his work boots for several hours. After he was done, he went inside to relax.

We saw him in our hospital about one month later. When he came in, his right big toe was all black and necrotic (dead tissue). When we asked him what had happened, he told us and that he thought his toe would get better on it’s own… it didn’t.

For the sake of this blog, I will not get into the different types of frostbite, rather I will focus on what you can do to avoid getting it in the first place.

Frostbite Prevention 101:

1. Predisposing factors:

a. Minimize your exposure to the environment

b. Know what the wind chill factor is

c. Wetness – keep your feet dry; change your socks frequently

2. Individual factors

a. Age – the older we get, the less time we should be outside

b. Nutritional status – are you well nourished? Do you have the energy storage necessary?

c. Physical and mental condition – do you exercise regularly? Cardio training?

d. Alcohol and smoking habits –

i. Alcohol might make you feel warm, but it takes away body heat

ii. Smoking constricts blood vessels, making it harder for blood flow

If you have been outside for a long duration of time; skiing, snowboarding, walking, or shoveling the driveway, you might be at risk of getting frostbite. Some warning signs to look out for:

1. Extremity may feel hard, appear pale or purplish

2. If you squeeze your toes with your fingers, it may take longer for the color to return than usual (we call this capillary refill time – you can try this by squeezing your thumb for a few seconds, letting go and count how long it takes for your thumb to return to normal color)

3. Within 24 hours, blisters will develop, swelling occurs, and more reddish-purple discoloration appears

4. After several days, the blisters enlarge and become blood blisters

The list is more extensive than this, but if you suspect that you might have frostbite, it is a medical emergency for you to see your doctor right away (within 24 hours). If it is frostbite and depending on how soon you are seen for it determines the course of treatment. The course of treatment is ONLY to be performed under the direct supervision of a physician! You can do more harm than good by treating it yourself.

Don’t forget, if you suspect you might have frostbite and you live around the Howell, NJ area, feel free to call our TEAM at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center at (732) 905-1110. If you are located around the Edison, NJ or Monroe, NJ areas, please call our office at (732) 662-3050. In the meantime, stay warm, stay safe and have a very Happy New Year!

By David Hunnicutt

Tags: edison, feet pain, foot, foot injuries, foot injury, foot pain, Frostbite, howell, monroe, redness
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Keep Your Feet Warm!!!

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

As we now enter the cold winter weather, many of us will be skiing, sledding and shoveling snow. Many people will get cold feet as well as wet feet; no matter if our boots are waterproof, we have to protect ourselves from frostbite.

Frostbite is a thermal injury caused by cold weather. It can affect distal extremities such as fingers and toes. This condition can be very painful; also, it can cause a loss of these extremities.

Frostbite can be caused at vary degrees below freezing. Past medical history, tobacco use and ethnicity can play an important role in the condition. Peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, and sickle cell anemia are some medical conditions that impair circulation which is critical in bringing warm blood, oxygen and nutrients to the extremities.

Wet clothing can lower the temperature which can cause parts of the body to become very cold. When this occurs, the toes become very red and painful. If the frostbite progresses, the skin can blister and if the freezing in the skin deepens the blister can fill with blood and potentially lead to skin death or necrosis. Joints can become very stiff and the skin and extremities must be re-warmed as soon as possible.

Medical treatment for frostbite must be instituted immediately to promote warmth to the extremities or toes. Warming of the toes can be treated by placing them in warm to hot water for a period of time. If there are blisters, they must be debrided or drained and all non-viable or dead tissue should be removed. Silvadene, which is used for burns with anti-microbial properties, is usually used to treat and dress the wounds. The wounds should be monitored to determine if any surgical debridement is indicated. If the frostbite is severe, amputation may be indicated. Sometimes, antibiotics may be instituted to prevent any progressing infection.

As with any potentially limb threatening condition, prevention is the best treatment. If there is severe winter weather, you must be aware that if your shoes and socks are wet for a prolonged period of time, they should be change to dry warm ones. If you have any condition that can affect your circulation, you should check your feet often. If there is any redness in the toes, you should attempt to re-warm your toes and feet and if there are any blisters, you should seek immediate medical attention.

If it is snowing and you have red toes, please visit a podiatrist of come to Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, LLP at one of their office locations in Howell, Edison and Monroe, NJ.

By Dr. Jasen Langley

Tags: Diabetes, Dr. Jasen Langley, feet pain, foot injuries, foot injury, foot pain, Frostbite, howell, peripheral vascular disease, redness, toe pain
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What is Turf Toe?

Monday, December 6th, 2010

Turf Toe is a sprain injury to the big toe joint (also known as the 1^st MPJ, hallux or great toe). The incidence of this injury has increased over the years secondary to athletic fields being covered by artificial turf and also by increased flexibility of the toe box in athletic shoes.

The rough nature of many contact sports is a factor involving abnormal extension, flexion and rotational movements that cause injury to joints and soft tissue structures. One such injury is a sprain to the big toe joint, commonly referred to as turf toe. Turf toe is seen most common in football, but it can occur in any activity, such as soccer, tennis, volleyball, wrestling and even dancing.

The big toe joint is composed of 4 bones, 9 ligaments, 3 muscular attachments and the joint capsule (which is considered a ligament). Two of the bones are called sesmoids, which are encapsulated inside a tendon and the other are two are 1^st metatarsal bone and the proximal phalanx (your toe, which moves up and down). Your big toe joint has a large range of motion in two main directions: dorsiflexion (toe going up) and plantarflexion (toe going down). This is required for normal ambulation, however when this range of motion is exceeded, you get turf toe.

The most common example of turf toe is in a football player. If you can imagine a football player at the start of a play, you will notice that the athlete has their foot planted on the ground, the big toe joint hyperdorsiflexes (bending more than it should) and the heel is raised up off the ground. During an applied downward force (up to 8 times his/her body weight), the big toe is dorsiflexed beyond its biomechanical limits, resulting in tear of the joint capsule.

The initial treatment of turf toe is RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation. In the initial stages of suspected turf toe, taping is not recommended due to the swelling that occurs and the possibility of neurovascular compromise. Is you suspect that you may have a turf toe injury, call your podiatrist and have them take x-rays to rule out a possible fracture. If you happen to live close to Howell, New Jersey, call “Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center” to make an appointment at (732) 905-1110. Our friendly podiatrists will get you back on your feet!!!

By David Hunnicutt

Tags: feet pain, foot, foot injuries, foot injury, foot pain, howell, sports, sports injuries, sports injury, toe pain
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Smoking or Your Feet?

Monday, November 1st, 2010

Smoking and foot care are a dangerous combination; especially, if you have poor circulation, diabetes, or heart disease. There are increased incidences of infections and amputations, but it ceases to amaze me that patients will sacrifice a piece of their foot for that dreaded cigarette.

Cigarettes contain the compound nicotine and this substance causes the blood vessels to narrow which limits the blood flow to different parts of the body. The heart can be affected by limited blood flow. With diabetes, smoking can prove fatal.

Diabetes can cause calcification with the arteries and this can impede the flow of blood to the feet. When cigarettes are added to the mixture, the opening of the arteries becomes narrower. This can cause discoloration in the toes, cramping in the legs and feet and delayed healing the legs and feet.

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with a person who has been a patient of mine since I started practice. In the past, I have advised the patient to stop smoking because of the possible danger pertaining to his feet. Just to give you a background, he has had 3 amputations on both feet; plus, he enjoys his two to three cigarettes before he comes into the office. Approximately three weeks ago, he comes to the office and says’ “Doc, I have a sore on my foot…” I knew something was strange because he came in on an odd day and he did not smell like a carton of cigarettes. Well, he had a giant hole in his foot. He told me it just started two days ago (it looked like it was there 2 weeks). I treated him that day and told him he must see the vascular specialist. While all this is going on, I still told him, practically begged, that he must stop smoking. Well, he told me to just cut it off…..I am not going to stop smoking.

Well, on the next visit, the wound got larger and there was a stench and puss. I advised him to go to the hospital and he had an amputation of one of his toes.

The moral of this story is that you have to make a healthy choice….Smoking or Your Feet!!!!!

If you have any wounds or infections of the lower extremity, come see the limb salvage specialists of Monmouth and Middlesex County, Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, LLP with locations in Howell, Edison, Carteret and Monroe, NJ.

By Dr. Jasen Langley

Tags: blood flow, Diabetes, Diabetic, Dr. Jasen Langley, feet pain, foot, foot injuries, foot pain, howell, wound
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NY Giants Aaron Ross Now Plagued with Heel Pain

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

Watching the Giants play the Colts this past weekend was painful for many Giants fans alike. Living and working in central New Jersey, we have many Giants fans in the area. Last year we watch Eli Manning be plagued with plantar fasciitis. This year, Aaron Ross, who is the Corner Back for the Giants that suffered several hamstring injuries last year, has now suffered a partial plantar fascia tear. Plantar fasciitis, also known as heel pain, is a common condition that affects many people on a regular basis. Plantar fasciitis can give you sharp stabbing pain to the bottom of your foot, which is worse when getting up from rest or with the first steps in the morning.

Plantar fasciitis, or heel pain, occurs when there is increase strain to the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot that attaches from the heel bone to the skin in the toes. When walking, the heel strikes the ground and the toes roll forward. The Achilles pulls on the back of the heel making the fascia tighten like a sail and propels the body forward. If the foot pronates, or flattens when standing, then the fascia pulls harder then its suppose to. In addition, if the Achilles is tight, the fascia will pull earlier making it pull longer and harder making it become inflamed. The inflammation creates pain when walking or standing. When it gets rested, it is often in the shortest position and then when getting up in the morning or from sitting at the end of the day, it will create a sharp stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel. If not treated then the pain can radiate to the outside part of the foot from walking differently. The longer the fascia goes untreated the more difficult it becomes to treat. As the condition progress it no longer becomes a fasciitis but becomes a fasciosis. There is no longer the acute inflammatory condition but a chronic injury to the area. When it progresses to this it is less likely to respond to traditional treatment. Most patients with plantar fasciitis (heel pain) will respond to conservative treatment which most importantly includes stretching and orthotics. Stretching the Achilles and fascia reduces the pull of the Achilles on the back of the heel. Orthotics prevent the foot from pronating and pulling the fascia. Cortisone injections maybe used to reduce the inflammation to the area. If the condition progresses to fasciosis, then EPAT, or Extracorpeal Pulse Activation Treatment, may be used to break up the fibrotic tissue and increase the growth factors to the area. This is something we use in our offices in Howell, Edison, Carteret and Monroe with much success. If all else fails then surgery may be warranted.

By Dr. Alison DeWaters

Tags: achilles, arch support, athlete, athletes, Dr. Dewaters, feet pain, foot, foot injuries, foot injury, foot pain, heel pain, howell, plantar fasciitis, sports injuries, sports injury
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How Would You Like to “Patch Up the Pain”?

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

In a recent article, in the New York Times, dated September 7, 2010, the author reveals that there are a number of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) that being used in multiple specialties for pain. Some of the medications come in gels, liquids, and even patches. The active ingredient is Diclofenec Sodium, also known as Voltaren. Voltaren, in oral form, is an excellent NSAID; however, it has been linked to liver problems and GI upset.

There are a few commonly prescribed topical NSAID and they are Flector Patches, Voltaren and Solaraze Gel (which is used off the label). These medications are excellent for arthritic pain and very few side effects; however, as stated in the New York Times article, there are no known or very little randomized controlled studies available. My experiences with these drugs have been good and hopeful for patients that have trouble tolerating Voltaren. I have been employing topical anti-inflammatories for the past 6 years as a podiatrist in Howell, NJ.

In our office, I will prescribe NSAID patches for heel pain. The compliance, or in other words, patients using these drugs as prescribed, has been 90-95%. There are some patients who skeptical because they cannot understand how medication is delivered through the skin. These patients will start using the medications and they will “test the waters” by stopping use of the patch or gel and the pain returns to the foot. Patients are truly fascinated that pain relief can be delivered through the skin.

Now, these topical medications are not for everyone. Patients who have bleeding disorders, GI upset, Kidney disease, Liver disease, and also, patients who are taking blood thinners should consult with their doctor. Even though a direct and relatively minimal amount is delivered to the area of pain through the skin, there are not many studies to show the health effects of these medications.

If you are suffering with pain, consult with your doctor for an alternative to taking an oral form of NSAIDS. Even though these oral medications are relatively new in the United States, these old medications, topical NSAIDS, are going to be the future for pain management.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, LLP office.

By Dr. Jasen Langley

Tags: athlete, Dr. Jasen Langley, feet pain, foot, foot injuries, foot injury, foot pain, heel pain, howell, runner, runners, sports, sports injuries, sports injury
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Do Foot Detox Pads Really Work?

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

No… they don’t. This has been a recurring question in our practice due to the late night infomercials. There are many products on the market, each claiming that they are able to remove metals, toxins and impurities from the body. These infomercials claim that:

“…using centuries old research to unleash the natural power of healing herbs and plants, we have created a safe naturopathic combination that draws from the acupuncture points at the bottom of the foot.”

Where you would take this patch, apply it to your feet, and as you wear it, it will remove these toxins. Then they say that you can tell the product is working because the pad will become a dark brown/black color and start to have a bad odor, which is supposedly toxins leaving your body.

These claims are entirely nonsensical. The human body eliminates toxins through the liver, which then gets filtered through the kidneys into the urine… not through the bottom of your feet. The marketing behind these products is clever because they provide you a “cure” for something that you don’t have in the first place. The discoloration you see in the pads is rust/corrosion, which occurs when the metals in the pad comes in contact with sweat. The bad odor smell is from bacteria and sweat that is trapped in the pad.

Some companies go as far to claim that “detox pads are FDA (Food & Drug Administration) approved”. There are transdermal detoxification pads that ER doctors use on patients that to help speed drug overdoses (helps pull out the narcotic), but these are NOT the same thing as “foot detox pads”. The companies are putting a spin on the truth, intentionally misleading consumers to help line their pockets. The irony is that the company that made the statement about FDA approval (implying their product was), is actually black listed on the FDA website.

If one should truly be concerned about having toxins in their body, I recommend you see your primary care physician. However, if one should have foot pain, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, plantar warts or any other pedal complaint, you should schedule an appointment at Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, LLP, conveniently located in Howell, NJ.

By David Hunnicutt

Tags: david hunnicutt, feet pain, foot, foot injuries, foot pain, howell
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Back To School For Kids, And Their Feet….

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

Back to school shopping is exciting for both kids and parents for different reasons. Kids enjoy the shopping for a new wardrobe including new sneakers. Proper fitting of sneakers and style selection is important to prevent foot problems and injuries to the feet. There are several tips for making the right selection of shoes for your child to start the school year. Shopping with the child is important so they maybe measured for proper size. Children’s shoes change sizes and they should be measured at the shoe store to ensure proper sizing. Selecting a good sturdy shoe that has a stiff heel counter and a semi rigid toe box will help support the foot and prevent improper wearing or injuries. By taking your child with you and teaching them what to look for also teaches them good habits for the future. Certain trendy shoes may be the style for that year, but may not always be the most functional or supportive for your child. When looking at shoes you should also look for something that has a rigid middle. If the shoe is able to bend or twist, it does not provide enough support. Sizing is also important, that if one foot is larger than another you should always go with the larger size so it does not cramp the toes or create hammertoes. If the store does not measure, always use the rule of thumb. Make sure that there is a thumbs width from the tip of the great toe to the end of the shoe. This also goes for adults to ensure that there is no friction and reduces nail fungus and hammertoes. Shoes should not be passed down as they do break down and wear based on foot type and loose function after there is excessive wear. Sharing shoes may also spread warts or fungus from one to another. Shoes should also be comfortable when they are first put on and they should not have to be broken in. After the child wears the shoes for a while, look for any increased wearing as this maybe a sign of foot problems. If the shoes are being worn out unusually, you should bring them into one of podiatry offices that are located in Howell, Edison, Carteret or Monroe.

By Dr. Alison DeWaters

Tags: Dr. Dewaters, feet pain, foot, foot pain, fungus, hammertoes, kids, pediatrics, proper footwear, shoes, warts
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Posts Tagged ‘foot pain’

What Do Your Feet and Your Butt Have In Common?

Cold Weather Exercising? YES!!!

My Interesting Trip Back to Jersey; Thoughts About the Dangers of Frostbite

Keep Your Feet Warm!!!

What is Turf Toe?

Smoking or Your Feet?

NY Giants Aaron Ross Now Plagued with Heel Pain

How Would You Like to “Patch Up the Pain”?

Do Foot Detox Pads Really Work?

Back To School For Kids, And Their Feet….

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