Posts Tagged ‘shoes’
Friday, November 18th, 2011
I found a celebrity foot fetish site and no…I don’t have a foot fetish. There is beautiful Victoria Beckham with some significant foot complications. I mean bunions, hammertoes and ill-fitting shoes. Bunions and hammertoes are painful, but shoes that do not fit well cause pain in the feet.
Poor fitting shoes cause the toes to “curl” in the shoes and over time, the toes can stay in a contracted position and cause the hammertoes to develop. Hammertoes are toes that are contracted at the “knuckle” or in medical terms ….the proximal interphalangeal joint and sometimes, a clawtoe toe deformity can develop and this occurs at the distal interphalangeal joint. With the toes that are contracted, the joints can develop hardened skin known as corns. This is caused by poor fitting shoes and the contracted toes are rubbing on the underside of the shoes and can cause severe discomfort as well as the “corns.” If you look at Victoria Beckham’s feet, specifically the shoe pictures, the toes are just curling in those bad heels.
Some of the treatments for hammertoes are shoes with a better fit, paddings on toes, steroid shots to reduce inflammations and surgical correction. My opinion is that hammertoes are a boney deformity and one should fix the problem. Now, do not make the assumption that I just want to cut. Bone does not reduce with lotions, creams, and voodoo. The bone is the problem….So you decide because you are only committing SHOEACIDE….
Now, not all hammertoes are caused by poor shoes. It can be cause by certain medical conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Septic arthritis and Stroke. So, if get evaluated for any orthopedic condition, just keep this in your thought that your overall health can contribute to the hammertoe condition.
So, if you are committing SHOEACIDE, please have your feet evaluated for hammertoes and other painful orthopedic conditions at Affiliated Foot and Center, LLP, with locations in Howell, Edison, and Monroe, NJ. To make an appointment online visit our appointment request page or call our Howell office at (732) 905-1110 and our Edison or Monroe offices at (732) 662-3050.
By: Dr. Jasen Langley, DPM
Tags: Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, Bump on the Side of My Foot, Bunions, Dr. Jasen Langley, hammertoes, howell, proper footwear, shoes, Victoria Beckham
Posted in Bunions, shoes | No Comments »
Thursday, October 20th, 2011
Many patients have asked me, “Will these shoes strengthen my legs?” My reply, “It is the person who wears them, not the shoe.” Everyone is always looking for the easiest way to get stronger or burn more calories buy using the least amount of effort. Reebok International Ltd. came to an agreement with the Federal Trade Commission over what the government said were “over-hyped advertising claims” by Reebok that a pair of its specialty shoes could tone leg and butt muscles better than regular shoes.
One TV commercial claimed that Reebok’s EasyTone shoes tone your butt up to 28 percent more than regular sneakers, just by walking. Not so, said the FTC and it announced that it reached a $25 million settlement with Reebok. That money will provide refunds to consumers who bought Reebok toning shoes or toning apparel. The FTC wants national advertisers to understand that they must exercise some responsibility and ensure that their claims for fitness gear are supported by sound science.
shoes retail for $80 to $100 a pair. The Los Angeles Times reports that the FTC investigation found that Reebok could not back up the claims it made in its advertisements.
In a statement, however, Reebok stood by its shoes, saying “Settling [with the FTC] does not mean we agreed with the FTC’s allegations; we do not.” Reebok added: We fully stand behind our EasyTone technology – the first shoe in the toning category inspired by balance-ball training. We have received overwhelmingly enthusiastic feedback from thousands of EasyTone customers, and we remain committed to the continued development of our EasyTone line of products. Our customers are our number one priority, and we will continue to deliver products that they trust and love.
But, as part of the settlement, Reebok can no longer make claims that toning shoes and toning apparel are “effective in strengthening muscles” and result in a certain percent of more toning unless “the claims are true and backed by scientific evidence.”
Working as a Physical Therapist, specializing in foot and ankle rehabilitation, on a daily basis I recommend shoes to my patients. I will always stand by my Asics and New Balance running shoes.
These “toning” shoes are not a magic pill; it is the walking that will make a difference in your life, not the shoe. If you have questions about proper shoes please visit our website at www.footdoctorsnj.com. So, we guess this means it’s back to the Stair Master!
By: Valerie Gregory, MSPT, CKTP
Tags: Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, EasyTone technology, howell, physical therapy, reebok, shoes, toning shoes, valerie gregory
Posted in Exercise, Footwear, shoes | No Comments »
Thursday, May 12th, 2011
This is an excellent question and one that we get asked routinely at Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center with locations in Howell, Edison, and Monroe, NJ.
The first thing to do is to contact your primary care physician and get a physical, and get a referral to see your podiatrist. Prior to starting any new training regimen, it is important to establish your fitness level and get your feet examined. It is important to establish your foot type and any limb length discrepancies prior to getting started. This way we are able to establish what type of shoes/brace(s) and/or orthotics you might need to help prevent injury.
I recently spoke with a friend of mine, John Reagan (brn2runcc@aol.com), who is a professional marathon runner/trainer for 15+ years. I mentioned that I personally wanted to train for a half marathon since the longest I have run recently was a 5K. The following is his guidelines for me (he learned of my fitness level and where I was at) personally. Please keep in mind that there is a difference between seeing your podiatrist and a professional marathon trainer. One will treat any foot and ankle ailments you might have prior to, during and after training as well as in the future as needed. The latter will coach/train you on how to prepare for the mental and physical (endurance, stamina, pacing) demands to accomplish your goals.
The following is the advice from my new coach on how to prepare for a half marathon:
“I would suggest your half marathon training would consist of running 4 days a week and starting with your long run of 5 miles and increasing your long run 1 mile every other week so if you give yourself 5 months (20 weeks) to train, start at 5 miles and cap your long run at 12 miles. The final month (4 weeks) consist of “tapering”, so your long run would go from 4 weeks prior to the race 12 miles; 3 weeks prior to the race 10 miles; 2 weeks prior to the race 8 miles and 1 week prior to the race 6 miles. The remaining 3 days you run a week, just focus on running distance as the most important thing is building a base and your endurance. Pick a day and run 1 mile less than your long run and the other two days running an easy 3 – 4 miles.”
This information is based off of his personal recommendation for me. For this reason, it is important to follow the guidelines above with the PCP and podiatrist, and then meet with a professional trainer. There are many variables to consider, and remember… this is a team effort. Don’t forget to subscribe to Runner’s World Magazine for more helpful tips and insights as well as getting the right pair of shoes. One shoe store I recommend locally runners is “Miles Ahead Sports” in Manasquan, NJ.
As a side note to this blog entry, there is a 5K race/walk taking place in Howell on Saturday, 6/4/11. Please visit www.TheRaceToEducate.com for more information or to register for the race.
By David Hunnicutt
Tags: Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, athlete, athletes, Exercise, Exercising, howell, orthotics, proper footwear, runner, runners, running, running injury, shoes
Posted in Exercise, Footwear, shoes | No Comments »
Monday, February 7th, 2011
Living in the northeast and being surrounded by snowy, wet and slushy grounds, it is hard to find a shoe that fits for a change of environment. At Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, LLP with locations in Howell, Edison and Monroe, we typically recommend a running shoe (example: New Balance or Asics) for post surgical and injured patients. Most patients complain because the slushy/icy pavement makes it uncomfortable and tough to walk with wet slippery sneakers. So what is the solution? Trail shoes.
Trail shoes are designed for rough and rocky trails, but it is the best shoe to wear for wet slippery terrain. Most trail shoes are waterproof and keep your feet dry in the cold wet weather. Trail shoes typically provide more protection than regular running shoes, with thicker soles to protect feet from rocks and debris, plus extra protection over the toebox or forefoot. For traction on varied terrain, rubber lugs on the outsole are usually deep and beefy, often with a multidirectional design for wet surfaces without slipping. Very deep lugs are designed for gripping, but make for less stability. Softer lugs are grippier, but wear faster than harder soles. Trail shoes usually have a wide and low profile so the foot is closer to the ground for more stability on irregular surfaces. Most trail shoes provide enough stability for people with mild overpronation, but severe overpronators may need some additional motion control. To correct overpronation, custom orthotics are recommended and can be supplied in our office. This would provide a firmer support for those who need extra help correcting their gait. Most people with a neutral gait or mild pronation can wear just about any trail shoe.
Picking the right shoe is one of the most important and toughest decisions people make. Having a hard enough time finding a comfortable shoe for an injured or abnormal foot, I recommend considering the following in evaluating shoes:
· Running stores are best for analyzing your gait. Even if the store doesn’t carry trail shoes, the expert staff at a running store can advise you on whether or not you need extra motion control. If you need help finding a running store in your area, your local podiatrist or foot & ankle surgeon can provide you with more information.
· Shop in late afternoon and wear typical socks. Feet can swell at least a half size during the day, so experts recommend trying on shoes in the late afternoon or evening. Socks also affect fit, so wear the socks you intend to wear with the shoes.
· Shoes should fit well right away. Shoes should feel comfortable right out of the box and recommend trying them on a carpeted surface
· Look for snug lacing. This is mostly a matter of individual preference.
· If you use orthotics, be sure the shoe is sufficiently roomy. Most trail shoes have removable insoles you can replace with custom orthotics, but roomier shoes let you place custom orthotics under the cushioning of the shoe’s own insole, which may be more comfortable.
· Replace trail shoes every 300 miles. EVA midsoles will have worn out by this time.
· Two pairs last longer. Alternating pairs so each has time to dry out completely between daily wearings can make both pairs last longer.
By Valerie Gregory, MSPT, CKTP
Tags: athletes, Exercising, howell, orthotics, proper footwear, runner, runners, shoes, sports injuries, trail shoes
Posted in Footwear | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 1st, 2011
If you are into fashion, you everyone knows the “importance” of wearing high heels/platform heels. It is very difficult to walk without wobbling in those heels, but you had to have them. Indeed, many women choose to endure pain and discomfort in the name of fashion … and underestimate the health risks of high-heeled shoes.
Feet aren’t meant to be propped in stilettos. Heels over two inches affect the natural way you walk. A heel higher than three inches puts seven times the pressure on the ball of your foot and can harm the bones. With the increased height of platform shoes, going all the way up to 12” heels (please see picture of Lady Gaga falling wearing 10” platform shoes, the amount of pressure on the ball of your foot is even greater.
The price of fashion!
For most women, it’s true that stylish high heels can make you look taller, flatter your legs and give you a stunning appearance. But they also are notorious for harming women’s feet.
- Achilles tendinitis is a risk. Frequent wearing of heels shortens and tightens calf muscles. This can lead to painful inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the back of your heel.
- Ankle sprains are more likely because your foot position in heels and the often-narrow heel width can make ankles unstable (please note the inversion sprain of Lady Gaga).
- Benign tumors of nerves, called neuromas, can grow between toes. Symptoms may include sharp pain and tingling or numbness of the toes.
- Blisters, corns or calluses can develop when high heels throw weight into the ball of your foot.
- Lower back pain can result when your spine bends backwards to compensate the forward push of your body when you walk in heels. (don’t forget that if you are carrying a purse with you, this can also pull your back pull your back out of alignment in addition to wearing the high heels)
- Pain in the ball of your foot, a condition called metatarsalgia, can occur from high heels.
- “Pump bump,” or Hagland’s deformity, has been linked to women who often wear high heels. This painful bump on the back of the heel bone occurs when the bone rubs against the shoe or a narrow, pointed shoe makes toes curl up.
Tips to get more mileage out of your feet:
Ladies, if you can’t comprehend the idea of giving up your favorite accessory, make casual adjustments. Fashion and comfort can blend well together if you take the appropriate steps.
- Avoid wearing backless heels for any length of time because they strain your muscles. A strap or laces over the instep will also keep feet from sliding forward.
- Mix in flats and low pumps to your daily shoe wardrobe. Save your high heels for special occasions.
- Wear sneakers for walking distances. You can bring your heels to change into once you get to where you’re going.
- Take smaller steps in high heels. Put your heel down first and try to glide to minimize damage to feet. (Try to avoid at all cost the platform shoes that have eliminated the heel completely)
- Try to buy short, chunky heels with plenty of room for your toes. Lower heels usually give you more stability, better shock absorption and greater comfort.
- Stretch your calf, heel and foot muscles to help them relax and increase range of movement.
Lastly, if you suffer foot or ankle pain, see your podiatrist. If you live close to Howell, Edison or Monroe, NJ, please call and make an appointment with one of our excellent podiatrists at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center, LLP.
By David Hunnicutt
Tags: ankle sprain, Ankle Sprains, foot injuries, foot injury, foot pain, Lady Gaga, proper footwear, shoes
Posted in Footwear | 2 Comments »
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
Posted in General | No Comments »
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
Posted in General | No Comments »
Monday, July 26th, 2010
Corns are well known vegetables; however, on the foot, they are thick lesions that form on the top of the toe joints. In the foot and ankle community, they are also known as hyperkeratotic lesions and they form from pressure to the surface of bony prominences, especially on the toes. They can be painful as well as form abscesses if they are exposed to prolonged pressures from shoes.
Many people will purchase corn pads to help relieve pressure from the area and also attempt to reduce the lesion from the active ingredient, salicylic acid. For clarification, there are two types of corns- medicated and non-medicated. Medicated corn pads have an ingredient which is salicylic acid. The mechanism of salicylic acid is the break down the thick tissue. Basically, it causes a burn. When a burn occurs, it can lead to an infection. Once this occurs, most people will call the foot doctor.
Recently, I noticed on our schedule here in Howell that a new patient was coming to the office with an “infected toe from a corn pad.” I thought this was quite interesting because it is the summer and patients will try to “cheat” and use corn pads to get rid of the problem.
So, the patient comes into the office and he is diabetic and most diabetics have some loss of sensation in their lower extremities. Low and behold, this patient had no feeling in his feet. On top of that, the patient had a hot, red, swollen toe. It appeared to be a burn. He still had some thickened tissue on the fifth toe; so, I debrided or trimmed the lesion and an eruption of yellow, foul smelling puss came out of the toe. I took an x-ray and the bone was missing. I asked the patient, “How long have you used the corn pad?” He says, “For three weeks.” I proceeded to tell him that he had a severe infection and his toe needed to be amputated. The amputation was performed and he healed uneventfully.
The moral of this story is that medicated corn pads are not safe for some patients, especially diabetics, and they should not be used for long periods of time. If the corn is thick, patients should be seen by a podiatrist to see if the pressure is caused by a bony prominence. Medicated corn pads cause burns and in mild cases, patients are treated for burns and in severe cases, patients are treated for infection. If there is an urgency to use a pad, use a non-medicated corn pad. These are safer.
Corn pads are not used for the picnic nor for your feet…
By Dr. Jasen Langley
Tags: athletes, corn pads, Dr. Jasen Langley, Exercising, feet pain, foot, foot injury, foot pain, howell, proper footwear, runners, shoes, toe pain
Posted in General | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, May 25th, 2010
Being a podiatrist in Howell, NJ by the Jersey Shore, a large number of patients that present to the office with pain in their feet have underlying deformities but still want to wear sandals for the summer. While sneakers with orthotics are the most supportive, it is not always ideal for the summer and going to the beach or being by the pool.
Flip-flops have become increasingly popular over the last couple years but can also cause injuries to the foot due to the lack of support. I actually broke my fifth metatarsal wearing a pair when it caught on the saddle of a door. There instability is in the thin sole with only two thin straps. The important thing to remember is that they are not designed for activity but for style. There are some sandals that are designed with more support and can actually have an orthotic built in or can have an orthotic put in them. The things to look for in a pair of sandals for the summer are supportive soles that you cannot bend in half. Leather works very well and reduced skin irritation. The sandal should also be larger than the foot so the foot does not hang over. Avoid ankle straps and gladiator style sandals as they may cause irritation and blistering. Birkenstocks have larger more supportive straps on the top and similar styles provide more support and stability. Wedges also will give increasing instability and may cause ankle sprains if the heel slips off. Look for sandals that provides cushion and arch support built into to it. You should also not be wearing the same ones that you have worn for years. Like regular sneakers and shoes that should be replaced as they wear down, so should your sandals. A good rule is every 6 months for regular activity and more often for increased activity. If the shoes or sandals have worn in such a way that they are rolled in or out it is time to replace them. If you are planning to do a lot of walking, sneakers and orthotics are still going to be the most supportive and provide the most benefit. APMA has listed sandals that they recommend. Check with your local podiatrist to see if they have them in their office or where you can find these more supportive sandals.
By Dr. Alison DeWaters
http://www.footdoctorsnj.com/adewaters.html
Tags: alison, ankle, ankle pain, ankle sprain, Ankle Sprains, arch support, Dr. Alison Dewaters, Dr. Dewaters, Exercising, feet pain, foot, foot injuries, foot injury, foot pain, fractures, heel pain, howell, orthotics, Plantar fascial band, plantar fasciitis, proper footwear, sandal, sandals, shoes, toe pain
Posted in General | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 19th, 2010
My wife and I woke in the morning and she said, “Since last night, my second and third toes are tingling.” I know what you are thinking but as you get older, the romantic night gets less and less. Well, back to the subject at hand!!!! I asked her did she injure her foot while working out and she said no!!! I look at her and gave her foot a firm squeeze from side to side and I felt some clicking. She had a neuroma!!!!
A neuroma is a nerve that gets thickened from overuse, shoes and injury. The nerves that get affected are the digital nerves which innervate or give sensation to the toes. They are not motor nerves. They are sensory nerves. Symptoms of a neuroma range from pain to tingling and numbness in the toes. It usually occurs in the second and third toes, and symptoms can be in the third and fourth as well as the fourth and fifth toes.
My wife came to the office where I took an x-ray and performed an ultrasound. X-rays are taken to make sure that no fracture is present. Ultrasounds are becoming a great diagnostic tool to evaluate soft tissue masses. On my wife’s ultrasound, a neuroma was seen and she was properly diagnosed. After the ultrasound, she proceeded to tell me that I would be sleeping on the couch because I squeezed her foot to hard!
I explained to her the treatment options. Some of the options were changing her shoes, padding the foot, cortisone injections, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and sometimes surgeries. I suggested that she get a cortisone injection and use anti-inflammatories. She really did not want the injection but I explained, basically schmoozed her, into getting the injection. This would give her the most immediate relief from her symptoms. She got the injection and I padded her foot. Well, I saw her at home and during dinner I asked her, “How is your foot?” She said it was a little sore but it was 90 percent better. I told her she would need some orthotics, which are custom arch supports, because this would take the pressure off the area of the foot where the neuroma was present.
So, I am not in the doghouse with my wife and she was pretty impressed that I diagnosed her problem. She realized how painful a foot condition could be. Also, she realized how important feet are in regards to everyday activity. It is now a few days later and she told her aunt how much better her foot has been since the injection.
Do not let numbness in your feet get ignored. Visit our in office Howell and let Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center diagnose and treat your condition. Just as a side note, please do perform any of the exams that were portrayed in this blog…Thanks!
By Dr. Jasen Langley
www.footdoctorsnj.com
Tags: athletes, Dr. Jasen Langley, Dr. Langley, feet pain, foot, foot injuries, foot injury, foot pain, howell, Jasen Langley, neuroma, orthotics, runners, shoes, tingling, tingling in my foot, toe pain
Posted in General | No Comments »
I found a celebrity foot fetish site and no…I don’t have a foot fetish. There is beautiful Victoria Beckham with some significant foot complications. I mean bunions, hammertoes and ill-fitting shoes. Bunions and hammertoes are painful, but shoes that do not fit well cause pain in the feet.
