Various Complications Arise from Habitual High Heel Wear
According to podiatrist Lorcan O’Donaile, wearing high heels is extremely damaging to the feet, as they increase the weight underneath the ball of the foot and restrict the ankles. The calves are also tightened and shortened as the body’s posture is shifted. This can lead to lower back, neck, and shoulder pain. Walking in high heels is the most damaging for both your feet and your back. High heels not only shift the entire biomechanics of your feet and gait, but they can also lead to bunion deformities.
High heels have a history for causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet consult with Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Manger will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because their style and societal appeal. Despite this, they can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
What parts my body will be affected by high heels?
- Ankle Joints
- Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
- Balls of the Feet
- Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
- Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.
What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?
- Corns
- Calluses
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Plantar Fasciitis
How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hamilton Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Dolly Singh of Thesis Couture Invents New High Heels to Accommodate the Feet
Dolly Singh, founder of the company, Thesis Couture, “has invented a new high-tech heel that’s supposed to more evenly disperse women’s weight across the entire foot.” Through assessing biomechanics of the feet, Singh’s team “used structural engineering principles to redistribute the load on the ball and toes of the feet,” making the proposed heels more comfortable to wear. Singh’s design of high heels will help reduce damage to the feet in contrast to regular high-heel shoes.
Proper foot care is important for biomechanics of the feet, which incorporate the parts that manage the movement of your feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Manger can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
A History of Biomechanics
- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974 biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination to the area.
Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, moments and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured.
Advances in materials and more awareness of biomechanics have developed enhanced corrective methods, offering further options for foot-related injuries. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hamilton Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
James Harden Sustained Ankle Injury, Hasn’t Missed Game Yet
James Harden of the Houston Rockets sprained his ankle in the game at Atlanta. Harden has not yet missed a game this season, and was expected to play against Oklahoma City Thunder. “Every day has been improving and getting better. I’ve been rehabbing and getting treatment every single day, icing it just doing things that hopefully will put me in position to play tonight,” Harden said of his ankle sprain injury.
Ankle sprains are common, but need immediate attention.If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, consult with Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Manger will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What are the Symptoms?
- Mild to moderate bruising
- Limited mobility
- Swelling
- Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)
Preventing a Sprain
- Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
- Stretching before exercises and sports
- Knowing your limits can aid in prevention
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hamilton Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Foot Exercises are Important for Maintaining Proper Muscle and Foot Function
There are many different muscles in the foot that control our movement. There exist the local, or intrinsic, muscles and the global muscles in our feet, both of which are essential to our everyday activities. Our feet’s arches are also necessary for maintaining proper foot function. Training and strengthening your feet are important in preventing foot injuries. Different exercises for your feet include the short foot exercise, toe splaying, big toe presses, leg swings, and calf raises.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, consult with Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Manger will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you to gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important and often we forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate not to have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure its good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rise, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, also flexing the toes and involving the shins may help too. It is best to speak with your doctor regarding how to do these fitness steps and how often is right for you. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different and it varies from individual to individual to determine what should be done for you to maintain strength in your feet.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hamilton, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Take Care of Your Feet Often with DIY Methods
Taking care of your feet is as simple as spending a few minutes at home every day tending to them and wearing the right shoes. Take care of your feet by washing, exfoliating, and moisturizing daily. Avoid wearing uncomfortable shoes such as high heels or flip flops, either of which offer no support for the feet and strain your joints. Coconut oil is good for moisturizing, and lemon juice is good for soaking your feet in. Bananas are also good for hydrating your feet.
Every day foot care is very important, especially for those that are lacking the proper foot care resources. For more information about everyday foot care, consult with Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Manger will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
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.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hamilton, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Steroid Pills May Help Treat Gout Symptoms
Researchers have found that steroid pills may offer respite for those who suffer fromgout. Research suggests that steroid pills may be one potential alternative treatment for gout sufferers, in addition to other treatments such as NSAIDs. Gout occurs as as a “common form of inflammatory arthritis,” going on to affect “about 3 percent of adults in the United States.” Uric acid buildup is the primary cause behind painful gout symptoms.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, consult with Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Manger will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hamilton Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Yoga Offers Various Balance and Relief for the Feet
Yoga is a great exercise for stretching the whole body, and includes a variety of health benefits. Those who do yoga on a regular basis will see improvements in flexibility, range of motion, muscles, balance, and reduced stress. Yoga, according to Dr. Loren M. Fishman, may also help with mitigating the effects of bone loss. Yoga’s benefits can also help with controlling the weight and pressure that bears down on your feet as you do physical activity. The various benefits of yoga improve overall health and decrease the chances of physical injury.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you are seeking treatment, consult with Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Manger will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you to gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important and often we forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate not to have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure its good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rise, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, also flexing the toes and involving the shins may help too. It is best to speak with your doctor regarding how to do these fitness steps and how often is right for you. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different and it varies from individual to individual to determine what should be done for you to maintain strength in your feet.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hamilton, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about exercising your feet.
What is Pedorthics?
Shoe Horn Inc. is owned and operated by Anthony Sgro, who has his certification in pedorthics, the “science and practice of evaluating, fabricating, and delivering footwear and foot orthoses.” Pedorthics helps address and prevent conditions of the foot that may be painful or debilitating for patients. Shoe Horn sells many different kinds of footwear to combat and accommodate foot conditions as part of Sgro’s initiative of practicing pedorthics.
Finding a proper fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, consult with Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Manger will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
Proper Shoe Fitting
A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:
- Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
- Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
- Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
- Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity
Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, proper fitting shoes is vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hamilton Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Managing Oedema in Your Legs and Feet During Pregnancy
Oedema, or edema, occurs usually during pregnancy and involves the buildup of fluid in areas of the body such as the ankles, legs and feet. Women who experience oedema may also experience irritation and discomfort in their feet and ankles. Solutions for treating oedema include cutting down on salt and sugar intake as well as drinking more water. Other treatment options are to reduce carbohydrates in your diet and apply apple cider vinegar or coconut oil to affected areas.
Pregnant women are susceptible to aching and swollen feet and should be treated with care. If you are seeking treatment, consult with Dr. Donald C. Manger of Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA of New Jersey. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
What foot problems can arise during pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is over-pronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy, but tends to occur in the later stages.
How can I keep my feet healthy during pregnancy?
- Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
- Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
- Wear shoes with good arch support
- Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
- Elevate feet if you experience swelling
- Massage your feet
- Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hamilton Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
APMA Study Finds Americans Don’t Care About Their Feet
The American Podiatric Medical Association recently published a study revealing that much of this nation’s foot pain goes untreated. In a survey of 1,000 people over the age of 18, 77% reported experiencing foot pain, but only a third of those claim they would see a podiatrist. Half of the participants with foot pain say that the pain has hindered walking, exercising, playing with grandchildren, and other daily activities.
Among the group who sought podiatric help, 88% reported a quick diagnosis and 76% received treatment that eliminated the problem. A third of the group said that their visits to the podiatrist exposed other health concerns, such as diabetes, circulatory issues, and nerve issues.
"It's not surprising to see how many people are affected by foot pain, when survey results show that we view our feet as the least important body part in terms of our overall health and wellbeing," said AMPA President Frank Spinosa. "Our feet are literally and figuratively the furthest things from our minds."
If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Seek the assistance of Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Manger will provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.
What is a Podiatrist?
Someone would seek care of a podiatrist when they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as: heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems etc.
Podiatric Treatment
A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:
- physical therapy
- drugs
- perform surgery on lower extremity fractures
- orthotic inserts or soles
A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Hamilton Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
