May 2018

Foot Care Tips For Those Who Stand All Day

High quality shoes can prove to be very beneficial for those who have jobs that require standing for long periods of time. When you are standing, your body has to work extra hard in order to circulate blood back to your heart. This can result in swelling and aching in the lower extremities.  Fortunately, there are ways you can treat feet that are weary from being used all day. The first tip is to elevate your feet when you get home. Elevating the feet allows them to receive the proper circulation they failed to receive throughout the day. It is also helpful to soak the feet in hot water with essential oils, to alleviate muscle tension from the long work day. Lastly, massages have also been found to relieve fatigue in the lower limbs.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Every Day Foot Care

The Effects Obesity Has on the Feet

Foot pain and tendon and ligament damage are two of many possible complications arising from obesity. Additionally, the structure of the foot may be altered, which may have an impact on walking. A serious condition referred to as diabetic foot ulcers may develop, and recent research has shown the chances of improvement may increase if treated early. The patient may be inflicted with soft tissue damage and this may be a partial source of pain experienced in the foot. The ankles are commonly affected because of the many joints that endure stress by the additional weight that is carried. When daily activities are performed, which include walking, running, or bending, the feet must withstand additional pressure. This may lead to inflammation issues involving the ankles and surrounding areas. The benefits of losing additional weight may include improved joint health, which may typically be achieved through cardiovascular exercise. Please consider a consultation with a podiatrist to learn about how obesity affects the feet.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

  • When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
  • Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
  • Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about How Obesity Affects Your Feet

Can Blisters on the Feet Become Infected?

If you notice a small area filled with clear liquid on your foot, you may be observing what is referred to as a blister. It generally begins with a sore that appears to be red, and a blister will develop as pressure on the area continues. Common reasons for this condition to occur may include friction, which is often caused by poorly fitting shoes, in addition to burns, insect bites, or frostbite. Blisters naturally form to protect the damaged skin and will typically last for a few days. Research has shown that it’s beneficial to allow blisters to heal on their own, and this may prevent any bacteria or fungus from entering the body through the affected site. If you notice the fluid in the blister has turned a reddish or yellow color, it generally indicates an infection has developed, and it’s advised that medical attention be sought immediately. Please consult with a podiatrist for additional information about blisters on the feet.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

  • Bubble of skin filled with fluid
  • Redness
  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Blisters on the Feet

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

There are several causes of heel pain, and one of these conditions may be referred to as plantar fasciitis. If you choose to wear shoes that are not fitting properly, the foot may undergo severe pain because of the damage that may be inflicted on the plantar fascia ligament. This tissue connects the heel to the base of the toes, and if tearing occurs due to overuse, the result is very painful. Many athletes often endure this type of injury, which typically may be caused from running distances without executing proper stretching and training exercises. Additionally, genetics may be a factor in developing this ailment, which may often affect the structure of the foot. The pain that is experienced is usually described as achiness in the arch or center of the heel, with the pain being the worst in the morning after a night of slumber. It’s suggested that performing proper stretching techniques may help prevent this condition from occurring. If you are afflicted with plantar fasciitis, consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist to learn about correct treatment methods.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

Connect With Us