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Point Pleasant

April 2018

If standing for the majority of the day is part of your work routine, you may experience achy sensations in the feet, in addition to possible swelling and tingling. Feeling soreness in the feet may result in affecting your mood and emotional state, typically as a result of the discomfort felt from the irritation of the tendons, muscles, and joints. Relief can come from implementing appropriate exercises that will strengthen the feet. Acquiring proper knowledge is necessary in learning how to properly maintain correct patterns that will diminish foot pain as a result of standing. It’s beneficial to keep the joints loose and unlocked, in addition to shifting the body weight from one foot to the other. Additionally, getting regular foot massages will not only feel good, but will aid the feet in feeling better so the daily physical pressures of standing on your feet can be endured.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

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Monday, 23 April 2018 00:00

What is a Corn?

A small mass of skin that develops between the toes or on the pinky toe is generally referred to as a corn. If you have a corn you may experience severe pain, which typically happens when shoes that are worn do not fit correctly. Corns develop as a result of the pressure that a tight fitting shoe may create, causing the nerves to react with extreme pain. The color appears to be white, yellow or gray, and the consistency is typically hard and dense. Corns commonly develop as a result of constant friction against the skin, which often comes from poorly fitting shoes. Additionally, it's recommended that high heels are avoided, because the toes need adequate room to move. A consultation with podiatrist is suggested for proper treatment options and additional information about corns.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector of Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

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A bunion is often easily identified because of the large bony protrusion that appears on the side of the big toe.The skin on top of the bone may look red and and can become painful due to the friction the toes experience from shoes. Bunions can be caused by conditions such as arthritis or an abnormal foot structure that may possibly be inherited. The condition can also be made worse by wearing shoes that fit poorly. If you suffer from this ailment, it’s recommended to wear wider shoes to accommodate the affected toe. A more permanent solution would be surgery, in which the bunion is removed. If you have this condition, please consult with a podiatrist for additional information and to determine the best treatment option for you. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector of Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • Surgery

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

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Maintaining proper foot care is essential at any age, and it’s especially important for the elderly population to pay close attention to their feet. Commonly, assistance is often needed to properly trim the toenails because of eyesight concerns or experiencing difficulty in bending down. There are several steps to correctly trimming the toenails, and it’s suggested to start by soaking the feet in a warm bath to aid in softening the nails. It’s wise to thoroughly dry the feet, especially between the toes, and apply a moisturizer that will prevent the skin from cracking. Trimming the toenails straight across the nail bed can prevent ingrown toenails and infections from developing. Please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for additional information on how to care for elderly feet.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

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Monday, 02 April 2018 00:00

How High Heels Affect Runners’ Feet

If you choose to wear high heels frequently, you may experience pain that’s common among those selecting to wear this type of shoe. Typically, when high heels are worn, the ankles bend forward, often affecting the circulation in the feet. Most runners are aware of how the arches are affected from wearing high heels and may experience aches and pains in the calves. There are several options available that may help the feet feel their best while running, one of which is limiting the time high heels are worn. It’s important to rest your feet between runs, and this is often accomplished by wearing supportive shoes. Performing proper exercises that stretch and strengthen the feet is beneficial in keeping the feet healthy and may allow the sport of running to be enjoyed to its full potential.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of 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.  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 Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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