Foot injuries are very common, and athletes tend to ignore them while planning out their stretching routines. There are ways to exercise and stretch the feet and prevent them from becoming injured. One method is to “fan your toes.” The first step is to stand with your feet hip-distance apart. You then want to lift your toes off the floor and hold them for a few seconds before laying them down again. Another method is the “toe wave.”  In order to do this, you have to lift your toes, and then lower them. Next, you have to keep your big toes grounded while raising the rest of your toes. Afterward, lift all your toes off the floor, one by one. The last method is simply done by picking up marbles off the floor. Exercising your feet on a daily basis can help prevent unwanted foot injuries during athletic performance. Stretching the feet is recommended especially if you have foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis or pain in the heels.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching Your Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Good ways to stretch your feet are:

●     Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot

●     Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot

●     Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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

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According to a recent study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Injuries, high heels incorporated “123,355” injuries which had to be “treated in hospital emergency departments from 2002 to 2012.” The study also suggests that those who are in their 20s “were the most likely to experience an injury, followed by those aged 30 to 39 years.” A majority of the injuries experienced were in the ankle and foot area. Research suggests that high heels pose serious risks, especially to those who wear them daily. High heels impair our ankles, step movement, and overall balance.

High heels have a history for causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

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 Roselle, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Dominion’s Breanna Mitchell had her career cut short temporarily when she “heard a frightening crack in her foot while playing on the club circuit” last November. She would soon be sidelined for up to 5 months after suffering her broken foot incident. Mitchell was able to return to the field in April, and she currently has committed to playing for Phoenix.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. To learn more, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising

• Pain

• Redness

• Swelling

• Blue (foot)

• Numbness

• Cold

• Misshapen

• Cuts

• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Roselle, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Custom orthotics are prescribed by podiatrists and other foot doctors to treat a multitude of problems and conditions associated with the feet. Orthotics treat pain and offer support for the feet. The two different major procedures for creating orthotics include weight-bearing and non-weight bearing. Weight-bearing involves capturing images of the patient’s feet through a foot scanner, while non-weight bearing involves using a plaster cast to imprint the feet’s structure.

If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

What are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts, prescribed or over the counter, that you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain, but are unable to correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct over arched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you, or if you have a more severe foot issue, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and more severe heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses, and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist on the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain free.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Roselle, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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