Items filtered by date: August 2022

There are several phases that the feet go through while running. The heel strike is sometimes referred to as ground contact and this happens when the foot lands on the ground. This is followed by rolling up to the forefoot and ends by pushing off. One of the responsibilities the feet have is to absorb and control the impact as walking and running take place. The term pronation is the inward movement the foot makes, and it is slightly lifted off the ground when running. When the foot strikes the ground, a normal foot structure will pronate to cushion the landing. This is followed by the arch as it lifts from its flattened state and will generally become stiff to maintain stability. Many runners have overpronation which may be common among people who have flat feet. The running shoes will often show evidence of overpronation and may show wear and tear on the inside part of the heel. If you would like to know more information about foot structure or biomechanics of the feet, feel free to consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from William Street Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

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 in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in William Street in New York, NY, Forest Hills, NY, and Broadway in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A foot condition that is considered to be a deformity can be referred to as hammertoe. It is a noticeable ailment that affects the toes, and pushes them into a bent position. The joint bends downward, often resembling a hammer. It is most often seen in the second, third, or fourth toes, and can cause difficulty in walking. It is known as an imbalance that affects muscles, toes, and ligaments, and may happen for various reasons. Some people have a predisposition to developing hammertoe, or it can come from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, it may happen if a foot injury has occurred, or from having weak calf muscles. Relief can be found when specific foot stretches are done, and performing regular exercise promotes healing and can improve flexibility. If you have this condition, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you. 

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of William Street Podiatry. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in William Street in New York, NY, Forest Hills, NY, and Broadway in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As an individual gets older and older, their risk of suffering a dangerous trip or fall increases. Many things can make seniors more likely to trip. For example, having poor eyesight and taking medication that makes one feel dizzy as a side effect can increase their likelihood of falling. However, many factors are related to the feet that can also make falling likely. For example, ill-fitting footwear that is either too loose, bulky, or slippery can be dangerous. Instead of wearing this kind of footwear, it is recommended that seniors try to use shoes with non-slip soles. This will enable the senior to get a better grip on the ground, making tripping less probable. Additionally, to prevent falls at the very beginning of the day, a senior might consider ensuring that their feet can easily touch the floor from a seated position on their bed. When a senior takes their first steps of the day, they must do everything they can to increase their stability. Having their feet comfortably reach the floor from their bed is a great start. They might even try sitting in an upright position for a few minutes before putting their weight on their feet at the beginning of the day to stimulate blood flow. All of this makes falling less likely when taking the first steps of the day. If you are a senior looking to prevent a dangerous fall, contact a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from William Street Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in William Street in New York, NY, Forest Hills, NY, and Broadway in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Blisters can be an unsightly and potentially uncomfortable affliction on the foot. Essentially, blisters are areas on the feet that have excess liquid in between layers of skin. There are many different causes of blisters that you might notice on your feet. Commonly, blisters can form on areas of the feet, particularly the toes, when an individual wears a new, ill-fitting pair of shoes. The friction produced by a tight pair of shoes can consequently create a blister.  Another common cause of blisters on the feet is overexposure to the sun. When an individual gets a sunburn on their feet and lower legs, blisters that are small and white can appear causing pain and an itching sensation. Blisters may also be the result of excessive moisture around the feet. Specifically, when the feet sweat too much, the excessive sweat can ultimately clog the pores of the feet creating blisters. Knowing the specific cause of the blisters on your feet can help determine the correct treatment. If you have blisters on your feet, contact a podiatrist who can help you address the problem.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of William Street Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in William Street in New York, NY, Forest Hills, NY, and Broadway in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Depending on your occupation, you might have to spend a significant amount of time on your feet throughout the workday. For example, hairdressers, food servers/waiters, house cleaners, factory line workers, and others all must work on their feet for most of the day with little to no extended time spent sitting down. There are several risks that come with working on your feet all day. First, people who spend a significant amount of time on their feet all day may experience discomfort and swelling throughout their legs and feet. Certain people are at an increased risk of experiencing these symptoms. Namely, obese people, pregnant women, individuals who suffer from arthritis, and the elderly are all at an increased risk of developing these symptoms. Another risk associated with working all day on your feet is the development of certain foot complications. These individuals might develop conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, and poor blood circulation, among other things. If you spend most of the workday on your feet, it might be time to see a podiatrist who can help you mitigate these risks. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from William Street Podiatry. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in William Street in New York, NY, Forest Hills, NY, and Broadway in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.