Items filtered by date: December 2023

Tuesday, 26 December 2023 00:00

Defining Foot Blisters and Their Origins

Foot blisters are defined as fluid-filled sacs that form on the skin, and are often encountered during daily activities or as a result of wearing ill-fitting footwear. They develop as a result of friction or repeated rubbing, which separates the layers of skin, creating a pocket of clear fluid. Several factors can contribute to the formation of foot blisters. Tight or improperly fitting shoes can lead to excessive rubbing, especially while walking or running. Moisture, such as sweat or wet conditions, softens the skin and makes it more prone to blistering. Certain materials consisting of rough socks or shoes, can exacerbate the problem. Additionally, activities that place excessive stress on the feet, like hiking or long-distance running, are common culprits. Understanding the definition and causes of foot blisters can help you take preventive measures. If you have blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can safely treat them and guide you on blister-prevention tactics. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM of Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor 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 our offices located in Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Plantar fasciitis, a prevalent foot condition, unfolds as inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. This inflammation results in stabbing pain, typically most pronounced during the first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The plantar fascia plays an important role in supporting the foot's arch and absorbing shock during walking. Several risk factors contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. Prolonged periods of standing or walking on hard surfaces can strain the plantar fascia, increasing susceptibility. Individuals with high arches or flat feet may experience altered weight distribution, intensifying stress on the foot's support structure. Additionally, having tight calf muscles and Achilles tendons may also heighten the risk, limiting ankle flexibility. Understanding the definition and associated risk factors of plantar fasciitis is vital for proactive management. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can offer treatment options for this painful condition.

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 Glenn Aufseeser, DPM from Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor 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 our offices located in Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Wednesday, 13 December 2023 00:00

Are You Suffering From Nerve Damage?

Neuropathy is a condition that can lead to numbness or loss of sensation in the feet, but it can also cause pain. This condition is more likely to develop for those who are diabetic, obese, or with high blood pressure.

Tuesday, 12 December 2023 00:00

Standing During Work and Edema

Edema, characterized by swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, can be influenced by various factors, including extended periods of standing while working. This condition also often occurs after standing for a prolonged time, as well as during long plane flights or car rides. The act of standing for extended durations can lead to several health concerns. It may contribute to muscle fatigue in the legs and feet, leading to discomfort. Poor posture while standing can result in back pain and musculoskeletal issues. Moreover, it can strain the cardiovascular system, potentially causing conditions like edema. While standing is associated with increased physical activity and alertness, it is essential to strike a balance. Incorporating breaks to sit, stretch, and walk can alleviate the negative effects. Ergonomic adjustments to your workstation, supportive footwear, and exercises targeting leg and core muscles can help mitigate the challenges of prolonged standing. It is important to monitor persistent swelling in the ankles and feet, especially if accompanied by other concerning symptoms, as it can sometimes indicate underlying health problems. If you have continued edema, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and care.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM from Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 offices located in Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about How to Handle a Long Work Day on Your Feet
Tuesday, 05 December 2023 00:00

Advantages of Exercising Your Feet

Regular exercise is often associated with overall health and well-being, but the benefits extend beyond just cardiovascular fitness. Including exercises that specifically target the feet in your daily routine can contribute to better foot health and overall mobility. Strengthening exercises, such as toe curls and arch lifts, enhance the muscles that support the feet, improving stability and balance. Flexibility exercises, like toe stretches and ankle circles, promote a greater range of motion and can reduce the risk of injuries and enhance agility. Additionally, foot exercises can help alleviate common issues, like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, by promoting circulation and preventing stiffness. Improved circulation also aids in the healing of foot injuries and minimizes swelling. Several additional foot exercises can be done regularly. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of exercising your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM from Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you 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 we often 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 enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

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 offices located in Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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