Tuesday, 13 September 2022 00:00

Two Methods of Measuring Feet for Correct Shoe Size

Shoes may not feel comfortable and can lead to uncomfortable foot conditions if they are not the right size. That’s why getting the right shoe size can make it easier to complete daily activities. Research has indicated that approximately half of adults are wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, and this may be from the lack of knowledge of how to properly buy shoes. It is beneficial to shop for shoes at the end of the day, when the feet are at their largest. Additionally, it can help to wear the socks that would be worn with the shoes, and this may ensure a better fit. There are various methods of determining your correct shoe size. Many people choose to use the Brannock device which is found in the majority of shoe stores. There are some people who find it effective to place their foot on a piece of paper, and trace the outline of their foot. This is followed by measuring the outline with a ruler, and this will provide an approximate size by using a conversion chart. The width of the foot is just as important to measure as the length, and must be taken into consideration for a proper fit. If you have additional questions about how to measure your foot to purchase the correct size shoes, please address your concerns with a podiatrist who can provide the information that you require.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 13 September 2022 00:00

Getting the Right Shoe Size

If you want to ensure the long-term health of your feet, you should choose the right pair of shoes to wear on an everyday basis. Poorly fitting shoes will not only be uncomfortable, but they may also cause foot pain and unwanted foot conditions. When looking for a new pair of shoes, there are certain factors you should look for.

One of the most crucial tips you can follow is to always try shoes on in the afternoon. It is normal for feet to swell throughout the day, which means your shoe size may be different in the morning compared to what it is at night. To be safe, you should go with the slightly bigger size to ensure that your feet have enough room within your shoes.

Another rule is to never buy shoes that are too tight (Many people buy shoes that are too tight for their feet and expect the shoes to stretch out). If you are looking for a pair of running sneakers, you can go to a specialty running shoe store to have your feet properly sized. When you purchase shoes in-store, walk around in them to make sure the shoes you are going to buy fit you properly. Take some time to make sure the shoes are comfortable for your feet

The upper section of your shoe should be made from a softer, more flexible material. The material that makes up the shoe should not be slippery. Arch support should be a key factor in the decision-making process for shoes. Arch support is crucial because it will prevent the arches in your feet from collapsing. If your arches collapse, the plantar fascia may begin to stretch out which could lead to plantar fasciitis.

Many problematic foot conditions may be prevented by wearing properly fitting shoes. Some of these unwanted conditions are bunions, corns, calluses, pain, stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis. If you are suffering from any of these ailments you may want to speak with your podiatrist.

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Wednesday, 07 September 2022 00:00

Balance Exercises for Seniors

Exercises to improve your balance as you age can also contribute to a healthier life in general. In addition to improving posture, stability, and coordination, balance exercises can lower the risk of being injured through falls. Studies find that after six weeks of balance exercises, seniors also improved their coordination, leg strength, and ankle mobility. Experts recommend that seniors perform two or three sets of exercises a week, but it is always wise to check in with a medical professional beforehand. Here are two simple balance exercises you can try. Weight shift: Stand with legs hip-width apart, shift the weight to one foot, and then lift the other foot. Hold for 30 seconds. You may wish to keep a chair nearby, or lightly touch the wall if needed. Repeat on the other foot. Do this three times. Even if you need a walker, there are some exercises you can do. Marching: Stand with hands on the walker and lift one knee, then lower and lift the other knee. Repeat 20 times. For more information on how to improve your balance and lower the risk of falling, please consult 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 Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. 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.

Falls Prevention

Elderly Americans are very susceptible to falls as they get older. Everyone experiences decreases in flexibility, balance, strength, and the senses as they age. This correlates to some eye-opening statistics. 1 in 4 Americans aged 65 and older fall each year. An elderly American is being treated for a fall in an emergency room every 11 seconds. In light of these striking statistics, one can see the importance of taking steps to prevent falls.

Finding an exercise program for the elderly is an excellent way to reduce the likelihood of falls. Look for an exercise program that improves strength and balance. Elderly people who live a more sedentary lifestyle, with little physical activity, are at an increased risk of falling. Wearing well-fitted footwear that provides good foot support and cushion will help prevent falls from poorly fitted shoes. Talking to a podiatrist about your susceptibility to falls and about inspecting your prescriptions will help to avoid any medication that could make falls more likely. Due to a decline in the senses among the elderly, having your eyes and hearing checked is recommended.

Around half of all falls occur in the household. Removing tripping hazards in the home and making it more accommodating to older persons can significantly reduce falls. Some notable household changes include increasing lighting around the house, installing grab bars in the shower and bathroom, and making sure the floor is clear of clutter. Other smart options include installing a shower chair, using rubber-bottomed rugs, and placing railings on both sides of stairwells.

Finally, discuss with a doctor and your family about your fear of falling. This will help to increase awareness among the population on the need for fall prevention. A lack of awareness on the matter, and a downplaying of importance are what increase the risks of falling. Following these tips can help to reduce the risk for yourself and your loved ones.

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Tuesday, 30 August 2022 00:00

Relief Tips for Standing All Day

People who work on their feet daily may find their ankles are swollen at the end of the day. This may be a result of circulation issues and wearing compression socks can help to relieve some of the swelling. Some people choose to wear compression ankle braces which may be less conspicuous, and the benefits are often the same as wearing compression stockings. People who stand for most of the day may benefit from standing on a stress mat. This is helpful in decreasing the impact a concrete floor may have on your feet. A foot roller can make the soles of the feet feel better since it replicates a foot massage. Additionally, a heated foot massager may help people with flat feet or who stand all day as it can increase circulation. If you have any questions about how to pamper your feet after working all day, please confer with a podiatrist who can help you.

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 Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. 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 Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 30 August 2022 00:00

How to Handle a Long Work Day on Your Feet

In 2014, the American Podiatric Medical Association surveyed 1,000 American adults and found that half of all respondents lived with foot pain. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid foot problems such as following a daily footcare routine and wearing proper footwear at work.

If you have a job that requires you to be on your feet, it is best that you do not wear flat sole shoes. Your heel should be slightly elevated (less than 2 inches, but at least ¼-inch) if you are going to be standing for a prolonged period. You should also make sure that the shoes you wear are not too small. Tight shoes may cut off circulation to your feet, which will result in pain and blisters. It is always best to purchase fitted shoes later in the day, because the feet tend to swell as the day progresses. It may also be helpful to buy shoes a half size larger if you plan on wearing custom orthotics or arch supports.

Your muscles may become stiff when you are constantly standing up. It is important to take breaks every hour to stretch and relax. One tip is to perform calf raises, because this exercise will help improve your circulation. To perform this stretch, you first need to stand on the edge of a step with your abdominal muscles pulled inward. You then need to grip the step with the balls of your feet with your heels hanging over the edge. Next, try to raise your heels above the step by a few inches while standing on your tiptoes; hold this pose for a second. You should then lower your heels back even to the platform. These calf raises should be done ten times for full effectiveness.

You should also take care of your feet while you are at home. One of the best ways to prepare your feet for a long day of work is to soak them in ice water. Doing so for 20 minutes will help fight the swelling and inflammation that results from being on your feet at work.

Nevertheless, if you are experiencing pain in your feet, you should seek help from your podiatrist. Your doctor will help treat any ailments you may have in addition to helping you prevent any other ailments from developing in the future.

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Tuesday, 23 August 2022 00:00

Ankle Pain Caused by Running

Every time a runner takes a step, force is transmitted through the foot and ankle up into the legs, with the ankle taking the brunt. Since the average runner takes between 160 to 180 steps a minute, it is easy to see why ankle pain is common. It is believed that ankle pain results from a combination of factors, including muscle imbalance, overuse, previous injuries, bone problems, and running shoes. Any weakness or tightness in the muscles of the foot, ankle, calf, knee, and hip can affect how the foot reacts when it hits the ground ultimately affecting the ankle joint. Increasing the length or intensity of a run too quickly can impact the strength and stability of the ankle. Runners who go back to their routine too soon after an injury jeopardize the health of their ankles and may result in re-injury. Bone injuries, such as stress fractures, can cause tightness and stiffness that become painful. Running on old or worn shoes can cause pain also. They can lose their cushioning, shock absorption, and shape, which can place more pressure on the ankle. Experts recommend that running shoes be replaced every 500 miles. For help with ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can examine your ankles and discuss any treatment that may be needed.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
Ankle sprains
Broken ankles
Achilles tendinitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Stress fractures
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

Ankle Pain

Pain experienced in the ankle can be caused by a multitude of conditions. While the most common cause is an ankle sprain, other possible problems can include arthritis, gout, ankle instability, an ankle fracture, nerve compression, or tendinitis. In more serious cases, ankle pain can be a sign of improper alignment of the foot or an infection.

Ankle pain can often be accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, stiffness, and warmth in the affected area. Pain can be described differently depending on the condition: short, stabbing pain and a dull ache are some examples. If such symptoms are persistent and do not improve after time, be sure to schedule an appointment with your local podiatrist.

Depending on the condition causing your ankle pain, different treatments may be prescribed by your podiatrist. For ankle sprains, the first step in treatment involves rest, ice, elevation, and compression. Be sure to avoid placing pressure on the ankle, use an ice pack several times a day, and use a compression bandage and elevation to reduce swelling. Other, more serious conditions may require the assistance of certain drugs and medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, or even cortisone injections.

Depending on the severity of your ankle pain and the condition behind it, recovery from ankle pain may take some time.

Consult with your foot and ankle doctor to best determine the cause of your ankle pain and the appropriate treatment.

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Monday, 04 March 2019 00:00

Working on Your Feet

Foot care is important regardless of your profession, but those who work on their feet must pay special attention. Bunions, calluses, blisters, and plantar warts are just a few of the many conditions that can arise after standing all day. While painful at their worst, these conditions can easily be avoided with the right foot care. This includes both appropriate footwear and proper posture—important elements that affect the health of your feet.

Choosing appropriate footwear means choosing a shoe that has a negative heel. This means that the heel is slightly lower than the ball of your foot, which places less of a strain. If you have a profession that requires you to be on your feet all day, investing in a pair of high-quality shoes is pertinent. High-quality shoes can be purchased from a respected manufacturer that emphasizes foot care and foot health.

Despite the regularity of wearing shoes, the feet are naturally not designed to be enclosed. Regular “barefoot” time for your feet can be beneficial for foot health. Among other methods, allowing your feet to breathe can help alleviate the pain and pressure your feet may be experiencing from being on your feet all day.

Simple foot exercises and yoga positions can help improve both the health and function of your feet. Active foot exercises that create movement will stimulate your foot’s blood flow and circulation, and yoga positions that place your feet flat onto the floor will stretch out their muscles. Yoga is particularly beneficial for your Achilles tendon and calf muscles, which are areas that can become especially problematic if not taken care of. Foot exercises and yoga positions can be easily performed every day at virtually any location and any time; whether it is at the office, at the gym, or at home right before you go to bed. Simple stretching can increase your foot health by miles.

The foot pain you experience after lengthy hours working on your feet may seem inevitable and unavoidable; in reality, however, that is not the case. Wearing proper footwear and performing simple foot exercises and stretches can help ease foot pain and allow you to truly avoid frustrating foot problems.

Your feet can easily be kept healthy with some education and a little effort. Pain that begins at the feet can eventually affect the whole body. Begin taking care of your feet now!

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Tuesday, 16 August 2022 00:00

What Can Provide Relief for Patients Who Have Pain From Flat Feet?

The medical name for flat feet is called pes planus. Flat feet are noticeable while standing on the floor, as the entire foot lies flat. There are some patients who have a small arch, and this is considered to be in the flat foot family. Babies are born with flat feet, and the arch generally develops between ages three and six. This happens as a result of the baby’s foot outgrowing the fat pad, and balance is often improved. If the arch fails to develop, it may be because of tight calf muscles, flexible foot and ankle ligaments, and generally poor foot stability. Many patients have little pain with flat feet, and specific stretches may help to improve flexibility. If there is pain and discomfort from this condition and completing daily activities becomes difficult to accomplish, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can prescribe custom-made orthotics, and help you with correct exercises and stretches that may provide relief.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.

Symptoms

Pain around the heel or arch area
Trouble standing on the tip toe
Swelling around the inside of the ankle
Flat look to one or both feet
Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.

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