Keeping feet healthy involves simple yet essential daily practices. Washing feet thoroughly helps remove dirt, bacteria, and fungi that may lead to infections. Proper toenail clipping is equally important. Nails cut straight across, rather than rounded, prevent painful ingrown nails and damage to neighboring toes. Wearing comfortable, well-fitted shoes helps prevent common problems like corns and calluses, and lessens pain from bunions by reducing excessive pressure and friction. Examining your feet for any noticeable changes like redness, swelling, or unusual sores allows for early detection of potential issues. Regular foot massages and certain exercises can enhance circulation, reduce inflammation, and relieve sore muscles and joints. A podiatrist plays an essential role in maintaining foot health by identifying problems early, providing specialized advice, and recommending appropriate footwear. If you have foot, toe, or ankle problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Philip C. Caswell, DPM from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Sparta, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint becomes misaligned. This occurs when the big toe gradually shifts toward the other toes, causing the joint to stick out. Bunions develop due to factors such as genetics, wearing improper footwear, flat feet, or arthritis. Even after treatment, they can return if the underlying causes are not addressed. Wearing tight or narrow shoes continues to place pressure on the joint, leading to recurrence. Weak foot muscles or improper walking mechanics may also contribute to the problem. Maintaining proper footwear, using orthotics, and strengthening foot muscles can help prevent bunions from coming back. If discomfort persists, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can correct the alignment and relieve symptoms.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Philip C. Caswell, DPM of Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
- Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
- Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development
Symptoms
- Redness and inflammation
- Pain and tenderness
- Callus or corns on the bump
- Restricted motion in the big toe
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Sparta, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
People with bunions often struggle to find comfortable running shoes that do not put pressure on the affected joint. Bunions occur when the big toe shifts inward, causing a bony prominence at its base that can become irritated by wearing tight or narrow footwear. The best running shoes for bunions should have a wide toe box to allow natural toe splay and reduce friction against the bunion. Soft, flexible uppers can help accommodate the foot’s shape, preventing unnecessary pressure. Proper arch support and cushioning are also important, as they help distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on the forefoot. A well-cushioned midsole absorbs impact while running, which can minimize discomfort and prevent further stress on the bunion. Shoes with an adjustable closure system, such as laces or straps, provide a secure fit without constricting the foot. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure and gait mechanics to recommend appropriate footwear, custom orthotics, or other treatment as needed. If you are a runner with bunions, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.
If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Philip C. Caswell, DPM from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.
- Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
- Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
- Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Sparta, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
