Ill fitting shoes can contribute to unstable gait, joint pain, bunions, hammertoes, corns, calluses, ankle sprains, ingrown toenails and even pinched nerves.

Problems arise when women choose shoes that “look good” rather than those that “feel good.” It’s more likely to occur if selecting shoes with heels higher than 2 inches or if the toe box is too small or too narrow. Doing that would lead to compression of the forefoot and might trigger some of the conditions mentioned above.

When looking for a dress shoe seek ones with a wide (preferably round)  toe box and a 1 or 1.5 inch heel; better, yet, ones with arch support or a shock-absorbing heel cushion. That way you’ll be able to “stand” your shoes without them “killing you.”

Regardless of whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, whether you fly, drive or take a train, there's one mode of transportation that you'll certainly use on your trip: your FEET! During the course of a regular day, the average person walks 8,000 to 10,000 steps, but that number can increase dramatically when you're traveling. From inappropriate footwear to long stretches of inactivity in cramped cars or airplane seats, traveling can be hard on your feet and legs. 

By following basic foot care practices, you can ensure that foot pain won’t slow down your enjoyment of the journey. See the doctors of Affiliated Podiatrists for a tune up prior to your travels. A visit might entail basic foot care, a recommendation of appropriate socks, shoes or orthotics to increase your comfort.

For a diabetic, the winter months are a time when more attention than usual should be given to the feet. Diabetics are at risk for having reduced blood flow to the lower extremities. An otherwise minor injury, such as a blister, can escalate into a serious wound. Winter time can be extremely hazardous to diabetic feet. During winter months, the feet are covered up for longer periods of time and are not being checked as often as they should. Any sore that doesn’t heal must be attended to by a professional.

Poor circulation can also lead to increased swelling and dryness of the feet. Cold weather exacerbates the problem by further reducing blood flow and by indirectly reducing exercise. A lot of people in the winter have a tendency to be a little bit more sedentary – they don’t walk around as much, which can contribute to making one’s feet and ankles swell.

Additionally, the dryness of winter weather prompts many people to use a moisturizer. When feet are covered by socks for long periods of time, athlete’s foot becomes a potential problem, making antifungal creams more appropriate to use.

Tortured by new shoes, squashed in boots or neglected soles – your feet need your attention!  Cold weather can take its toll on your feet, so ensure they are the center of your attention this fall and winter season.  When you think about how much time we spend on our feet, it is hardly surprising that winter and a night out can leave them feeling tired, bruised and battered. In cold climactic conditions, the body moves the blood away from the feet and toes, which can cause numbness.

Most of us are guilty of neglecting our feet and often gaze in dismay when we take off our socks.  With a little extra care, your feet can look and feel fabulous from now until spring. 

Winter Foot Care for Diabetics

For a diabetic, the winter months are a time when more attention than usual should be given to the feet.  Diabetics are at risk for having reduced blood flow to the lower extremities.  An otherwise minor injury, such as a blister, can escalate into a serious wound.  Winter time can be extremely hazardous to diabetic feet.  During winter months, the feet are covered up for longer periods of time and are not being checked as often as they should. 

Poor circulation can also lead to increased swelling and dryness of the feet.  Cold weather exacerbates the problem by further reducing blood flow and by indirectly reducing exercise.  A lot of people in the winter have a tendency to be a little bit more sedentary – they don’t walk around as much.  When sitting around your home, it will make your feet and ankles swell a bit more. 

Additionally, the dryness of winter weather prompts many people to use a moisturizer.  When feet are covered by socks for long periods of time, athlete’s foot becomes a potential problem, making antifungal crème more appropriate, on the advice of your podiatrist.  And remember, if a sore on your foot does not begin to heal after a day or more, be sure to tell us. 

 

A broken bone, also referred to as a “fracture,” can occur in any bone and at any age. Stress fractures are the least serious and occur when there is a crack in the outer shell of the bone. Most fractures are more serious and occur when the bone completely breaks into two pieces. Comminuted fractures are the most severe – the bone is shattered into several fragments. Many people mistake the fracture for a sprain or strain because of their ability to continue walking or if symptoms are minimal. If you are experience pain, swelling or bruising, you should seek medical attention immediately to prevent further complications, even if you are able to walk. Here, at Affiliated Podiatrists, our doctors’ diagnostic skills have been enhanced through the use of digital x-rays taken right here on our premises. Digital x-rays allow us to magnify images and tweak contrast to help in our reading of images and therefore, speed your healing.