Items filtered by date: December 2022

It is odd, but factual, that women often wear the wrong shoe size and in most cases, their shoes are too short or narrow. When their feet are measured, they often react with denial that their feet have changed as they have “always worn the same size.” When checking shoe fit, one should allow at least half an inch between the big toe and the front part of the shoe. The pinky toe should not push against the side of the shoe. Women are more apt to prefer pointier toe boxes, instead of round ones. It might be OK if a woman’s feet are narrow, but if they are medium to extra wide, wearing such shoes can be painful and cause conditions like ingrown toenails, bunions, or hammertoes. The truth is that foot's shape and shoe size change over time. Some things that contribute to a change in shoe size are pregnancy, aging, and weight gain or loss. Over time, feet can get longer and wider because arches decrease, and the foot flattens and lengthens. If you are experiencing foot pain, it might be helped by simply having your feet measured and wearing a half-inch size larger shoe. Consult with a podiatrist who can properly measure your feet and discuss how you might better approach thinking about shoe size.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor 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 our office located in Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

All of the toes, except for the big toe, have three bony segments that are separated by joints. The foot condition that is known as hammertoe can cause the joints that are between the first and second segment to bend downward, and it generally affects the second and third toe. It is considered to be a deformity, and can be caused by genetic factors or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. These types of shoes typically do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in and can change the shape of the foot. Many patients can experience pain in the ball of the foot, and difficulty in finding shoes that fit properly. Additionally, corns may develop on top of the toes as a result of friction that is caused by the toes constantly touching the top of the shoe. Hammertoe is easy to diagnose, and X-rays are often not necessary to take. Relief may come from performing specific stretches, and cushioned pads may be used on top of the corns. If you have developed hammertoe, please speak to a podiatrist who can diagnose and offer you correct treatment solutions, which may include surgery for permanent straightening.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor 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 our office located in Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

One of the most painful foot conditions is known as an Achilles tendon injury. It happens when the tendon that is located in the back of the ankle partially or completely tears. This may be more common in middle-aged people. This type of injury can be caused in people who have poor flexibility, or who engage in occasional sporting activities without properly warming up. The symptoms that often accompany an Achilles tendon injury can include hearing a pop at the time of the injury, and the affected foot may be red, swollen, and bruised. Patients have found mild relief when the foot is elevated, and this can help to diminish some of the swelling. The approximate healing time is several weeks, and this depends on how severe the injury is. Additional relief techniques can consist of wearing a boot or cast that can provide stability as the healing process occurs, and specific stretches and exercises are performed. If you have endured this type of injury, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment methods, which may include surgery in severe cases.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels is a foot condition that occurs from having excessively dry skin. It may happen more frequently in the winter months from cold weather and indoor heat, and drinking plenty of fresh water daily may help to reduce its severity. There may be outside factors that can increase the chances of getting cracked heels, including standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day, and frequently wearing shoes that have an open back. Some patients develop cracked heels from medical conditions consisting of eczema and psoriasis, which naturally dry out the skin. Diabetic patients may be prone to having neuropathy, which is the inability to feel existing foot conditions. This may lead to getting cracked heels, and it is beneficial to use a moisturizer daily that can soften the skin. Cracked heels can come from having athletes’ foot, which is caused by a fungus, and can dry out the skin on the heels. If you have developed this condition, please call a podiatrist today and schedule an appointment for a correct diagnosis and proper treatment options.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.