Category: heel pain

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Keep Your Feet Fit for Summer Fun Indulgences

Summer activities expose our feet to many risks and hazards. However, that does not mean that one should deprive oneself of all the fun that this season has to offer.

Being careful and making sensible choices can help protect our feet from harm. At Step by Step Family Foot Care, we advise our patients to keep their eyes open for the following:

  • Fungus and bacteria: Infections are thriving during summertime and spread easily if not treated immediately. Fungal toenails, athlete’s foot, blisters, warts, and calluses are common occurrences and should be treated as early as possible.
  • Heel pain: This pain is ascribed to the most popular summer footwear i.e. flip-flops. These airy and easy-to-slip-on shoes provide the least support to your foot arch, causing your heels to come under stress due to excessive weight. It is advised to wear shoes that provide adequate support or use orthotic inserts for appropriate distribution of your body weight on your feet.
  • Sprains: The chances of sprains and stress fractures increase if you wear uncomfortable shoes for long durations or during intensive physical activity. Shoes with a stronger grip, softer insoles, and proper arch support are highly recommended to prevent injuries and pain.
  • Wounds and cuts: Wearing open shoes or being barefoot increases the risk of being injured by splinters and sharp objects. If you suffer a cut or a wound, make sure you have it cleaned up properly and use an antiseptic to prevent infection. It is advised to keep your wounds open and dry to avoid pus and bacterial infections.

If you encounter any of the above conditions and feel that your feet are not improving or healing properly, we urge you to visit our Parsippany, NJ office or call us at (973) 917-3785 to schedule an appointment. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Debra B. Manheim will conduct a thorough examination and administer the appropriate course of treatment to restore the health of your feet.

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Precautions to Take For Athlete’s Foot

foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection characterized by redness, rash, incessant itching and burning on your feet. It is contagious and can spread to other parts of your body if proper treatment is not administered.

While there is a variety of fungi that cause the infection, getting your feet examined at Step By Step Family Foot Care will enable you to get the right treatment according to the infected fungus.

Precautions you may undertake to avoid the onset of this infection

  • Avoid moist places: Fungus thrives in warm and moisture-rich places like public showers, gym rooms, pools etc. Use antiseptics if exposed to such places.
  • Personal hygiene utensils: It is strongly recommended that you do not share your personal hygiene tools such as soaps, nail cutters, towels and even footgear like socks and shoes. When visiting salons or nail spas, make sure their staff sterilize their utensils and use effective disinfectants.
  • Closed shoes: If your feet are infected, the fungus can stay in your shoes and aggravate your infection. Closed shoes and sweaty feet are breeding ground for athlete’s foot condition.
  • Socks: Even though socks act as a protective tool for your feet, make sure that the material you choose allows breathing space for your feet and dries away moisture that may build up while your feet are undercover.
  • Personal habits: Washing your feet and drying them up thoroughly can protect your feet from various foot infections.
  • Foot powders: Using foot or any talcum powders also reduce chances of developing infections as they keep your feet dry, control sweat, and prevent friction between your toes.

If you are suffering from athlete’s foot or fear that you may become prey to this fungal infection, feel free to consult our podiatrist, Dr. Debra B. Manheim, at our Parsippany Office, New Jersey. Call us at (973) 917-3785 and benefit from our expertise in dealing with diverse foot conditions and providing effective foot health solutions.

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How to Know If Your Child Is Suffering From a Foot Disorder?

Children may expressive any pain or discomfort that they may be experiencing; however, they may not be able to identify the exact problem. While they may be feeling uneasiness in running or walking, they may not be able to tell you whether it is their toenail causing the problem or a blister or pain in their ankle or foot.

Parents need to keep examining their children’s feet so that any issues can be addressed in a timely manner. Keeping a lookout for some of the following warning signals can give a heads up and save your child from prolonged suffering:

  • Avoidance: Children are energetic and playful almost all the time. If you notice your child avoiding games or opting to sit out more frequently than usual, there is a possibility that something might be wrong. Check their feet and inquire about any trouble that they may be facing.
  • Fatigue: While feeling exhausted after a day filled with play is normal, excess fatigue or complaints about feeling too tired too soon from children should be taken seriously. They may be feeling pain in their feet and hence may be making excuses about feeling tired.
  • Being too slow: Each child has their own pace and ability. However, persistently falling behind in comparison to children of the same age group could be a sign that there is a problem with their feet.
  • Awkward walk: At times, children alter the way they walk or run in order to avoid the pain in their feet. If you notice your child walking in an unusual manner, you should consult a podiatrist immediately.
  • Tiptoeing: Children often start walking on tiptoes or limp when they feel pain in their feet. They could avoid pain temporarily; however, tiptoeing hurts more as the balls of their feet come under stress.

If you notice any of the above signs in your children, immediately inspect their feet for any issues. For professional help and guidance, come visit Step by Step Family Foot Care. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Debra B. Manheim can help diagnose your child’s foot condition and devise a treatment plan that best suit his/or her feet. Call us today at our office in Parsippany (973) 917-3785, New Jersey.