Foot Pain – Step By Step Family Foot Care

January 25, 2023

Winter Foot Pain

As we get into the thick of the winter, many are experiencing some frustrating foot pain that seemingly has no root cause. You may be wondering why this is occurring. Foot pain is unfortunately common during the winter and there are a range of reasons why! Here’s a breakdown of where cold weather foot pain comes from and what you can do about it!

Where It’s Coming From

If you’re not actively healing an injury and practicing daily foot care habits, you may be confused as to why you have mild to moderate pain. But it’s not that strange! Here are some of the top reasons why this could be happening to you:

Cold weather: Bitter winds are known to lead to sore, achy limbs. Cold weather causes your body to slow blood circulation to your arms and legs in an attempt to preserve your body’s core temperature. This can result in cold feet and joint pain!
Gaining weight: It’s important to eat well and enjoy yourself during the holidays. But did you know that weight gain can lead to poor foot health? Extra weight can put more pressure on your feet, leading to more wear and tear.
Wearing the wrong shoes: One of the biggest causes of foot problems is wearing ill-fitting shoes. If you don’t take good care of your feet by wearing comfy, supportive footwear, you can end up with blisters, bunions, and hammertoes. Winter is a time when a lot of people go skiing or ice skating, which can be fun, but if you don’t wear the right kind of boots, you can easily injure yourself.

Lessening The Pain

So, what can you do to help ease the stress? Here are some of our best tips for treating cold-weather foot pain:

Call your podiatrist if you’re experiencing ongoing or severe pain
If you run into a minor injury, follow R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, and elevation)
Stretch your feet daily
Wear comfortable shoes
Bundle up with thick socks and insulated boots
Maintain a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet

Step By Step Family Foot Care is here to assist you with any of your podiatry needs! To make an appointment with Dr. Debra Manheim, call us at (973) 917-3785 or visit our site to schedule an appointment. The staff at our Parsippany office is ready and eager to help.

February 24, 2022

Has Covid Ruined Your Feet?

Covid has certainly turned our lives upside-down. Everyone has had to make radical changes in their lives. Unfortunately, many of these changes have negatively affected our health, including the health of our feet! Let’s look at how the changes in our habits have impacted our feet.

Why Has Covid Ruined Our Feet?

First, foot pain has been on the rise during the pandemic. The main reason is that people are working from home. While staying home, many have kicked off their supportive shoes and instead decided to wear slippers or flip-flops. The problem is that these provide little support or cushioning for your feet and increase the likelihood of injuries.

Another reason foot pain is more prevalent is that Covid has put many out of work, allowing people to use this extra free time to be more active. Attempting new sports and utilizing new exercise equipment have become more common, but it has led to more stress on the feet, injuries, and worsening chronic conditions. Podiatrists have reported they are specifically seeing more cases of plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

This is commonly known as heel pain. The pain is caused by an inflammation of the band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation, or a cyst. It’s important to see an experienced specialist who can diagnose the exact problem.

What is Achilles Tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Usually, this inflammation is short-lived. Over time the condition often progresses to a degeneration of the tendon, which is a case of Achilles tendinosis, in which the tendon loses its organized structure and is likely to develop small tears.

If you have any issues with foot health and mobility, contact Step by Step Family Foot Care in Parsippany, New Jersey. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Debra B. Manheim, offers treatment for foot and ankle disorders, biomechanical analysis, and functional orthotic fabrication. For more information and answers to your questions, and to schedule an appointment, contact us at (973) 917-3785.

September 29, 2021

Don’t Skip Podiatry Appointments

Our feet have a large job. They keep us upright and mobile, absorb shock when we play sports, and wear down as we get older. A podiatrist can help you retain your mobility and keep your feet in the best shape possible for much longer. Be sure that you see a podiatrist if you have any of these issues.

Bunions: Bunions are not overly painful unless left untreated. As you get older, they get more bothersome, and you will notice that they can cause friction and mobility issues.

Joint pain: Joint pain in your foot could be because of an underlying issue. A podiatrist will run tests and determine if any problems exist. In many cases, you will have a long-term health plan and medication to heal your issues.

Calluses: Calluses are thick and painful. If you see a podiatrist immediately, they can remove it before it gets too thick and offers medication to soothe the pain and help you avoid infection and future issues.

Diabetes: If you have diabetes, you will find that you are at high risk for infection, poor circulation, and mobility issues. A podiatrist can help monitor your feet and the problems you face, including help with ingrown toenails. As a person suffering from diabetes, you should never deal with ingrown toenails yourself, potentially creating cuts and infections.

Increased activity: Changing your activity level, such as working out more, running, or adopting sports, can all cause damage to the feet. A podiatrist will be able to help you in determining whether you need orthotics and custom options for letting your feet work at their best.

September 22, 2020September 22, 2020

4 Tips for Reducing Fall Risk in Older Adults

As we get older, our bodies tend to lose strength, balance, and flexibility, thus increasing the risk of falling and injury. Anyone can have a fall, but older individuals are most vulnerable. Seniors need to be proactive with their foot health to diminish the risk of falls.

September is National Falls Prevention Month, and at Step by Step Family Foot Care, we know how your foot health can play a significant role in preventing dangerous falls.

Here are some tips to help people reduce their risk of falling.

Stay in shape. Regular exercise improves overall foot health. It strengthens the muscles and improves balance and flexibility, making injuries and falls less likely. Keeping a healthy weight also helps to reduce the stress on your feet.
Annual eye exam. Low vision can increase the risk of falling and injury. An annual eye exam from your optometrists can play a significant role in reducing falls. Don’t ignore foot pain. If your feet hurt, you risk losing your balance as you try to alter the way you walk to avoid the problem. Foot pain is not normal – be sure to discuss any pains, aches, and symptoms with your podiatrist.
Remove hazards at home. Over half of all falls occur at home. Inspect your home for any risks that could lead to a fall or injury. Make sure you have good lighting all around the house. Clear any clutter such as cords or small furniture items from the main living space. Make sure to clean up any spills on the floor immediately. Install handrails for the stairways and grab bars for the toilets and showers.

If you think that you or your loved one are at risk for falls, visit our office in Parsippany, New Jersey. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Debra B. Manheim, can evaluate you for any risk factors and provide you the best advice on fall risk prevention so that you can get back to the life and activities you enjoy. Contact us at (973) 917-3785 to schedule your appointment today.