Tag: foot health

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Happy Feet This National Foot Health Awareness Month

April is National Foot Health Awareness Month and a great month to kick start everything foot and ankle-related. Your feet are complex structures that contain nearly a quarter of all the bones in your body. Good healthy feet are vital for mobility, independence, and overall wellbeing. So, it’s no surprise that when our feet hurt, our entire body hurts! Today Dr. Debra B. Manheim of Step by Step Family Foot Care in Parsippany, New Jersey, encourages everyone to take a step (or steps!) towards happy, healthy feet!

  • Inspect your feet daily: Everyday foot exams are essential, especially if you have diabetes. Look for anything unusual such as bumps, cuts, wounds, drainage, skin changes, or discoloration of the toenail. When foot problems are found and treated early, it prevents complications.
  • Find the perfect pair: If your favorite shoe is a source of any discomfort, it is time to bid them farewell. Choose shoes that are made for the activity you want to do. Tight and ill-fitted shoes can cause severe damage or even worsen current conditions like hammertoes and bunions. Wear shoes with a wide toe box so that the toes have enough room to move to avoid issues like blisters, corns, deformed toes, neuromas, or calluses.
  • Seek professional help: If you notice a foot problem or are unsure of your diagnosis, see a podiatrist immediately. Regular visits to your foot doctor can help you get to the root of the problem and avoid any future pain or issue with your feet or ankles.

Be proactive, and care for your feet every day. Show them some TLC! We have an experienced doctor, Dr. Debra B. Manheim, a board-certified podiatrist to care for all your foot problems. Call (973) 917-3785 or visit our office in Parsippany, New Jersey, to have a thorough check-up and learn some of the best ways to improve your foot and ankle health. Feel free to browse through our patient education library and blog section on our website.

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Healthy Food Choices Keep Your Feet Happy

woman in supermarket shopping for healthy food

Most of us are either unaware or choose to ignore the link between the food choices we make and the health of our feet. In recognition of National Nutrition Month, the experts at Step by Step Family Foot Care would like to reinforce the importance of a nutritious diet as a way to keep your feet healthy and performing at their optimal level.

Here are a few tips to consider when you are finalizing your menu:

  • Go green! Eat various leafy vegetables to provide you with the necessary nutrients to strengthen your immune system and keep you healthy. Spinach, kale, soybeans are good sources of calcium and vitamin D.
  • Fill your plate with colors. Consuming a combination of produce, along with seasonal fruits and vegetables, will give your body a holistic boost. Not only will this replenish all your nutrient requirements, but you will feel fresh and upbeat.
  • Go nuts! Delight your taste buds with a range of nuts like almonds and walnuts.
  • Experiment while cooking. Explore cuisines from around the world and select all the healthy recipes. Try making new dishes at home and enjoy a family meal together.
  • Change your method of cooking. Avoid deep-fried foods as they tend to increase your cholesterol levels. You can always switch to baking or steaming for a change of taste.

Eating a nutritious diet is essential to maintain your body weight and prevent your feet from being overburdened. Excessive weight puts undue stress on your lower extremities, increasing your chances of problems like flat feet, heel and arch pain, ankle sprains, arthritis, and more.

To learn more about various health risks and their preventive measures, feel free to consult our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Debra B. Manheim. In case of pain or discomfort in your lower extremities, schedule an appointment by calling our office in Parsippany, New Jersey, at (973) 917-3785 right away.

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Holiday Gifts for the Feet

foot gifts

If you still have some last-minute holiday gift shopping to do, foot pampering is the way to go. The team at Step By Step Family Foot Care has you covered with some great suggestions.

  • At-home spa kit—The perfect gift for someone special who needs a bit of pampering. A trip to the salon or spa may sound like a dream come true, but given the pandemic, it’s likely not practical. Instead, recreate a spa-like experience at home by putting together a set of amenities that will make your experience truly special. Be sure to include scented lotions, moisturizer or cream, multi-color nail polish, toenail clippers, toe separators, nail file, cuticle remover, and a pumice stone for callus removal.
  • Foot massager—Nothing says thanks like a soothing foot massage after a long, exhausting day at work. A wide variety of massage products are available for the feet. Invest in a good foot massager that can help you relax, improve circulation throughout the body, and reduce aches, pains, and stress in your feet.
  • Insulated water bottle—Water has a lot to do with the body and feet. The body functions best when adequately hydrated. Drinking the right amount of water can help flush out harmful toxins from the body, improve blood flow to the extremities, reduce the severity of gout flare-ups, promote healthy glowing skin/toenails, and prevent foot cramps. Doctors recommend that you drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.

If you need more gift ideas or have concerns about your foot health, contact Step By Step Family Foot Care. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Debra B. Manheim, can help you with any foot or ankle pain or deformity you are experiencing. Call us at (973) 917-3785 to schedule a convenient appointment or visit our office in Parsippany, NJ. Step By Step Family Foot Care is well-equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and diagnostic tools to handle all your podiatric needs. For more information on podiatry related topics and the many services we offer, you can browse through our podiatric services and blog website sections.

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November is American Diabetes Month

diabetic foot care

Did you know that over 34 million Americans have diabetes and the numbers have more than doubled in the last 20 years alone? Its upward trajectory worldwide has made the disease a global public health crisis. Your feet are of particular concern because of the way this chronic disease affects the entire body. Foot problems can sneak up with the added threat of neuropathy and lack of proper blood supply.

Because November is American Diabetes Month, Dr. Debra B. Manheim at Step by Step Family Foot Care has a few tips that you can adopt to lower your risk of diabetes-related foot complications.

  • Healthy living

Living with any form of diabetes is not easy, especially when you must make changes in your lifelong habits or lifestyle. A healthy, balanced diet plan can control your blood sugar levels and help you achieve better health – including improved foot health. Add lean meat, grains, fruits, and vegetables to your diet. Keep up your exercise regimen to maintain a healthy weight. Try to quit smoking. The tar and nicotine from cigarettes can damage your artery walls.

  • Team up with your podiatrist

A podiatrist is an important member of your diabetic care team. No matter where you are in your journey with diabetes, a podiatrist can treat, counsel, and manage any chronic foot condition successfully. Regular foot screenings and practicing healthy foot care habits can ensure that any signs of trouble are detected and treated at first sight.

Live your best life with diabetes and know that you have the support you need. Take prompt measures and regularly see your podiatrist for excellent foot health.

Whether you have diabetic foot conditions or a painful ingrown toenail, contact Step by Step Family Foot Care. Dr. Debra B. Manheim is here to treat disorders of the foot and ankle and help you find solutions that best suit your podiatric conditions. Call us at (973) 917-3785 to schedule a convenient appointment or visit our office in Parsippany, NJ. For more information on podiatry related problems, you can browse through our patient education library and blog section.

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Keeping Your Feet Injury-Free this Halloween Season

children and Halloween

Kids love Halloween. It’s arguably the most kid-focused holiday of the year. Costume selection, trick or treating, decorating the house with spooky art, watching horror movies, and visiting haunted attractions are all fun Halloween activities for kids of all ages.

Whatever your activities are for the night, make sure the little ghosts and goblins stay safe. Potential foot problems can give you and your kids a scare and spoil all the fun out of your Halloween night.

Here are some tips to keep your Halloween injury-free:

  • Costume check: If you are making your costume, picking one out from a shop, or ordering online, the most important thing is the right measurements. A costume can become a tripping hazard. Ensure the outfit does not fall below the ankle or has a loose band of cloth as these things can cause a nasty fall. You can add reflective tape on the costumes to stay visible in the dark.
  • Shoe check: If your child is to have an active day, make sure they wear proper shoes. The little ones need to wear shoes that are ideal for supporting their feet for long hours and protecting them from hazards like broken glass or wet and uneven surfaces. Avoid wearing over-sized shoes as they can affect your balance and cause blisters or a potential injury.
  • Light check: If your child is trick or treating at night, carrying a flashlight can help save him or her from a trip or fall. If the neighborhood is not well lit, make sure to have a flashlight or even a glow stick to avoid curbs, bumps, and unexpected obstacles.

The key to excellent foot health is taking proactive measures and seeing your podiatrist regularly.

If you run into a foot or ankle problem on Halloween, contact Step by Step Family Foot Care. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Debra B. Manheim, can evaluate you for any risk factors and treat you promptly. Call us at (973) 917-3785 to schedule a convenient appointment or visit our office in Parsippany, NJ. Happy Halloween and stay safe!

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4 Tips to Keep in Mind for Outdoor Exercise

outdoor exercise

If you are one of those people who like to exercise outdoors with nature, rather than being confined indoors with your gym equipment, be sure that you practice social distancing.

At Step by Step Family Foot Care, our experts recommend 4 important tips before you head out:

  1. Keep hand sanitizer with you all the time and use it frequently, especially if you happen to touch some objects outside. We cannot overemphasize the importance of hand sanitizer.
  2. Protect your skin from the sun. Sun rays can cause damage by burning your skin or making it crack due to dryness. Use sunscreen before leaving the house and reapply frequently. Similarly, you may want to carry your sunglasses along to protect your eyes.
  3. Drink plenty of water! Staying hydrated is extremely crucial if you want to continue with your outdoor workout. Dehydration can result in painful cramps, dizziness and you may even collapse if you are not careful. Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks in the heat as they accelerate dehydration.
  4. If the weather outside is pleasant, you may want to extend your exercise routine. However, listen to your body and stop if you are feeling drained. Overdoing it can lead to many problems like sprains, muscle damage, ankle swelling, dehydration and more.

If you have been inactive or idle for a while, you may feel the urge to jump into intense workouts to shake off the laziness. However, it is advised to take it slow, increase your pace gradually and always allow for proper stretching to prevent injury. This will enable you to build stamina and avoid unexpected breaks due to injuries or burnouts.

For your questions and concerns about exercise routines and health in general, contact our office in Parsippany, NJ by calling (973) 917-3785. For the safety of our patients and staff, we’re offering telemedicine. Dr. Debra B. Manheim is available by phone for a consultation.