Tag: proper foot wear

Posted on

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!

Posted on

Are Ingrown Toenails Giving You Trouble?

An ingrown toenail is a condition in which the nails tend to grow into the skin of the toes. This can cause burning, pain, swelling, and even numbness. If left unattended, ingrown toenails may start bleeding, or become infected with pus and bacteria.

What are the causes of ingrown toenails and how can they be prevented?

  • Restrictive and ill-fitted shoes tend to compress your toes together and push your nails inside your skin leading to ingrown toenails. Wearing proper shoes and leaving your feet open every now and then will keep your toenails safe and secure.
  • Footwear that does not have ample space between the big toe and the inside of the shoe wall may constantly rub against your toenail and make you fall prey to ingrown nails. Therefore, it is integral to wear the right size of shoes and see any foot changes that may occur.
  • The most common reason cited for ingrown toenails is cutting your nails in a curved shape. Foot doctors recommend that the nails be cut straight so that they do not grow into the skin surrounding the nail area.
  • Cutting your nails too short can also cause your nails to penetrate your skin when they are growing back.
  • Bumping into hard surfaces and injuring your nails can also change the shape of your toenails and the direction in which they grow. Keep your feet safe and watch where you are going.

If you notice any unusual changes in your ankles, feet or toenails like swelling, redness, nail or skin thickening, discoloration, bone structure alterations etc. Do not ignore such signs and visit your podiatrist immediately.

Moreover, if you are unsure about your foot condition or require more information, we suggest you visit our patient education library or schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Debra B. Manheim at Step by Step Family Foot Care. Visit or contact our Parsippany office at your ease and convenience.

Posted on

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.