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New York City Podiatrist

Posts for: November, 2015

By Dr. Kenneth Meisler
November 17, 2015
Category: Foot Care
Tags: heel pain  
Is heel pain keeping you down? Pain that occurs following an injury or early in an illness may play a protective role, warning us about the damage we have suffered. So what causes heel pain?
 
Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition in which a band of tissue in the sole of the foot becomes inflamed, leading to severe heel pain. The pain can be so bad that it hurts to walk, much less exercise or perform daily activities. If one step causes shooting pain in your heel—especially when you first get out of bed in the morning or stand up after sitting for a long period of time—plantar fasciitis may be to blame. Contact your podiatrist immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment of your pain. 


Understanding Heel Pain with Help from Your Podiatrist

Plantar fasciitis, or heel pain, occurs when the plantar fascia is strained over time beyond its normal extension. This causes the soft tissue fibers of the fascia to tear or stretch at points along its length, leading to inflammation, pain and possibly the growth of a bone spur where it attaches to the heel bone.
 
Inflammation may become irritated by shoes that lack appropriate support, mainly in the arch area and by the constant irritation associated with an athletic lifestyle. Resting may provide temporary relief, but when you resume walking you may experience a sudden elongation of the fascia band, which stretches and pulls on the heel. As you walk the pain may lessen or even disappear, but that may just be a false sense of relief, as the pain will often return after prolonged rest or extensive walking.  
 
You can take steps now to avoid heel pain, including:
  • Wear shoes that fit well
  • Wear proper shoes for each activity
  • Do not wear shoes with excessive wear on heels or soles
  • Prepare properly before exercising by stretching and warming up
  • Pace yourself when you participate in athletic activities
  • Don’t underestimate your body’s need for rest and good nutrition
  • Lose excess weight
If pain and other symptoms of inflammation persist, you should limit your normal daily activities and contact your podiatrist immediately.  

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By Dr. Meisler
November 11, 2015
Category: Foot Care
Tags: orthotics  

Could custom orthotics greatly improve the health of your feet?

Dealing with sensitive, painful or sore feet? Did you know that your New York City podiatrist could have the answers you’ve been Orthotics looking for to reduce your symptoms? Find out if your feet could find the comfort they need from custom orthotics.

What is the purpose of custom orthotics?

Sure you could buy those over-the-counter shoe inserts at your local drugstore, but as your New York City podiatrist might tell you, this one-size-fits-most approach to foot care isn’t as beneficial as it may seem and could even be harmful for certain foot conditions.

While custom orthotics will cost more, many patients find that just being able to move around more comfortably is well worth it. These shoe inserts are made to fit only your feet and to handle any foot problems you may have or correct any misalignments or abnormalities.

Orthotics can be used to make standing, walking or running easier and more comfortable for your feet. They are used as shock absorbers, to help with balance and to place even amounts of pressure on the feet to reduce the chances of sore spots. Orthotics can even improve flexibility and range-of-motion while reducing common symptoms of foot problems like arthritis.

What are the different kinds of custom orthotics?

When you start shopping around for orthotics in NYC, it may seem rather daunting. Orthotics can be made from a variety of different materials:

Soft orthotics: Usually made from silicone or foam, these customized shoe inserts are particularly helpful for those with foot deformities and arthritis. These orthotics offer more cushioning for the foot to reduce the chance of sore spots.

Semi-rigid orthotics: Soft materials like foam are now reinforced with a more durable material such as leather, rubber or plastic. This is usually the best type of orthotic for athletes.

Rigid orthotics: Typically made from plastic or carbon fiber, these orthotics are most helpful for controlling foot function. They are most often placed in walking or dress shoes. If you experience pain or strains in knees or legs, this could be due to poor foot function. Rigid orthotics can help to correct this imbalance and reduce strain.

Are custom orthotics only meant for athletes or those with active lifestyles?

Even though patients who are physically active will have special needs when it comes to foot care, so do all of our patients. If you are experiencing any kind of imbalance in your feet then orthotics can help. Orthotics can help those with:

  • Frequently sprained ankles
  • Crooked toes
  • Chronic foot, knee, or lower back pain
  • Overpronated feet
  • Arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Bunions
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Foot deformities

Want to find out if your NYC foot podiatrist could improve your foot health through custom orthotics? Then call our office to schedule your next visit.


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By Dr. Kenneth Meisler
November 03, 2015
Category: Foot Care
During your lifetime, your feet endure hundreds of thousands of miles, and may be among the most underappreciated and hardest working parts of your body. Taking care of our feet is important; especially Foot Care Tipssince a simple, everyday task like walking can become painful if an injury or problem occurs. Fortunately, foot care can be simple and easy with the help of your podiatrist. Here are three easy ways to care for your feet in order to keep them looking, feeling, and functioning as they should.  

Practice Routine Foot Care

It is true that most of us neglect our feet, and practicing good foot hygiene normally takes a back seat when compared to other health and beauty treatments. But we need to take care of our feet if we want to maintain a pain-free and active lifestyle. Here are a few simple foot care tips that help keep your feet looking fresh and feeling at the top of their game. 
  • Wash your feet daily with warm water. Whenever you get your feet wet, make sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
  • Keep skin soft and smooth with foot cream (ask your podiatrist for suggestions) applied to the tops and bottoms of your feet. Do not put lotion between the toes to avoid causing an infection. 
  • Scrub your feet, especially the heels, with a foot scrubber or pumice stone on a regular basis to remove calluses and dead skin.
  • Trim toenails once a week, cutting the nails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. 
  • In the sun, apply sunscreen to protect your exposed feet.
  • To keep you feet dry and odor free, make use of products like foot powders and sprays. 

Wear Appropriate Footwear

One of the best ways to keep your feet looking and feeling healthy is to wear the proper footwear. Purchase shoes that fit well and offer appropriate support for your feet. The best time to buy shoes is later in the day when the feet are swollen from walking, and to replace old, worn out shoes as soon as possible, as they will no longer offer adequate support. It’s also important to select and wear the right shoe for each sport or activity, such as running shoes if you’re a runner. Your podiatrist can help you determine the shoe that will offer the most support and stability for your feet.  
 
Taking care of our feet doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, incorporating a few extra steps into your daily routine can keep your feet looking and feeling their best. Always consult with your podiatrist if you experience pain or discomfort in your feet or ankles. And if you are diabetic, you run a much higher risk of developing foot problems, so visit your podiatrist regularly for foot care tips and exams!

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