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Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that tends to appear during the summer months, and flip-flops could be one of the reasons this happens. Flip-flops offer no support for the feet, which causes the plantar fascia to stretch unnaturally; this may lead to heel pain. Wearing flip-flops also causes you to scrunch your toes in order to grip the thong of the sandal, causing you to shorten your stride. As a result, you may experience hammertoes, muscle pain, and shin splits from forcing your legs to work harder.
Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-Flops and Feet
When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops. Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer. However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.
How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?
Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?
Yes. Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections. Common injuries and ailments include:
I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?
When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet. These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
A research team at Ohio State University spent three years studying the relationship between stress fractures and the required healing time to return to running on a Division 1 team. The team was able to find that the average healing time of a Grade V stress fracture was 17 weeks. A Grade V stress fracture is a fracture that is often ignored or mistreated to the point where surgery is required. These researchers compared the BMIs of women who were injured with those who were not, and found that women with BMIs lower than 19 were at a higher risk of developing stress fractures.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Many runners often complain about feeling pain in their heel, and the pain is usually caused by conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. A 2012 study revealed that 1 in 10 people will develop plantar fasciitis in his or her lifetime, and many of these people will belong to the athletic community. If you are suffering from heel pain, it is important that you understand why it is happening so that you know how to treat it. One of the most common causes for heel pain is wearing old, worn-out running shoes. You should always make sure to replace your sneakers after every 500 miles of running. Another cause may be failing to stretch before you work out. It is crucial that you stretch your feet if you want to prevent and relieve any sort of heel pain.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Ronald Matarrita of the NYCFC has recently made his return after suffering from a sprained ankle. Unfortunately, the fullback fractured his fifth metatarsal, an injury that will require a recovery time of 3 to 4 months. If he is able to follow through with that timeline, Matarrita is expected to return only to play the final weeks of the season. NYCFC has shown that they are capable of winning without the fullback, and they have experienced success with his replacement, Ben Sweat. The team just finished a game against Minnesota, which they won by a score of 3-1.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
While women often have a diverse range of footwear, some of these shoes can be very dangerous for the feet. The worst shoes that can be found in a woman’s closet are stilettos, ballet flats, and flip-flops. The danger in stilettos stems from the fact that they force all of your weight onto one part of the shoe. When you wear stilettos, your foot is being placed into an unnatural position that can disrupt your overall balance. Ballet flats are also bad because they fail to provide proper arch support for your feet. Flip-flops also fail to give arch support, and have the potential to cause a common foot condition called plantar fasciitis.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
People develop plantar warts by coming in contact with human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus tends to enter the body through small cuts, wounds, or weak areas on the bottom of the feet. Once the virus comes in contact with the skin, a wart begins to form. To avoid developing one of these warts, wear shower shoes if you are going to take a shower in a public area. You should also be cautious about being barefoot around public pools. Furthermore, covering up your cuts and wounds will help prevent the virus from coming in contact with your feet. By covering your wounds with antiseptic and bandages, you will significantly decrease your chances of developing plantar warts.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
Treatment
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
You should always make sure you are wearing proper footwear for whichever activity you are about to engage in. Hiker Marci Hansen recalls her experience going hiking with a friend: “I would step on a wet root and it was not even a thing, and she would really slip and fall.” She explains that the difference between her friend and herself is that she came prepared with the right shoes required to go hiking. The cause of her friend’s injuries was the fact that she wore shoes that were not made to endure the wet and uneven surfaces. If you are planning on going hiking, tread is one of the most important things you should look for when shoe shopping. Shoes that are sturdy enough to go hiking will help protect you from injuries that can easily be avoided.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
As if things can’t get worse for the Texas A&M Aggies after losing to the UCLA Bruins, starting quarterback Nick Starkel was injured during the third quarter. He suffered a broken ankle and was replaced by freshman Kellen Mond. The injury may help partially explain how the Aggies lost the game when they had a 34-point lead over UCLA in the third quarter. Starkel will miss a good portion of the season—if not the whole season—after he undergoes surgery.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Choosing the right running shoes for you can mean the difference between comfort and potential injury. Not all running shoes are built the same. They vary not just in foot size and style but also in the surfaces they were designed for. If you run on trails, a trail running shoe is a better choice than a running shoe designed for roads or the track. The shoe should have enough space so your feet aren’t cramped but should still be snug. Knowing whether your foot rolls in too much (overpronation), rolls out too much (underpronation), or stays where it is (neutral) when you step can also determine what shoe is right for you. However it is advised to not worry too much about foot roll. The most important part is comfort. You should be able to wear the shoes for long periods without feeling pain or discomfort.
If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
A word of advice to college students and gym goers: if you’re going to use a public shower, make sure to use shower shoes. Fungi and viruses can be present in public showers. Both can cause conditions like athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, and plantar warts. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the foot; symptoms include itchiness, redness, and rough skin. The fungus can also spread and cause yellow or brownish toenails. Plantar warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and affect the bottoms of the feet. Thankfully, all of these conditions can be cured by a podiatrist.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Women’s feet have increased two sizes since the 1970s, and yet their shoe sizes haven’t. Women who have larger feet are, unfortunately, left out and have few options. Some girls have resorted to wearing boys’ shoes, which are not properly fitted for women; this can lead to an increase risk of falling and other issues. Several experts blame this on overseas production and it not being cost-effective to make bigger shoes. Bigger shoes cost more to make; however, they are accounting for larger percentages in the footwear market. A few experts recommend buying from German companies, who have kept up with foot size increases. It is important that not only women, but also men, wear properly fitted shoes. Shoes that are too small can lead to issues like plantar fasciitis, corns, hammertoes, and a number of ailments that cause foot pain.
Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Getting the Right Shoe Size
There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.
As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Many people will develop either a corn or callus on their foot at some point in their lives; but what are they? Corns and calluses are areas where the skin has thickened due to constant friction on the area. Corns are smaller and harder than calluses and usually develop on the toes. Calluses, meanwhile, are not usually painful compared to corns and usually occur on the bottom of the foot. Typically, either will go away if the source of friction is taken away. There are some at-home treatments that may help; however, you should consult a podiatrist first to see if they will be effective and appropriate for you. Soaking your feet can soften corns and calluses, as can moisturizers. Over-the-counter pads can help remove both but require caution in their use, as some pads contain salicylic acid—which should be avoided. Finally, one of the most important ways to prevent corns and calluses is to wear fitted and comfortable shoes that prevent friction against the area.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Dr. Zirna to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
While the relationship between diabetes and the feet may not seem important to most people, it is of utmost concern. Diabetics generally suffer from poor blood circulation and neuropathy, or nerve loss. Due to the loss of sensation associated with neuropathy, diabetics may not realize when they have a foot ulcer. The wound may also become infected due to the poor blood circulation and improper healing. Amputations are not uncommon because of diabetes, and awareness of this issue is vital to those who have the condition. Diabetics should inspect their feet daily for wounds, splinters, or any abnormalities. If you have diabetes, avoid going barefoot and wear well-cushioned footwear that provides optimal foot support and wiggle room for the toes. Finally, it is highly recommended to see a podiatrist for a foot examination at least once a year.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Gout, a form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals forming in joints, can be very painful and can occur in any joint in the body. Thankfully, gout can be managed with a good diet. Avoiding high intakes of acid-rich food is advised. Purines, which are converted into uric acid by the body, come from animal and plant foods. Purine-rich diets, especially from meat and seafood, increase the risk of gout attacks. While not completely preventing gout attacks, diets with plenty of vegetables do help. Low-fat dairy products have been found to prevent uric acid buildup as well. Alcohol has also been linked with dramatically increased rates of gout attacks, so cutting back on alcohol is a great way to prevent gout attacks. While improving your diet won’t eliminate gout, it will certainly help to lessen attacks and their effects.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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