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December 2020

Monday, 28 December 2020 00:00

How to Keep Your Feet Healthy

The feet are a complex part of the body that contains 25% of our bones. Because the average 50-year-old has walked 75,000 miles, it is important to keep the feet strong and healthy to prevent pain and diseases from impacting them. Common skin-related issues on the feet include fungal nail infections, corns, calluses, warts, ingrown toenails and athlete’s foot. Common muscle, tendon and joint problems include hammertoe, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, bunions and arthritis. In order to prevent these issues, proper foot care is important. Regularly washing the feet, wearing clean socks, and making sure your feet are dry are key steps to helping prevent skin-related issues. Wearing comfortable shoes that fit correctly, stretching and massaging the feet, and moving around after sitting for long periods of time are also important in reducing the risk of foot problems. The biggest key to foot health, however, is knowing when to see a podiatrist. If your foot pain is inhibiting your ability to walk and function, or you are diabetic and notice new issues with your feet, it is important to seek the care of a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 21 December 2020 00:00

Can Running Shoes Be Used for Walking?

Running and walking shoes are different in many ways, and while most sportswear brands do sell walking shoes, the selection is often limited. Fortunately, running shoes can be worn for walking. However, the running shoes that you intend to use for walking should have certain features built in to ensure that you can walk in them safely and efficiently. The shoes that you choose to walk in should have an angled heel, which allows the heel of the foot to land smoothly on the ground while walking. The shoes should also be flexible in the front, have ample cushioning, fit your foot well, and be made of a breathable material. For more information on finding the right shoes for you, please consult with a podiatrist. 

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Monday, 14 December 2020 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Monday, 14 December 2020 00:00

How Do I Measure My Feet for Running Shoes?

Measuring your feet to find the right sized running shoes for you can be accomplished in several easy steps. First, measure your foot by placing it flat on the floor over a piece of paper. Draw a thin line along the outside of your foot to produce a foot tracing. Using a ruler, measure vertically down the length of the foot tracing to determine your foot length. Then, measure the foot tracing across the widest part to determine your foot width. Repeat these steps with the opposite foot, as your feet can actually be two different sizes. The larger foot will determine which size shoes you should buy. For more information about finding the right size shoes, consult with a podiatrist. 

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

  • Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
  • Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
  • Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
  • Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
  • Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Monday, 07 December 2020 00:00

Stress Fractures May Affect the Ankles

The bone that protrudes on the inside of the ankle is known as the medial malleolus. A stress fracture can occur when this bone and the surrounding area become unbalanced. This may happen as a result of practicing weight-bearing exercises and can gradually cause severe pain and discomfort. Additional reasons why patients may endure a stress fracture can include changing the shoes that are worn during exercising or suddenly increasing exercise intensity levels. Some of the symptoms that can be experienced include a limited range of motion, stiffness, and difficulty walking. There are several treatment options that are available, and it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best treatment is for you.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

  • Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
  • Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
  • Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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