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Three Types of Bones in the Ankle
A broken ankle, which is also referred to as a fractured ankle, can occur as a result of a fall, or if an injury has happened. The ankle is divided into three categories, and any one or more of these bones can become fractured. The larger bone in the lower leg is called the tibia, and the fibula refers to the smaller bone in the lower half of the leg.The bone that is located between the heel bone, the tibia and the fibula is known as the talus. A broken ankle is often noticeable and there is generally pain and discomfort that can accompany it. Patients can find it difficult to walk on, and there may be bruising and swelling. Many broken ankles can be treated by wearing a cast or a boot, and this can provide the stability that is needed as the healing process occurs. A protruding ankle bone often indicates a severely broken ankle, and surgery may be necessary that may restore normal functioning. If you have broken your ankle, please speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can effectively diagnose and treat it.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact the foot specialists from Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Foot Orthotics
Orthotics are shoe inserts that are meant to correct an irregular walking gait or provide cushioning to the feet. Orthotics come in a variety of different models and sizes, including over-the-counter and customizable variants. Customizable orthotics can be shaped and contoured to fit inside a specific shoe and are typically prescribed through a podiatrist who specializes in customized footwear and orthotics design and management.
Orthotics are beneficial because they can help prevent injuries from occurring and provide cushioning to keep pain levels down to a minimum. They also allow for the correct positioning of the feet. Orthotics can act as shock absorbers to help remove pressure from the foot and ankle. Therefore, orthotics can make bodily movements, such as walking and running, become more comfortable as well as help prevent the development of certain foot conditions.
Orthotics alleviate pain and make the foot more comfortable by slightly altering the angle at which the foot strikes the ground surface, therefore controlling the movement of the foot and ankle. Orthotics come in different variants and can be made of various materials. To determine what type of orthotic is most suited to your feet and your needs, it is best to consult your podiatrist. He or she will be able to recommend a type of orthotic that can help improve your foot function or prescribe a custom orthotic to best fit your feet.
Stretching the Toes
The benefits of stretching one’s feet are plentiful as are the toes. Someone serious about protecting the overall health of their feet can perform several different toe stretches to not only increase the strength of their toes but to improve mobility and agility. These benefits can be particularly helpful for individuals who are prone to falling. The first toe stretch that you might consider performing as part of a regular foot stretching routine is known as the big toe pull. You can perform this stretch by getting in a seated position and wrapping a belt or towel around the big toe. Extend the lower leg off the ground and pull the belt towards you as you repeatedly push the big toe against the belt. The big toe should be working against your pulling motion of the belt. This should be performed on one foot at a time. You might also choose to perform the doming stretch. This involves sitting on the ground while your feet are flat on the floor in front of you. You then will try to grab the floor with your toes, being sure that you are not simply curling the toes inward. You can then hold this position for five seconds or so. Stretching the toes is undoubtedly important, just as it is to remember to listen to your body throughout the exercises and to stretch gently. If you want to learn more about the benefits of stretching your feet, contact a podiatrist.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with the foot specialists from Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.
Great ways to stretch your feet:
- Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
- Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
- Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle
Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
How to Stretch Your Feet
Your feet endure a great amount of stress each day from constantly allowing us to move around. It is important to stretch your feet to help prevent them from becoming injured. Your toes may easily deform into unhealthful positions if they are not stretched.
One of the most common reasons for toe deformities are the shoes you may be wearing. Shoes that are too tight may fold and shift the toes out of place. Heeled shoes may also push your toes upward. Forcing your toes into an unnatural position which may cause the muscles to tighten and prevent them from reverting to normal length. Another common reason is improper use of foot muscles. Many people fail to use the muscles in their feet or toes when they walk. Lastly, the positioning of your feet while walking may also cause toe deformities. If you walk with your feet facing outward, your “push-off” phase is on the side of your big toe instead of the bottom of your foot. This may cause the big toe to eventually tighten into a new shifted position.
There are many reasons why stretching your toes may be helpful. One reason is that healthy spacing may aid in avoiding calluses and other injuries that are caused by rubbing. Stretching will also prevent you from developing toes that curl, hammertoes, or bunions.
A great way to stretch your toes is to place them in your hands and bend them all downward; this will help you stretch the top of your foot. Next, you should repeat this process but instead bend them upward enough to feel a nice stretch in the bottom of your foot. You should then try to pull each toe apart from the next and pull any toes that are bent upward until they are back downward.
If you are looking to practice stretching your entire foot, you can try a towel stretch. This is done by sitting on the floor with your legs in front of you. Take a towel and wrap it around your toes. Afterward, pull the towel toward you with your toes and hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds before releasing. Practice this stretch for three sets. Another stretch your feet are towel lifts. This is done by sitting in a chair and trying to pick a towel up from the ground with your toes. Try lifting the towel with your little toes for five sets before switching feet.
If you are an athlete, or exercise often, it is especially important for you to practice stretching your feet. Those who suffer from foot pain caused by poor footwear, plantar fasciitis, or long hours of standing at work may also benefit from foot exercises.
Differences Between Walking and Running Shoes
Countless Americans choose to get their daily dose of exercise and movement from walking and running. If you are one such person, it is imperative that you make yourself well acquainted with the critical differences between walking and running shoes. Despite the surface-level similarities between walking and running as activities, shoes for each activity are built differently to suit the differences between the activities. For example, running shoes have thicker and sturdier heel cushions than walking shoes. This is because the act of running requires putting more pressure and weight on the heel area of the foot. Running shoes also have wider heel cushions to provide the extra needed stability for runners. Additionally, running and walking shoes are different from each other because the former relies more heavily on having a sturdy mid-sole to essentially absorb the high impact running puts on the joints. Shock absorption is more important in running shoes because while running, individuals can put up to 200 pounds of weight impact onto their feet. You can use this information about the differences between walking and running shoes when shopping for both to know what features you should be on the lookout for. A podiatrist can help further clarify the differences and importance between these shoes.
For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with the foot specialists from Podiatry Associates of Belleville. 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 our office located in Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Differences between Walking and Running Shoes
Both running and walking are great exercises, but should a person wear the same shoes for both activities? The answer is no, because there is a difference between the way a person’s feet hit the ground when they are walking and when they are running. Therefore, the shoes for each activity are designed differently. Before you begin any exercise program it is always recommended that you speak with your doctor or podiatrist.
Walking is a low impact exercise that is often recommended by doctors to their patients. While walking is a simple activity, it still requires some degree of preparation. If you think about walking and how your feet strike the ground as you move, you will notice that your heel hits the ground first before your foot continues to roll forward and your next step begins. Because of this rolling motion, walking shoes are designed to be more flexible than running shoes. This flexibility helps the walker push off with each step taken.
Because the heel hits the ground first when you walk, walking shoes are designed to absorb most of the shock. Walking shoes should therefore have a beveled or angled heel. The angle of the heel helps absorb the shock and reduces pressure from the ankles. This is especially important for speed walkers, as their feet will hit the ground twice as often as the normal walker.
When people decide to run as a hobby or for their health, they must first realize that running is a high impact exercise. If not done with the proper equipment, running may cause damage to the feet and legs. Running shoes are designed to be more lightweight and to have thicker soles. The thicker soles act as shock absorbers for the rest of the body. Walking shoes often do not have the proper arch support that running shoes do.
A proper fitting shoe can make or break a runner or a walker. If the shoes are too big, their feet will slide back and forth inside the shoe and cause blisters. Whether you will be running or walking, the right equipment can make all of the difference in the world.
A Partial or Complete Achilles Tendon Rupture
The Achilles tendon is responsible for pointing and flexing the foot, which is necessary in walking and running. It is located at the back of the heel, and connects the calf muscles to the heel. An Achilles tendon injury can occur from increasing speed and distance too quickly while running, or not properly warming up and cooling down. A tear may occur, and if the rupture is partial, the tendon remains attached to the calf muscle. A complete tear, where there is no connection between the tendon and muscle, is known as a rupture, and it is very painful and difficult to walk. This can happen as a result of high levels of stress put on the Achilles tendon from participating in activities that can include tennis, basketball, and football. There may be existing medical conditions and medications that can weaken the Achilles tendon and contribute to enduring an injury, such as Cushing’s syndrome, prednisolone, and ciprofloxacin. Common symptoms that many patients experience can be the inability to stand on their tiptoes, and there may be a flat-footed walking style. An Achilles tendon injury can be treated in different ways, and it is suggested that you urgently consult the expertise of a podiatrist who can determine what is best for you.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact the foot specialists of Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
- Inflammation
- Dull to severe pain
- Increased blood flow to the tendon
- Thickening of the tendon
Rupture Symptoms
- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
- Total immobility
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Achilles Tendon Injuries
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body; it is a tough band of fibrous tissue that stretches from the bones of the heel to the calf muscles. This tendon is what allows us to stand on our toes while running, walking, or jumping, it is common for this tendon to become injured. In severe cases, the Achilles tendon may become partially torn or completely ruptured. However, this tendon is susceptible to injury because of its limited blood supply and the high level of tension it endures.
The people who are more likely to suffer from Achilles tendon injuries are athletes who partake in activities that require them to speed up, slow down, or pivot. Consequently, athletes who engage in running, gymnastics, dance, football, baseball, basketball, or tennis are more likely to suffer from Achilles tendon injuries. Additionally, there are other factors that may make you more prone to this injury. People who wear high heels, have flat feet, tight leg muscles or tendons, or take medicines called glucocorticoids are more likely to have Achilles tendon injuries.
A common symptom of an Achilles tendon injury is pain above the heel that is felt when you stand on your toes. However, if the tendon is ruptured, the pain will be severe, and the area may become swollen and stiff. Other symptoms may be reduced strength in the lower ankle or leg area, and reduced range of motion in the ankle. When the Achilles tendon tears, there is usually a popping sound that occurs along with it. People who have acute tears or ruptures may find walking and standing to be difficult.
If you suspect you have injured your Achilles tendon, you should see your podiatrist to have a physical examination. Your podiatrist will likely conduct a series of tests to diagnose your injury including a “calf-squeeze” test. Calf squeeze tests are performed by first squeezing the calf muscle on the healthy leg. This will pull on the tendon and consequently cause the foot to move. Afterward, the same test will be performed on the injured leg. If the tendon is torn, the foot won’t move because the calf muscle won’t be connected to the foot.
Seniors and Falls
Everyone can stumble but older people have a higher propensity to falling. In fact, one in four seniors fall each year and the chances of falling double after falling once. Falls can be serious and cause broken bones or a head injury. They can greatly interfere with one’s ability to function and do so independently. Even if a fall is avoided, an older person can become fearful of falls and limit their participation in daily activities. This can further lead to weakness and increased chances of falling. Physical conditions that can make one more prone to falling include lower body weakness, vitamin D deficiency, difficulty with walking or balance, use of certain medications, vision problems, and foot pain. Other issues that lead to a greater risk of falls are poorly fitting footwear or home hazards, such as broken or uneven steps or throw rugs that can be tripped over. Tending to physical and other conditions, getting regular strength and balance exercise, and seeing a podiatrist for evaluation of risk for falling can help as well. As one ages, regular visits to a podiatrist are encouraged as a preventative health measure.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with the foot specialists from Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
- Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
- Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
- Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
- Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
- Utilizing a walker or cane
- Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
- Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A Complete or Partial Achilles Tendon Tear
The Achilles tendon is located in the back of the heel and connects the calf muscles to the heel. It is used for walking, running, and pointing and flexing the foot. A sudden accident to the foot can result in an Achilles tendon injury, and this can often cause severe pain and discomfort. Some patients experience an Achilles tendon partial rupture which indicates the tendon is still attached to the calf muscles. A complete tear can occur when there is no connection between the tendon and the calf muscles. Common symptoms of this type of injury can include walking flat-footed, bruising, swelling, and the inability to stand on your tiptoes. If you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward correct treatment options, which may include surgery.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact the foot specialists of Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
- Inflammation
- Dull to severe pain
- Increased blood flow to the tendon
- Thickening of the tendon
Rupture Symptoms
- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
- Total immobility
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
