Everyone wants to wear shoes that are fashionable. However, before rushing to purchase that trending footwear, make sure you are getting the right shoe size. Ill-fitting footwear can cause problems such as bunions, hammertoe, blisters, ingrown toenails and more. Two important things to remember when buying shoes are that size changes with age, so you must get your feet measured every time you purchase shoes, and any new shoe should fit well and feel good at the time of purchase—without having to be broken in. Other tips include: shopping for shoes later in the day after feet have expanded, making sure there is 1/2” of space between the big toe and tip of the shoe, and getting a wide size if the balls of your feet feel squeezed at all. A podiatrist can give you more guidance on finding the right shoe size and style for your feet and may even recommend orthotics to provide the support and structure you need.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors 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.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

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 Wayne, Montclair, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Did you know that stretching your feet and ankles is a great way to help maintain their overall health? A single-leg heel raise is an exercise which can stretch and strengthen the feet and ankles. To do this exercise, stand in front of a counter or wall and hold it for balance. Lift one foot, placing your full weight on the other foot. Rise up on your toes, lifting your heel off the ground. Then, slowly lower your heel until it touches the ground again. Repeat this exercise 10 times on each leg. Avoid bouncing on the balls of your feet while doing this exercise and stop if you begin to feel pain. For more information about exercises for your feet and ankles, consult with a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Crosstown Podiatry. 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 offices located in Wayne, Montclair, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, called the plantar fascia. Plantar fasciitis usually leads to pain and swelling in the heel that is typically worse in the morning or after prolonged periods of standing. As a patient ages, the plantar fascia does not stretch as well. This, combined with the natural wearing of the fat pad on the heel over time, means that aging increases the risk of plantar fasciitis. However, aging is not the only factor. Those who are overweight, have diabetes, spend long periods standing, or have high arches or tight calf muscles, are also at an increased risk for developing plantar fasciitis. If you are suffering from heel or arch pain that you believe may be plantar fasciitis, it is important to consult with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.   

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Wayne, Montclair, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain has many potential causes. Plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot, can cause a stabbing heel pain that is at its worst first thing in the morning. Heel spurs, which are bony growths on the heel bone, sometimes cause heel pain if they poke into the soft tissue of the heel. Sever’s disease, an overuse injury that typically affects children, causes pain in the heel due to inflammation of the heel’s growth plate. Achilles tendonitis, in which the Achilles tendon is inflamed due to overuse or injury, can cause pain in the back of the heel. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors 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?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

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 Wayne, Montclair, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.