Items filtered by date: October 2022

There are various foot conditions that can be caused by wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Bunions, hammertoes, and ingrown toenails are some of these ailments, and getting the right shoe size may help to prevent these from developing. It is imperative to determine what your correct shoe size is before any purchases are made. This can be done by using the Brannock device that is found in most shoe stores, which can measure the length and width of your foot. Once the size has been determined, the next step is to choose a pair that is pleasing to the eye, then try them on. This is followed by walking around in them for a short period of time in the store, which is when most people can tell if the shoe is right for them. If the shoes are too tight, they may cause blisters or corns to develop, and may need to be purchased in a half or more size larger. If the shoes are too big, they may slip on your feet, and this can increase the risk of falling. If you would like more information about how to find the right shoe size for you, please consult a podiatrist who can help you to make the right choice.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH. 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 office located in Hudson, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Some people think that foot shape may help to determine ancestry, despite the fact, there is no concrete evidence to support this. The type of arch one has may contribute significantly to the entire shape of the foot and differs from person to person. Research has indicated the arch affects the movement of the foot, and overuse can happen when the arch is too high or low. Additionally, the arch is responsible for pronation and supination of the foot and is a normal part of walking. This is defined as pushing off while walking or running, and the feet will naturally roll outward to balance the weight of the body. An abnormal foot structure may lead to the development of specific foot conditions that can include bunions, plantar fasciitis, and ankle pain. If you have questions about your foot structure, or if you have any foot conditions, it is strongly advised that you confer with a podiatrist who can eagerly address any concerns you may have.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hudson, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Podiatrists are doctors that are foot specialists, meaning that they are well versed in diagnosing and treating afflictions of the human foot. Although one day can look different from another for a podiatrist, there are certain tasks that podiatrists might perform every day. For example, a podiatrist might perform a surgical procedure to address problems like ingrown nails, bunions, corns, and so much more. On a typical day, a podiatrist might also provide advice to a patient about foot care techniques that they can incorporate into their daily lives. Podiatrists also spend a portion of their workdays performing diagnoses for patients. These diagnoses can be performed by examining a patient’s medical history or by obtaining imaging tests like X-rays. If you have a foot condition or questions about the health of your feet, reach out to a podiatrist today.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hudson, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sometimes due to one’s profession or lifestyle, an individual may be expected to stand for prolonged periods of time without otherwise moving or engaging in physical activities. This static position has its own risks of potential health problems, including lower back pain, foot pain, and achy knees. One way to address the problem of standing in a static position for long periods of time is to stretch because stretching can reduce tension in the muscles. For example, to reduce tension caused from standing, you may choose to perform the standing lunge calf stretch. This can be done by standing in front of a wall, putting one’s hands against the wall, and then repeatedly moving one foot behind the other in a lunge position. You ought to feel a stretch in the calf. This should be repeated on both feet. If you want to learn more about how stretching can address problems caused by standing all day, contact 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 Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH. 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 Hudson, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.