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May 2021

Many common foot and ankle injuries can be caused or influenced by the shoes that you wear. Although high heels are pretty and stylish, they are also potentially damaging to the feet and ankles. Sprained ankles, a condition in which one or more ligaments in the ankle become overstretched or torn, may occur in those who frequently wear high heels taller than two inches. Strained and shortened calf muscles, plantar fasciitis, and back and knee pain may also develop due to high heels. Foot deformities, such as bunions and hammertoes, as well as skin changes like blisters and calluses, may occur also. If you choose to wear high heels, be sure to wear shoes that have good arch support, fit comfortably, and have a heel that is wide and two inches or shorter. Switch out your high heels for flats or more comfortable and supportive shoes regularly, and stretch your calf and foot muscles to help prevent injuries. For more information about the effects of high heels on the feet and ankles, please consult with a podiatrist. 

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

  • Ankle Joints
  • Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
  • Balls of the Feet
  • Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
  • Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

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Monday, 17 May 2021 00:00

Can I Measure My Feet at Home?

When it comes to the health and comfort of your feet, wearing the right shoe size is very important. You can have your feet measured at the shoe store by using a brannock device, but you can also measure your feet at home. Follow these steps to measure your feet in the comfort of your home. First, tape two blank pieces of paper to the floor. Sit in a chair and place one foot on one of the pieces of paper. Using a pencil, trace the outline of your foot closely, holding the pencil perpendicular to the paper rather than at an angle. Once you're done tracing, draw straight lines touching the outermost points at the top, bottom, and sides of your tracing. Next, use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the length and width of your feet. Repeat these steps with your other foot. If your feet are different sizes, this is normal. Use the foot with the larger measurements when looking at a sizing chart to convert your foot’s length and width into the appropriate shoe size. For more information about how to find the right shoe size, consult with a podiatrist. 

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

  • Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
  • Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
  • Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
  • Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

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Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Monday, 10 May 2021 00:00

Causes and Possible Remedies for Gout

The most common symptom of a foot condition that is referred to as gout, is intense pain in the joints of the big toe. It is considered to be a form of arthritis, and can occur from elevated uric acid levels in the bloodstream. It can develop for a variety of reasons, including genetic factors, taking specific medication, or from eating foods that have high levels of purines. These can consist of red meat, shellfish, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. It is beneficial to limit the types of foods that can cause gout, and specific medication may be prescribed that can bring mild relief. If you have been afflicted with gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment options. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors 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 office located in Orchard Park, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 03 May 2021 00:00

Broken Toes, Healing, and Running

Research has indicated that one of the most common ways to break your toe is by stubbing it. This can affect many people who enjoy the sport of running, and it is beneficial to rest the broken toe until the healing process is complete. Some of the symptoms that are experienced can consist of possible bruising under the skin, noticeable deformity, and the area may be tender and swollen. An effective treatment approach for fractured toes can include using the buddy taping method. This is done by taping the broken toe to the toe next to it, and this is helpful in providing the stability that is necessary for healing. If you have questions about broken toe recovery and how it affects running, please consult with a podiatrist.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

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