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Foot Exercises Can Improve Balance

Improving foot strength and stability is key to maintaining good balance and preventing falls. Simple exercises include sideways walking to engage hip and leg muscles, the grapevine step to enhance coordination, heel to toe walking to train stability, and standing on one leg to build ankle strength. These activities can be done at home with minimal equipment and are suitable for most fitness levels. A podiatrist can assess balance issues, recommend personalized exercise plans, and provide orthotics or footwear advice to enhance results. If you have foot pain, experience unsteadiness, or want to improve your stability, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer you additional advice for improving balance.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim from Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

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When Surgery Is Needed for Plantar Fasciitis

Surgery for plantar fasciitis is generally reserved for people who continue to experience heel pain despite months of non-surgical treatment. In rare cases where symptoms remain severe and interfere with walking or daily activities, a podiatrist may recommend a partial plantar fasciectomy. This procedure targets the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the sole of the foot from the heel to the toes. When it becomes scarred or inflamed over time, pain can persist. During the surgery, a podiatrist removes the damaged portion of the fascia without cutting the entire band. The procedure may be done through a small incision or with an endoscope. Recovery includes wearing a cast or boot for several weeks, followed by a period of gradual strengthening. As with any surgery, there are risks such as nerve injury, infection, or continued symptoms. If you are experiencing persistent pain from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if surgery is right for you.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim  from Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor 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 office located in Roselle, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

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.

Choosing the Right Trail Running and Mountaineering Shoes

Selecting proper footwear for trail running and mountaineering is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Shoe cushioning choices include high for maximum shock absorption, moderate for a balance of comfort and ground feel, and minimal for a natural, lightweight experience. Energy return is also important, as it helps reduce fatigue during long treks and challenging terrain. Proper fit, traction, and durability are key characteristics for safely navigating uneven or rocky surfaces. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot type, gait, and activity level to recommend the best running shoe for your needs. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide treatment, and guide you on appropriate shoes to wear. 

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim from Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

  • Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
  • There should be little to no slipping at the heel
  • Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
  • Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
  • Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

Read more about Walking Shoes vs. Running Shoes

Protecting Your Feet With Falls Prevention Tips

Lowering the risk of falling is essential for maintaining mobility and preventing serious injuries, especially to the feet and ankles. Balance training can strengthen muscles and improve stability. Creating a safer home by removing loose rugs and improving lighting reduces tripping hazards. Having your vision checked and reviewing medications helps minimize dizziness and imbalance. Falls often lead to foot fractures, sprains, and lasting pain. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, recommend supportive footwear, and offer guidance on fall prevention strategies. If you have sustained a fall and have injured your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on effective fall prevention techniques.

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 Dr. Yeon A. Shim from Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor 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 Roselle, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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