Runners who run on tracks or other smooth surfaces may have the perfect shoes for that environment. However, if a runner switches to trail running, the old footwear may not fill the requirements. Running experts suggest that trail runners wear shoes that include extra protection against sharp objects and provide soles with extra grip. Lug patterns on the bottom of the sole may differ for runs on muddy or rugged terrain. A wide forefoot in the shoe is important for running long distances or for runners who have wide feet. The weight of the shoe is another factor that must be considered, depending on how far you plan to run. Having a padded collar and tongue can also cushion the feet and provide support. For more information on protecting your feet during a trail run, it might be a good idea to consult with a podiatrist.
If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. 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
To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Encino and Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Falling among the elderly can invoke a horrible fear to the extent that one may decide to limit their daily activities. This can negatively affect one’s quality of life and leave them socially isolated. Upon falling, many endure serious physical injuries that include the feet, making it difficult to walk. There are measures that can be implemented that may help to protect one from falling. These can include removing frayed rugs from the living environment, improving lighting in the household, and wearing shoes that fit correctly. Additionally, it is beneficial to install grab bars in the shower and toilet area, as well as use bath mats that can help to avoid slipping. Engaging in a gentle exercise program can help to strengthen the overall body and this is essential in falls prevention. If you have questions about additional methods that can prevent falling and the potential harm falling can have on the feet, please contact a podiatrist.
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 Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. 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:
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 offices located in Encino and Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Sometimes when you sit for a while with legs crossed, a feeling of numbness and tingling in the feet sets in, but dissipates rapidly after standing up or changing positions. The term for this sensation is transient (temporary) paresthesia. Frequent or long term numbness, however, can indicate more serious problems and could be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease. Other possible causes of numbness in the feet include an injury that puts pressure on the nerves, lower back problems, or sciatica (irritation of the sciatic nerve). Tarsal tunnel syndrome, when a nerve that runs from the back of leg to the ankle and foot is compressed or damaged, also can result in numbness. Tumors or growths that put pressure on the spinal cord, legs or feet may be another cause. Numbness is often joined by tingling, pain, and a burning or itching sensation. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms regularly, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and suggest an appropriate treatment plan.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Encino and Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
When a person has flat feet, it means that the longitudinal arch of the foot, which runs along the sole of the foot, has failed to develop properly or has collapsed. It can affect one or both feet, depending on the cause. Children are generally born with flat feet, but the arch normally develops by the time they reach 5 years of age. Flat feet may be inherited or caused by an injury. They also may be the result of an underlying medical condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, or diabetes. Most people do not experience pain from having flat feet, but fatigue is often a symptom. Surgery is rarely necessary. A number of exercises can help to strengthen the feet. Two common treatments for flat feet are wearing shoes that offer good arch support and having orthotic devices inserted in your shoes. For help in dealing with flat feet, or to order custom orthotics, please visit with a podiatrist.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Encino and Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.
Research has shown that the shoes women wear, specifically high heels and sandals, are major contributors to heel and ankle pain. The best way to avoid a future of painful feet is to avoid these types of shoes early in life. Opting instead for sneakers or athletic footwear that provide the proper cushioning and support for the feet, heels and ankles is recommended. With every step you take, a significant amount of force is transmitted to the ankles, heels, and feet. Without the proper support or protection, these areas are put at risk for injury. Improper footwear can also contribute to toe problems, including bunions, calluses, corns, and hammertoes. Choosing comfort over style is suggested as a way to avoid painful problems later in life. Other recommendations are to wear shoes that conform to the shape of your foot, avoid shoes with pointed or tapered toes, and buy shoes that fit well – regardless of the size on the box. For more information on the risks of wearing high heels, or for help with any painful foot and ankle conditions you may have, please visit a podiatrist.
High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor 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?
What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?
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 offices located in Encino and Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Blisters are generally caused by excess friction that can come from wearing socks and shoes that do not fit correctly. The tissues and blood vessels can become damaged, and may result in a blister. It is defined as a small area that is filled with protective liquid, and forms over the damaged skin. It is the body’s natural healing process that allows new skin to form underneath the blister. It is a common ailment among runners, and a protective covering may have to be worn over it while running. When the skin has formed, the blister will gradually drain, as it is not needed any longer. A red spot where the blister forms often appears first, and this can be a warning sign to take proper precautions to protect the feet. Blisters may develop for other reasons, including having an allergic reaction, or possibly from a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis. If you frequently get blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment options, and discuss preventive methods with you.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
How Do Blisters Form?
Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.
Prevention & Treatment
It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Encino and Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can cause severe pain in and around affected joints, often in the big toe. Gout is most common in older men. Symptoms include swelling, redness, tenderness, and severe pain in the affected joint. This condition, left untreated, can worsen. Gout attacks usually occur on the joint at the base of the big toe, but can affect every other joint in the foot. Many joints can be affected at once. Attacks happen quickly and can become worse. They may subside after a week or take longer to to heal. The primary cause of gout is an accumulation of uric acid in the body. This happens because of the breakdown of chemicals in the body known as purines. Usually, uric acid is secreted through the kidneys and urine, but when it is not, the substance begins to form crystals, which settle around joints, under skin, and even in internal organs. Eventually they find their way into spaces between bones that form a joint and begin to rub against joint linings, causing pain and inflammation. If you feel pain in your big toe, please see a podiatrist who can properly diagnose gout and provide appropriate treatment.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor 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 offices located in Encino and Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Exercises to improve your balance as you age can also contribute to a healthier life in general. In addition to improving posture, stability, and coordination, balance exercises can lower the risk of being injured through falls. Studies find that after six weeks of balance exercises, seniors also improved their coordination, leg strength, and ankle mobility. Experts recommend that seniors perform two or three sets of exercises a week, but it is always wise to check in with a medical professional beforehand. Here are two simple balance exercises you can try. Weight shift: Stand with legs hip-width apart, shift the weight to one foot, and then lift the other foot. Hold for 30 seconds. You may wish to keep a chair nearby, or lightly touch the wall if needed. Repeat on the other foot. Do this three times. Even if you need a walker, there are some exercises you can do. Marching: Stand with hands on the walker and lift one knee, then lower and lift the other knee. Repeat 20 times. For more information on how to improve your balance and lower the risk of falling, please consult a podiatrist.
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 Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. 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:
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 offices located in Encino and Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
There are various reasons one can have ankle pain. It can range from suddenly enduring an ankle injury, or it may gradually happen from having arthritis. There are several bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in each ankle, and ankle pain can develop for many reasons. Tendonitis can occur when the tendons become inflamed, and this can happen to people who run frequently on uneven surfaces. It may feel worse while standing or walking, and will start to feel better with adequate rest. Achilles tendonitis is felt in the back of the ankle, and that part of the foot may feel tight in the morning after rising. An ankle fracture can cause severe pain and discomfort, and the symptoms that generally accompany this type of ankle pain are bruising, swelling, and difficult walking. Additionally, the ankle may look deformed, and it will not be possible to bend the ankle. If you have ankle pain for any reason, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this type of pain.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Encino and Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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