accessibility - Default
Tuesday, 07 December 2021 00:00
How Expectant Mothers Can Ease the Discomfort of Edema
Pregnancy is often accompanied by swollen feet and ankles. This occurs because the body is creating and retaining more fluid, and the uterus is growing. Both of these factors can cause the feet and ankles to swell, a condition known as edema. You can help ease the symptoms of edema by sleeping on the left side of your body to reduce pressure on the vein that returns blood to your heart, and by trying not to stand for prolonged periods of time. While sitting, avoid crossing your legs, and try to elevate and stretch them as often as possible. Maternity stockings may help, as well as exercising regularly, keeping yourself hydrated, and trying to stay as cool as you can in hot weather. Your feet expand during pregnancy and are also under a great deal more pressure. Check with a podiatrist for recommendations on footwear and orthotics to help your feet withstand the extra weight and pressure, as well as other methods of reducing edema.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
- Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
- Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
- Wear shoes with good arch support
- Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
- Elevate feet if you experience swelling
- Massage your feet
- Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 07 December 2021 00:00
Pregnancy and Foot Health
Many pregnant women complain about foot pain while they are expecting. Foot pain can primarily be caused by weight gain and hormonal changes taking place in the body. By understanding how pregnancy impacts the health of a woman's feet, a pregnant woman can take action to keep her feet as healthy and comfortable as possible.
Because a woman's weight changes during pregnancy, more pressure is brought to bear on both the legs and the feet. This weight shift can cause two major foot problems: over-pronation, also known as flat feet, as well as edema, which is swelling of the feet. Over-pronation occurs when the arch of the foot flattens, causing the foot to roll inwards when the individual is walking, and can aggravate the plantar fascia tissues located along the bottom of the feet. If these tissues become inflamed, a pregnant woman can experience pain in the heel of the foot as well as severe foot pain while walking or standing. Swelling of the feet, or edema, often occurs in the later stages of pregnancy. It is caused by slow circulation and water retention, and may turn the feet a light purple color.
To keep feet in good health and prevent over-pronation, pregnant women should avoid walking barefoot and be sure they are wearing shoes that offer good arch support. A device known as an orthotic can be added to regular footwear in order to provide additional support for the feet during pregnancy. Any expectant mother whose feet hurt should first check to see if the shoes she is wearing are old, worn out and not offering the proper support necessary for distributing the weight of her body during pregnancy.
To treat edema of the feet, a good start is to wear quality footwear which offers support and good circulation. Keep feet elevated whenever possible by using a foot stool while seated. Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water to prevent water retention in the feet. Any swelling that occurs in only one foot should be examined as soon as possible by a doctor.
Good foot health during pregnancy can help expectant mothers avoid foot pain that leads to other health problems. Massaging the feet and doing regular gentle exercise like walking aids foot health by contributing to good circulation. Supportive shoes are also a good investment that will support foot health during pregnancy.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
Tuesday, 30 November 2021 00:00
Being Overweight Can Cause Foot Problems
The more you weigh, the more stress is placed on the joints and tendons that support your feet and ankles. This can further extend to your knees and back as you compensate for the pain in the lower joints. Obesity can place enough strain on your feet to cause plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the ligament that connects the heel bone to the front of the foot. Plantar fasciitis affects about 1 in 10 adults and is most likely to develop between the ages of 30 and 50. If you are experiencing persistent heel or foot pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for information about the possible causes and advice for proper treatment.
The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Obesity and Your Feet
People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.
Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity
- When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
- Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
- Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 30 November 2021 00:00
How Obesity Affects Your Feet
Gaining weight can happen suddenly and at any time. Usually you won’t notice the extra weight until your feet start hurting at the end of the day. This happens as your feet begin adjusting to carrying more weight. Foot swelling and pain are two of the biggest side effects of having gained weight.
Many foot-related problems can occur even after just putting on a few pounds. This includes the body ‘compensating’ by changing the way it moves. You may find yourself putting extra weight on the wrong parts of your feet and even leaning forward a bit. Your feet were designed to carry a healthy, normal body weight. Extra weight places undue stress on them.
Being overweight often causes the development of Type-2 diabetes, causing leg and foot pain. Older people who do not attempt to control their condition can even lose sensation and feeling in their legs and feet. This can lead to the development of small sores that can lead to serious infection.
Extra stress placed on the joints, tendons and muscles in the feet as a result of extra body weight may also cause heel spurs, or plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the foot tissue, causing stiffness and pain when walking and climbing stairs. This can usually be relieved by foot stretches and custom made orthotic shoe-inserts.
Problems in the feet triggered by obesity can be treated by paying special attention to footwear. Proper support shoes that allow for good circulation, especially in the arch and ankle, are vital. A podiatrist can help you find what sort of shoe is most suitable for your feet. They can also measure you for special orthotics if necessary.
It could also be high time to start losing weight in order to treat and prevent diabetes as well as other life threatening diseases. Some methods include yoga and water aerobics, which benefit your entire body without placing stress on your feet. Don’t risk losing your feet by losing interest in them. Take care of your feet and your body, as they deserve the very best.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:00
How Older Adults Can Promote Foot and Ankle Health
With age comes drier skin, brittle nails, decreased cushioning on bones, and even poor circulation. All of these factors can make foot and ankle health challenging. That is why it is important for older adults to be proactive about their foot and ankle health and help avoid problems from occurring. The best thing an older adult can do for their feet is to wear well-made, comfortable shoes that fit properly and offer adequate cushioning and support. Avoid wearing socks that are tight and can cut off circulation. Measure your feet when buying new shoes, because feet can widen with age. Try not to sit for too long without elevating your feet or doing gentle foot and ankle stretches to keep the blood flowing. Trim toenails straight across, but not too short, to avoid them becoming ingrown. Maintain a healthy weight prevent many painful foot conditions. Older adults with diabetes should avoid going barefoot, be sure to examine their feet every day, and check for developing wounds. Finally, older adults—and particularly those with diabetes—should make seeing a podiatrist regularly part of their foot and ankle health regimen.
If you need your feet checked, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC of New York. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.
It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.
Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities.
Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.
Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:00
Geriatrics and Podiatry
Bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough and brittle nails are some of the common problems that can occur as people age. The effect that these problems has on foot health should be of particular concern in comprehensive geriatric care.
Feet that are diseased or injured have a negative effect on overall health and safety. Painful feet limit a person’s willingness and ability to stay active. Poor foot health can also cause gait change, which can lead to falls and accidents. Even though recovery time from health problems naturally slows as we age, many foot problems can be avoided altogether with regular prophylactic care.
Feet should be thoroughly washed in warm water daily. Care must be taken to dry the feet well, making sure to dry between and under the toes. Any left-over moisture can cause problems like foot fungus. After cleaning feet carefully check for problems such as cracked skin, bruises, swelling, cuts, corns, or other irregularities.
Examine toenails for ingrown, jagged, or split nails. Long toenails should be cut straight across. Never cut toenails at an angle or down the side as this may lead to ingrown nails.
Cracked and dry feet should be treated once or twice a day with a non-greasy moisturizer. Rub the moisturizer into the skin and allow it to dry before putting on socks and shoes. Sweaty feet can be dusted with a small amount of talcum powder. Avoid putting talcum directly into shoes as this may make feet slip within the shoe and cause a serious fall.
Wear clean dry socks each day. Not only do clean socks feel better on the feet, but socks worn for longer periods may harbor disease and odor-causing bacteria. Socks should not be tight around the top as they can leave marks on the leg. Socks that are too small can bring about bruising caused by pressure against the toes.
Wear comfortable and well-fitting shoes. If possible, consult a professional footwear specialist when purchasing shoes. Do not walk around barefoot as this exposes the feet to possible injury and bacteria.
Good foot health allows a more active lifestyle, which improves blood flow. Good circulation aids in recovery from injury or illness. It is also important for maintaining overall health.
Serious health problems can manifest themselves as symptoms in the feet. The elderly should seek professional help from a podiatrist if experiencing foot problems like tingling, numbness, pain, infection, or a sore that does not heal. Taking care of these problems right away can prevent the development of severe cases.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
Tuesday, 16 November 2021 00:00
Why You Should Strengthen Your Foot Core
Strengthening the core of the feet is often neglected in training regimes for athletes, with more attention being given to the legs and thighs. But keeping the foot core muscles in good shape is essential, not only for overall foot health, but also for preventing injury. Foot core muscles are responsible for maintaining arch shape and shock absorption. Neglecting this area of the foot can lead to plantar fasciitis and even stress fractures. Typical exercises concentrating on the core include the short foot exercise, big toe press, and toe splay. It’s always a good idea to check in with a podiatrist for further information.
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 Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. 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 one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 16 November 2021 00:00
Exercise for Your Feet
Foot and ankle pain can be a nuisance in a person’s life, especially if it happens frequently. The best way to prevent this type of pain, is to exercise often. Regular exercise of the foot includes stretching and strength exercises. Stretching exercises can help prevent injuries such as a sprained ankle, while strength exercises can prevent ailments such as plantar fasciitis.
Stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and the foot and ankle’s range of motion. These exercises can certainly help with those who participate in high-energy activities such as sports. Many athletes routinely perform foot and ankle exercises to prevent injuries like sprained ankles, which are common injuries where the tendons in the ankle are over stretched. Strength exercises help develop foot muscles for better support and protection.
Most exercises are simple and can be done at home, either standing or sitting. One chair exercise is called “limber up”. In this exercise, a person would start by sitting down with their feet flat on the floor. Then lift one leg up so the feet are not touching the floor, then rotate your foot clockwise 15-20 times, and 15-20 times counterclockwise. Repeat the same process with the opposite leg. Another sitting exercise helps stretch the back of your heel and requires an exercise band. It begins by looping the band around a heavy piece of furniture, or something stable that will not be moved when the band is tugged or pulled. Then sit directly in front of it, and slide one foot into the loop, so that the band curves around the forefoot. Start by pulling the forefoot back and holding it for 5-10 seconds. Doing this 10-15 times on each foot, will stretch the back of your heel, increasing your flexibility.
Foot exercises that require standing are also just as easy and simple. Referred as the “Achilles Stretch”, this exercise stretches the Achilles tendon, making it more flexible, helping prevent foot, ankle, and leg pain. It begins by first standing and facing the wall, with the arms outstretched and the palms on the wall. Then place one foot behind another keeping the back leg straight, and the forward leg bending at the knee. Make sure both heels are flat on the floor and adjust your stance accordingly. With your hips, lean forward to feel the stretch, you can also adjust the distance from your feet to feel the stretch in various parts of the calf. Make sure to hold the stretch for about 30 seconds and repeat the same process 3 times with each leg. An even easier foot exercise is simply walking on sand. Walking barefoot on sand both strengthens and stretches your feet.
Doing these exercises regularly can help prevent many foot and ankle problems. Other foot exercises can even relieve pain. For example, those affected with plantar fasciitis can simply sit down on a chair, and then place a tennis ball below their affected foot. By rolling the ball under the foot, and increasing or decreasing pressure, pain will be relieved. With any exercise, it is always important to do a small warmup such as walking a few laps around the house to get the blood flowing. If after doing an exercise to relieve pain such as the tennis ball exercise, or are unsure that your execution is correct, be sure to contact a podiatrist for further instruction.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
Tuesday, 16 November 2021 00:00
Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 09 November 2021 00:00
Foot-Strengthening Exercises for Runners
Having strong and flexible feet is very important for every runner because the feet bear 2-3 times our body weight at the first point of contact with the ground while running. Strengthening the feet with the following exercises will help with flexibility, stability, and proper foot alignment. First, kneel on the floor, sit back on your heels and have your toes curled underneath you. Rock side to side on your toes to give them a good stretch, and then come up on all fours into a down-dog position and press your heels down. Repeat the cycle five times. Another good exercise is to stand with a ball under the base of the toes on one foot. Apply your weight to the ball, and then slowly curl your toes to grip the ball and then extend your toes straight. Do this ten times. You can then move the ball underneath the ball of the foot and curl the foot and toes around the ball and then extend straight. Repeat this ten times as well, and then switch to the other foot. You can also strengthen the toes and feet by standing with your feet hip length apart. Raise just your big toe on one foot and hold it there for two seconds while the other toes stay on the ground. Then, place the big toe down and raise the other toes, holding them there for two seconds. Be careful not to let the foot roll inward. Repeat this twenty times before switching feet. For additional foot exercises and advanced tips on keeping your feet healthy as a runner, contact a podiatrist.
All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC of New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.
More Tips for Preventing Injury
- Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
- Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
- “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
- Cross-Training is Crucial
- Wear Proper Running Shoes
- Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
