Items filtered by date: May 2023

Maintaining good foot care while working can make all the difference in how the workday can progress. Research has indicated millions of working days have been lost to foot pain and lower leg disorders, and there are methods that can be implemented which may help to prevent this. Many professions require standing for the majority of the day, including restaurant employees, medical personnel, and retail workers. Wearing shoes that fit correctly can positively impact the quality of the day. Additionally, it is beneficial to rest the feet while taking breaks, and performing specific foot stretches may help to improve circulation. At the end of the work day, many patients find their feet feel better when they are soaked in warm water, followed by having them gently massaged. If you would like more information about what type of shoes to buy and how to care for your feet while working, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Many women have foot pain while wearing high heels, or soon after they are taken off. Falling episodes may be increased, and research has shown wearing this type of shoe can be a leading cause of foot problems among women. Hammertoe is a foot deformity that causes the second and third toes to bend at the middle joint and point downward. This can be a result of having inadequate room for the toes to move freely in. Many high-heeled shoes have pointed toes, providing less than ample room at the top of the shoe. A condition known as Morton’s neuroma can develop if the nerve between the third and fourth toes becomes compressed or irritated. It can also occur from the minimum room for the toes. Studies have shown the calf muscles may be affected when high heels are frequently worn, which may lead to chronic heel pain. If you would like more information about the possible dangers of wearing high heels, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. 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?

• 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 Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Different types of people can be more susceptible than others to developing a foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis, due to the nature of their employment or lifestyle. For example, teachers might be one such group. There are many reasons for this. Specifically, teachers, especially elementary school teachers, spend a significant amount of the day on their feet. Teachers often walk around the classroom to check on students and spend a great deal of time standing at the board to instruct. As a result of all of this strain on the feet, the teacher may aggravate the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs from the toes to the heel in the sole of the foot, and plantar fasciitis can develop. This condition brings with it pain and inflammation, especially felt in the heel. If you are a teacher and are experiencing such pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for immediate attention.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM  from Center for Podiatric Excellence. 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 Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Having a vitamin deficiency may be a cause for cracked heels to develop. It can be an unsightly and uncomfortable foot condition. Mildly cracked heels affect the top layer of the skin, and it is generally a painless ailment. Fissures are defined as severely cracked heels that may bleed and become infected. Studies show that a lack of vitamin E may affect the collagen in the skin. This is linked to the drying effect that aging has on the skin and may increase the risk of developing cracked heels. It can be beneficial to add foods, such as sunflower seeds, salmon, and avocado to your diet, which are laden with vitamin E. Patients who do not get adequate amounts of vitamin B-3 in their diet may notice their skin becomes dry and scaly, which may be followed by getting cracked heels. If you have questions about how cracked heels are connected to vitamin deficiencies, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

There are bones in the toes that are known as phalanges. The big toe has two, which are referred to as the distal and the proximal. The remaining toes have three phalanges, and an additional one is found between the distal and proximal. The bones in the toes can be easily fractured, as they are at the end of the body. When an injury happens, and the impact presses the ends of the bone toward the center, this is known as a compressed fracture. If the bone split into many pieces, a comminuted fracture has occurred. A displaced fracture is noticeable as the bone protrudes from the skin, and moves out of alignment. Conversely, a bone that is broken and remains in its normal position is called a non-displaced fracture. Research has shown the most commonly broken toe is the pinky. This can happen if the toe is stubbed into a piece of furniture, or if a heavy object suddenly drops on it. An X-ray is generally performed that can determine the extent of the injury. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can begin you on the right treatment path.

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 Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor 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 Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.