With spring in season, many are eager to store away their winter boots and trade them in for their spring sandals and flats. Additionally, many are looking forward to discovering shoes that properly care for their feet.

However, the shoes that retailers sell have been proven to be dangerous for some shoe-goers; causing problems like tendon injuries and foot pain. In the spring people should always wear a shoe that has a two-inch platform and no more than a three-inch heel, according to Kenneth Leavitt, chief of podiatric medicine at New England Baptist Hospital. “Flat shoes stress the Achilles tendon and cause extensive pronation or flattening of the feet,” Leavitt explained. “Surgery is sometimes warranted for severe, chronic foot pain to fix it.”

It is important that the proper shoes are worn for protection against pain and discomfort. A podiatrist like Dr. Michael Stein of Foot Doctor of the East Bay can make recommendations and help you with any foot pain you might have experienced from wearing ill-fitting footwear.

The Importance of Proper Foot Support

Walking is an everyday function for both men and women, and in order to keep your body’s balance in order, you are going to need shoes that provide the proper kinds of support. 

Poor foot support can cause pain and discomfort in the lower back, hips, knees, neck and shoulder. It also can lead to emotional stress, and physiological changes in the body. In order to avoid these problems, you must have proper foot support.

The arch is the most important part of the foot, which is where most of the support and balance of your feet lies. The arch of your foot varies in height, and as you age, this height can change. Proper foot support will help musculoskeletal issues, which causes inactivity or disability.

Shoes to Consider:

- Good heel and arch support
-  Have proper length and width for your feet
-  Avoid tight/cramped shoes
-  Have many eyelets –will give feet better support when the laces are tied

To learn more about proper foot support, please follow this link.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices which are located in San Leandro, Pleasanton and Los Gatos, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Are your shoes the right size? Many people are walking around with ill-fitting shoes. Picking the right shoe size is not rocket science, but there are a few things to remember when selecting your next pair.

· Make sure your toes are not cramped
· Be able to wiggle your toes
· There should be one inch between your toes and the shoe’s tip

Atlantic Hawks combo guard Devin Harris is likely to return to the lineup Wednesday. This comes after missing three straight games due to a problematic toe on his left foot.

Harris received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his toe in the beginning of April. It was the second PRP injection shot he received this season, acquiring one back in the All-Star break. “It helps,” stated Harris to the Atlantic Journal-Constitution.“ It’s sore for two or three days but when the soreness goes away and the swelling goes away you can see my movement after the All-Star break was a lot better.”

Many athletes like Harris suffer similar injuries of the feet, and need immediate attention. Whether the pain is mild or severe a podiatrist such as Dr. Michael Stein of Foot Doctor of the East Bay can treat the feet with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. There are several treatments available for your feet depending on your condition. 

What is PRP?

Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP, is blood taken from a patient and spun in a centrifuge, concentrating the amount of platelets. The plasma is then re-injected into the site of injury or damage, assisting the body in repairing damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and tissue. PRP helps the body speed up in its healing process.

Uses of PRP

Injuries affecting the foot sometimes don’t heal properly because of poor blood circulation. The healing time slows down and recovery time is affected by poor blood supply. PRP injections will speed up recovery and resolve this issue.

Treatment

PRP is the first regenerative treatment for damaged muscles, tendons, and ligaments. No surgery needed. It is only applied with an insertion of a needle.

Ultrasound – An ultrasound is needed for proper placement of the platelets.

Injection – When the first injection is received, the patient will return to the doctor in about 2 to 3 weeks and monitor the recovery process.

To learn more about treatment, care and additional information please follow link below.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices which are located in San Leandro, Pleasanton and Los Gatos, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read the full article PRP Injections in Your Feet.

Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers suffered another setback which will keep him off the court for 6 to 9 months, said his trainer Gary Vitti via the Lakers’ Twitter account on Saturday. The night before Kobe suffered a nasty fall, which appeared to be a torn Achilles heel. “I made a move that I’ve made a million times, and it just popped.”

According to Vitti Bryant may be out for the rest of the season, and back in 2014. Bryant underwent an MRI, tweeting a picture from the hospital and had surgery on his torn Achilles tendon. “Some of it is just bad luck,” he said. “To say he was injured because he played 48 mins is a stretch.”

Dealing with anAchilles tendon injury can be an “unbearable frustration” and apainful ordeal. However, an injury like this can be managed and taken care of by a podiatrist like Dr. Michael Stein of Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Dr. Stein can examine your Achilles tendon, determine the severity of your injury, and work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options.

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body, and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Common Injuries to the Achilles Tendon?

Tendon Ruptures:One may hear a popping or snapping sound if their Achilles tendon ruptures.  Symptoms are swelling, pain, and difficulty walking or bending the foot forward. There are surgical and non-surgical procedures available, and depending on the treatment you take, recovery can last up to a year from treatment.

Achilles tendinitis:Achilles tendinitis is the milder of the two injuries, and can be recognized by the following symptoms: inflammation, dull to severe pain, an increased flow of blood to the tendon, portions of the tendon growing in thickness, and a slower movement time. Tendinitis can be treated in many different ways and is often diagnosed by an MRI.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices which are located in San Leandro, Pleasanton and Los Gatos, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read our Article to learn more about Achilles tendon injuries.

Are your shoes the right size? Many people are walking around with ill-fitting shoes. Picking the right shoe size is not rocket science, but there are a few things to remember when selecting your next pair.

· Make sure your toes are not cramped
· Be able to wiggle your toes
· There should be one inch between your toes and the shoe’s tip