With warm weatherin season more people will be wearing flip flops to let their feet out for the first time since the winter season. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, flip flops do not provide much support for the feet and flip flops have been proven to cause serious foot related injuries and conditions.

With no straps around the ankle, the joint stays unsecured. Podiatrists across the nation urge flip flop wearers to check their footwear to ensure it is safe to wear in accordance to APMA Seal of Acceptance/Approval Program. The APMA program recognizes flip flops and other footwear that is safe to wear on your feet. Doctors also advise to not wear flip flops for extended periods of time. “Use it wisely. A few hours here and there” said Dr. Larry Ketner, a podiatrist currently studying this case from Peru.

Speaking to a podiatrist like Dr. Michael Stein of Foot Doctor of the East Bay will help you better understand the steps you can take to ensure that your feet stay healthy while wearing flip flops.

Flip-Flops and Feet

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

· Ankle problems
· Hip problems
· Lower back problems
· Changes in the way you walk

Are there injuries associated with flip-flops?

· Sprained ankles
· Blisters
· Infections
· Cuts and Scrapes

I like wearing flip-flops, are there safe alternatives?

If you decide buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and are made of high quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more, but will also last longer as a result; make sure you are purchasing your flip-flops from a respected brand too. Replacing your flip-flops every 3-4 months is suggested to provide maximum support and protection for your feet.

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 more on Flip-Flops and Feet.

With the increased popularity in barefoot running, experts recommend that those looking to make the transition do so gradually. Those who transition too fast and too soon incur the risk of suffering a stress fracture or calf strain. This was conducted by a study published by Human Movement Science, which monitored 18 runners who went barefoot after being accustomed to wearing shoes. Still the benefits to barefoot running seem to outweigh these disadvantages if the transition is made properly.

Allowing your body time to adjust properly to barefoot running is essential, and part of this preventative care involves talking to a podiatrist like Dr. Michael Stein of Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Dr. Stein can advise you on a running regimen, as well as provide information on techniques of barefoot running to help avoid foot pain, heel pain, and injury.

Barefoot Running

Barefoot Running Impact

-Running without shoes changes the motion of your running
-Running barefoot requires landing be done on the front part of the feet as opposed to the heel

Barefoot Running Advantages

-Running and landing on the front feet reduces the impact on the knees and ankles
-It strengthens muscles in the feet and ankles and the lower legs.
-Balance of the body is improved
-Greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

Barefoot Running Disadvantages

-No protection while running, results in cuts and bruises if the runner lands on something sharp.
-Blisters may form.
-Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
-Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.

So what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.

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 on Barefoot Running.

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.