December 2018

Research has shown the feet may change sizes as the aging process occurs. Many people may select shoes by the size that is indicated, despite the fact they may not fit properly. It’s important to try both shoes on, which may aid in determining if these are the correct shoes to purchase. Adequate space up to a half inch above the longest toe should be present for maximum comfort while standing up. It’s important to consider the material of the shoe, which may consist of a soft and flexible consistency that ideally should match the shape of the foot. Many people try shoes on that may fit too tightly, and their expectation may be that the shoes will stretch over time. This is considered to an erroneous method of buying shoes and a properly fitted shoe will feel good at the time it is tried on. If you would like additional information on how to buy shoes that fit properly, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly guide you.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has shown the injuries that many runners experience can originate from training incorrectly or from following training techniques that are not conducive for properly warming up the muscles. The feet may endure added stress when running is performed for extended periods of time, and it is essential to practice an optimum stretching routine before embarking on this specific sport or hobby. There may be several factors that can determine the occurrence of running injuries, including the number of miles that are run per week, if a previous injury has happened, or if you are new to the sport of running. Injuries may be avoided by increasing the mileage and speed gradually, warming up the muscles correctly, and decreasing the intensity of the run a few days per week. If you would like additional information about how to prevent uncomfortable running injuries, please consult with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Charles Marchese of Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Even though many women enjoy wearing high heels and admire how the foot looks in high heeled shoes, there may be specific foot issues that may develop as a result of wearing this type of shoe. The ankles may become unstable, which may affect the body’s balance, in addition to providing inadequate support while walking. Research has shown that muscles may gradually reduce in length in the back of the leg and they may get longer in the front of the leg. These changes may affect the muscle strength in the leg and may influence overall body stability. If you choose to wear high heels, there may be techniques that can be implemented, which may minimize any injuries that may occur. These may include performing gentle stretching exercises, using resistance bands that may aid in strengthening the leg muscles, and using your toes to pick up small objects, which may help the muscles in the toes to become stronger. If you have questions about the effects high heels can have on your feet, it is suggested to speak with a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. 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 offices located in Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The foot is comprised of several bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, which provide the mobility that is necessary to perform daily activities. There are two types of muscles that are in the feet, and these are referred to as extrinsic and intrinsic muscles. When the foot is pointed and flexed, the extrinsic muscles are responsible for this type of action. The latter set of muscles are attached to the foot, and these muscles are used to maintain balance, in addition to moving the feet forward. Uncomfortable and painful foot conditions may possibly diminish when these muscles are properly stretched. There are specific stretches that can be performed, which may be beneficial for the overall health of the foot. These may include static stretches in which the toes can be pulled back until a gentle stretch is felt. Additionally, when dynamic stretches are practiced, the natural motion of the foot may be restored. This can be accomplished by rolling the arch of the foot along a tennis ball or a similar object. If you would like additional information about the benefits of stretching the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.