The Importance of Foot Protection at Work

Foot protection is a critical aspect of workplace safety that often goes overlooked. Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, or any other industry, ensuring the safety of your feet is essential for preventing injuries and maintaining productivity. A variety of hazards, including heavy objects, sharp materials, electrical equipment, and slippery surfaces, pose risks to the feet in the workplace. Choosing appropriate footwear, such as steel-toed boots, non-slip shoes, or puncture-resistant soles, can provide vital protection against these dangers. Additionally, proper fitting footwear with sufficient support and cushioning reduces the risk of discomfort, fatigue, and long-term foot problems. By recognizing the importance of foot protection and taking proactive measures, both employers and workers can create safer, more secure work environments. If you have incurred a foot injury while at work, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment plans, in addition to providing you with information about foot protection during your workday. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors 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 contact our office located in South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Key Facts About Bunions

Bunions, a prevalent foot deformity, are characterized by a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe. Contrary to common belief, bunions are not merely a cosmetic issue but can cause discomfort and affect mobility. One essential fact about bunions is their tendency to develop gradually over time, often due to structural issues in the foot, such as flat feet or abnormal bone alignment. Additionally, wearing ill-fitting shoes, particularly those with narrow toe boxes, can exacerbate bunion development or worsen existing symptoms. Individuals with bunions may experience pain, swelling, redness, and restricted movement in the affected toe. Despite popular misconceptions, bunions cannot be permanently corrected through nonsurgical means. However, conservative measures such as wearing supportive footwear, and using orthotic inserts can help alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of the deformity. For severe cases causing significant pain or hindering daily activities, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign the affected joint and provide lasting relief from bunions. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • Surgery

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

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The Impact of Flat Feet on Physical Performance in School-Age Children

Flat feet, a common condition characterized by a lack of arch in the foot, can potentially affect the physical performance of school-age children. While flat feet themselves may not directly hinder a child's ability to engage in physical activities, they can contribute to issues such as foot pain, fatigue, and decreased stability. Children with flat feet may experience discomfort or cramping during prolonged periods of standing or walking, impacting their participation in sports or physical education classes. Furthermore, flat feet may alter the biomechanics of the lower limbs, leading to poor posture, balance problems, and an increased risk of injury. Addressing flat feet early on through proper footwear, orthotic inserts, and targeted exercises can help alleviate symptoms and improve physical performance in children. By recognizing the potential impact of flat feet on physical activity, parents and educators can take proactive steps to support the overall well-being and participation of school-age children in various physical pursuits. If your child has flat feet, it is suggested that a podiatrist is contacted who can offer effective relief and treatment methods.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

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Struggling with Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

By offering treatments such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Debridement, Offloading, Specialty Dressings, and more, we provide not just hope but a comprehensive approach to healing for those suffering from non-healing foot and leg wounds. 

See if advanced wound care is right for you - Request an appointment today!

Common Causes of Swollen Feet

Swollen feet, an uncomfortable condition, can stem from various factors, necessitating attention and understanding to alleviate symptoms effectively. One common cause is prolonged standing or sitting, which can impair circulation and lead to fluid retention in the feet and ankles. Additionally, injuries such as sprains or fractures may result in localized swelling as the body responds to tissue damage. Certain medical conditions, including venous insufficiency and lymphedema, disrupt the normal flow of fluids in the body, contributing to swelling in the lower extremities. Lifestyle factors like excessive salt intake, obesity, and dehydration can exacerbate fluid retention and swelling in the feet. Pregnancy often leads to swollen feet due to hormonal changes and increased pressure on the blood vessels. If your feet have become swollen, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

  • Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
  • Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
  • Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
  • Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
  • Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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