Although flip-flops are comfortable, they may also be the source of your feet pain. One of the biggest issues with wearing flip-flops is that the back of your shoe is not attached to your foot when you walk. This fact may seem insignificant, but it isn’t. This is the exact opposite of the way your foot is supposed to move naturally. Wearing flip-flops everyday can cause foot problems that may eventually lead to spinal issues.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any questions concerning the feet, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off, perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are there injuries associated with flip-flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

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

When 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.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office in Basking Ridge, NJ.. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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Bunions are bony bumps that create an unnatural bulge near the big toe. Bunions can affect people in a variety of ways. The pain caused by bunions sometimes prevents people from being active. Consequently, some people opt to have their bunions surgically removed. If you are dealing with bunions, it is advised that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible in order to prevent them from becoming worse.

Bunion surgery usually occurs after non-surgical methods have proved to be ineffective. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctorwill assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

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 by 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 cause bunions to form

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 one of our offices located in Basking Ridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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It is a societal norm for women to wear heels on special occasions that require them to dress up. Some celebrities such as Julia Roberts have taken a stance against this unwritten rule, and have gone barefoot on red carpets. There are medical side effects that come along with this fashion trend. Wearing heels can cause pain in your feet and your back. Bunions caused from heels can result in hammertoe, which is a condition that forces toes to point downward. Additionally, heels can also cause arthritis and ankle fractures.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information,contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

• Genetics – people who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
• Arthritis – because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
• Trauma – direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
• Ill-fitting shoes – undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

• Orthotics – custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
• Medications – oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
• Surgery – in more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located inBasking Ridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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When preventing running injuries, it’s important to wear comfortable shoes that have proper support and fit. Preparing for running involves getting enough training, sleep, hydration, and the proper diets. Especially if you’re just starting a running routine, gradually ease into it and remember to avoid long strides and keep your feet striking below your hips. Stretching before runs is almost important in preventing injuries.

Runners can still be prone to running injuries even with proper precautions. If you are suffering from a running injury,contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

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 office located in Basking Ridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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