Dr. Braxton Littles appeared on Good Morning America to discuss the negative impacts flip-flops have on the feet. In addition to causing many trips and falls among the shoe wears Dr. Little states that flops are the cause of many heel and arch problems due to their lack of support. Without providing the foot with the support that it needs problems such as plantar fasciitis, muscle fatigue, and problems to the rest of the body may arise. Littles states that if you must wear flip-flops, it is best not to wear them regularly to avoid foot pain.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of damage to the feet and rest of the body. If you have any concerns about your foot and ankle needs contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops are not only very popular, but very convenient, especially in the warmer weather. They allow your feet to breathe and let you move your toes freely. They also go with most attire and can be worn with many different clothing styles. Unfortunately, these type of shoes also have a disadvantage, as they can cause harm to your feet in more ways than you think. These symptoms include:

• Ball and arch problems in the foot
• Changes to the body’s natural gait
• Blisters
• Ankle Sprains
• Higher risk of infection
• Higher risk of scrapes and cuts to the feet
• Issues in the lower back, legs and ankles

To avoid these symptoms (and minimize your risks), select a pair of flip-flops made of high quality materials that can offer protection. Purchase flip-flops from a reliable manufacturer and be sure to replace them every three to four months. Be sure the soles are firm and not ‘floppy’, or that they don’t bend or wiggle a lot when lifted from the floor.

You can still wear your favorite pair of flip-flops if you so choose, just don’t wear them for extended periods of time, and especially not every day. However, it would be far wiser to purchase a more expensive pair of flip-flops or to refrain from wearing the shoe at all for the sake of your foot health. While these shoes are comfortable, the risks included with wearing them are not.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Sols, a New York based startup, is trying to make orthotics cool for the younger generations. The company labels themselves as a “lifestyle brand” with advertisements portraying how great anyone and everyone wearing orthotics are. With the use of 3D printing and an iPhone app, anyone can soon have trendy orthotics for hundreds less than a standard pair of inserts. Although some foot doctors believe that orthotics should be worn only if you are having an issue, Sols still generated over $19 million dollars from investors.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain, but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct over arched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you, or if you have a more severe foot issue, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and more severe heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses, and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist on the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain free.

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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According to a study conducted by the Framingham Heart Study cohort, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor when it comes to obtaining gout. The study including 2,159 men and 2,558 women selected over a 54 year period from 1948 - 2002. The results showed that there were 371 cases of gout over the follow ups over the years. The study used the Cox proportional hazard models where the HR of CKD to incidental gout among men and women after adjusting age, alcohol consumption, smoking, and hypertension, diabetes, and BMI. The cross sectional and additional studies did not interfere with the results proving that CKD can be a risk factor in gout.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you have any concerns regarding gout, consult with Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

What is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and holistic treatment protocols for all your individual foot and ankle needs.

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According to a study conducted at the University of Nevada and presented in the American Society of Biomechanics, when the foot hits in the ground while wearing rebound shoes, there is a 15% increase in force compared to a 96% increase when wearing standard running shoes. Rebound shoes, or boots with springs, are being used as a new trendy exercise with claims of reducing the intensity between the foot and the ground when jumping or running. Although more studies have found that the shoes reduce injuries, they have been known to cause an increase blisters on the feet.

Exercise efficiency involves biomechanics, which incorporates the moving parts that manage the movement of your feet. To learn more about biomechanics, see Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey Our doctor can provide you with the foot and ankle information you seek.  

A History of Biomechanics

- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974 biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination to the area.

Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, moments and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured.

Advances in materials and more awareness of biomechanics have developed enhanced corrective methods, offering further options for foot-related injuries. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot. 

If you have any questions, please contact our office located in New York, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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