Winter is upon us, and it’s time to warm up your feet with a good pair of socks. Socks are a vital part of foot health. They absorb sweat to reduce foot odor, provide padding, and protect your feet from the friction created by your foot rubbing against the inside of your shoe. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the perfect pair of socks. Fit — Socks should … Read more
Downhill skiing provides an exhilarating feeling and an excellent workout, too. But as with most winter sports, skiing requires proper equipment and footwear to prevent foot and ankle injuries. Don’t ruin your ski holiday with ill-fitting ski boots. Choosing the right kind of ski boots will enhance your skiing experience and make it more enjoyable. When choosing ski boots to buy or rent, it’s important to remember that boots should … Read more
Are you familiar with “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance”? These television dance programs showcase the rigors of dancing, as well as potential foot and ankle injuries that come with the territory. “Dancers have the same type of injuries as any other athlete. They have fractures, sprains, strains, tendinitis, ingrown nails, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and of course blisters,” said APMA member and podiatric physician … Read more
Take a good look at your toes. Is one of your toes pointing down instead of out? Does it make an upside-down “V” at the first joint? Ouch. You have a hammer toe. A hammer toe generally refers to any bending or flexion of the toe beyond normal posture. Hammertoes result from muscle imbalance which causes the ligaments and tendons to become unnaturally tight. Causes include the following: Injury to … Read more
A bunion is an enlargement on the side of the foot near the base of the big toe (hallux) —the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. A bunion forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place. The toe is forced to bend toward the others, causing an often painful lump of bone on the foot. Wearing improperly fitted shoes is partly to blame for your bunions, … Read more