Tag: footwear

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blog Running

The Effects of Running on Your Feet and Ankles

Here at New England Podiatry Associates, it’s no secret that running places great demand on your feet. The repetitive impact on your feet and ankles in running can lead to various podiatric injuries, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, shin splints, ankle sprain, blisters, callouses, and even athlete’s foot.

But before we get into how to prevent these conditions, let’s talk about why it’s still worth it.

Benefits of Running for Foot Health

Some studies suggest that running can strengthen the bone density in the feet and ankles, which can help reduce the risk of fractures and conditions like osteoporosis.

In addition to bone density, running strengthens the muscles in your feet, ankles, and lower legs, which further minimizes the chance of injury.

From a cardiovascular perspective, running enhances circulation by promoting blood flow to your feet. This can particularly benefit those with neurological conditions and diabetics who lack sensation in their lower extremities.

Secondarily, weight loss and improved heart health can further reduce stress on your feet and ankles. Being lighter can alleviate chronic pain from fat pad atrophy, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis, whereas the prevention of other diseases from this healthy habit indirectly saves your feet from their downstream effects.

Training Your Feet for Running

When training for running, it’s crucial to adopt a gradual approach, progressively increasing your mileage and intensity to avoid overexertion and allow your body to adapt.

For example: in marathon training, people typically do progression runs, slightly increasing their speed, mileage, and rest over time to acclimate to the demands of their goal.

The first person who ran a marathon famously died, but in a less severe case, running too much too soon can get you in podiatric trouble.

Choosing supportive running shoes is also non-negotiable, ideally, ones that are broken in and can be replaced regularly to not wear them out. The best runners have shoe rotations.

There is also evidence to suggest that cross-training and varying your workouts can help reduce repetitive stress on your feet and ankles. This can be anything from swimming, cycling, and strength training your legs. Engaging the calf muscles, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia in other ways is a great way to keep those tissues hydrated and primed for your next jog.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax are always pleased to assist. We offer convenient locations in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280 to schedule an appointment.

Categories
blog Foot Care

Your Feet Deserve More in 2024

We’ve stepped into a fresh New Year, 2024, and it’s brimming with possibilities. Yet while resolutions often focus on distant horizons, sometimes the greatest rewards lie closer to home – right beneath our feet, to be precise!

New England Podiatry emphasizes cutting-edge treatment technology, but we’re also committed to patient education. So, this year, let’s prioritize the often-overlooked heroes of our daily journeys: Our feet.

Here are some easy-to-implement resolutions for happy, healthy feet that will carry you confidently throughout 2024:

1. Deal with Cracked Heels: Dry, cracked heels are unsightly and painful. Combat them with regular moisturizing, and consider wearing open-back shoes at home to allow your skin to breathe.

2. Clip with Care: Proper nail care is paramount! Trim your nails straight across, avoiding rounded edges that can dig into neighboring toes. Invest in quality nail clippers and disinfect them regularly.

3. Ditch the Tight Fits: Say no to toe-pinching footwear. Instead, go for shoes that comfortably accommodate your foot shape and width. Adequate space is crucial for preventing bunions, corns, and hammertoes.

4. Move it or Lose it: Regular exercise is essential for your feet, too! Gentle stretching, walking, or even dancing can improve circulation, strengthen muscles, and prevent stiffness.

5. Make Prevention a Priority: Schedule regular podiatric checkups for comprehensive foot health assessments. Early detection and preventive care can nip potential problems in the bud before they turn into more significant concerns.

6. Embrace Sock Savvy: Choose socks made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials like cotton or wool. Avoid tight socks that can restrict circulation and promote fungal growth.

7. Treat Your Feet to a Foot Massage: Self-massage or a professional session can ease tension, improve circulation, and leave your feet feeling fresh.

Wondering what you can do to maintain good foot and ankle health? The easiest way to find out is simple: come check in with our expert podiatrists!

Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Zachary Sax, Dr. Joshua Oulette, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, and Dr. Raymond Murano III  provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions and injuries. Our firm has proudly served the Boston area since 1984. We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technology to find the best solution for each individual. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Categories
blog Footwear Winter

Replacing Your Cold-Weather Footwear

cold-weather footwear

As the leaves turn, many of us are starting our fall and winter shopping for the year. Going through your closet and deciding what to keep and what to part with can be difficult, especially when it comes to shoes. Are your boots from last year feeling a little tight in the toes? How do you replace some of last season’s favorites? New England Podiatry is here with tips on how to sort through your cold-weather footwear.

Is It Time to Toss Them?

Getting rid of your favorite shoes is difficult, especially if you can’t find an exact replacement. But if you find the pair ill-fitting as the year passes, it’s important that you stop wearing them. The health of your feet is more important! Below is an easy checklist for checking your shoes:

  • How do the heels look? Are they worn out? If so, some shoe repair stores may be able to help.
  • Have you had your running shoes for over a year? Are your feet in pain after your daily run? If so, replace them.
  • Are your boots not providing any arch support? Are the soles worn down? Time for a new pair!
  • How about your orthotics? Socks? If you find them worn, it’s best to get something new.

Everything Is Replaceable

Except for your feet, of course. If you’ve sorted through your closet and came up with a few pairs you need to throw out or donate, you may want to start shoe shopping. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • If you’re looking for an exact replacement, or something very similar, bring in your old shoes to show the salesperson. It can be difficult to describe what you’re searching for. This ensures that you get the best match.
  • Bring the socks you’re planning on wearing with your new shoes. Like to wear thick socks with your winter boots for extra warmth? Take them along!
  • Always remeasure your feet! Our feet grow as we age. To avoid pain from too-tight shoes, get your feet measured every time you shop.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, and Dr. Zachary Sax treat various foot and ankle conditions. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.

Categories
Bunion Treatment

Is Bunion Surgery the Solution?

bare foot with bunion

A bunion is a progressive toe deformity. For some patients, the bump alongside the big toe doesn’t cause pain. It may simply be a visible difference on the foot. For other patients, however, a bunion can become very painful. The discomfort can impact day-to-day activities, including putting on shoes or walking. One option for treating this condition is surgery. However, the New England Podiatry Associates consider this only after providing patients with less-invasive options.

Here are three suggestions to consider before surgery:

Choose custom orthotics 

A podiatrist can prescribe custom orthotics to relieve the pain from your bunion. During the exam, the specialist gathers data. They will then use this information to create a one-of-a-kind pair for your feet, from how you walk to the specific location of pain, every detail matters. Ask your doctor if orthotics are right for you.

Consider a larger shoe size

Tight shoes are a problem for patients who have a bunion. The lack of wiggle room only causes additional friction and ultimately more pain and discomfort. We recommend our patients visit a shoe store to get properly measured. Exploring shoe options with a wide toe box can show your feet some extra love. 

Calm the pain with cushioning

Padding and cushion are helpful for patients dealing with bunion pain. Schedule an appointment with your podiatrist to learn about over-the-counter options. With this conservative treatment, patients may be able to find pain relief without surgery. We’re here to help you consider all your options.  

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Michael Hass, Dr. Alan Green, Dr. Stephen Tubridy, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, and Dr. Catherine Jacobs treat various conditions such as sports injuries, foot and ankle pain, pediatric foot care, ingrown toenails, and flat feet. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at
617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.