Custom Orthotics – Balance Foot & Ankle

Finding and Buying Shoes That Fit Properly

The tell-tale signs of autumn are all around us. School bells ring once again, football games are kicking off, and just about everything comes in pumpkin spice!

As the air turns crisp, and the leaves transform into a prism of color – our wardrobes begin to change in tandem. As that favorite cozy sweater takes the place of breezy summer linens, now is the time to swap out sandals and barefoot behavior for comfortable and smart footwear choices that will have your feet feeling
supported.

After a long summer of meticulously pedicured toes in often unsupportive shoe gear, now is the time of year to give those feet much-needed support [and warmth] in boots, sneakers, clogs, etc.

Let’s talk about shoe shopping.

As I often share with my patients, there are several things to consider that go beyond the aesthetic appearance of a shoe when shopping. Whether you are shopping for shoes to get you around campus, for the office, or for weekends with friends – these tips will help keep your feet balanced.

Before you head to the shoe store, stand on a blank piece of paper and trace each foot as accurately as possible. Then take this tracing with you when shopping for shoes. Place your desired shoe on the tracing. Does the shoe cover your tracing or do you see the outline of your foot extending beyond the margins of the shoe? This can be a simple and fun way to keep yourself honest when making shoe selections. Choosing a shoe that is too narrow for your actual foot shape could set you up for future issues such as pain, calluses, blisters, ingrown toenails, and the progression of some deformities, such as bunions and hammertoes.

Next, find a reputable shoe store that can assist you in the correct shoe size, shape, and type to fit not only your feet but also your lifestyle. They will measure your feet to ensure that you are indeed selecting the correct size.

Consider shoe shopping later in the day when your feet may be a bit larger from swelling, as this is natural after a day on your feet and walking about. This will give you a better idea of the shoe size and shape that is best for you.

The last tip is to try to be reasonable and as practical as possible. Boots with a narrow toe box and narrow 4-inch heel may look beautiful, but in turn, may haunt you later down the road. Reserve those beauties for occasional outings when you know you will be sitting all night long. Go practical and comfortable for everyday wear, exercise, and casual events.

Believe me, your feet will thank you!

Walk well. Be well.

by Jennifer Prezioso

Top Home Remedies To Relieve Ankle Pain

Your ankles are the key to running, jumping and just about any physical activity that involves movement. They support your body in unimaginable ways. In fact, your ankles have the ability to carry forces equivalent to several times your body weight.

However, that’s not all your ankles can do. Your ankles bring virtue to movement — empowering vertical and horizontal motion. Simply put, ankles are the reason we can jump up and down and turn left and right.

On average Americans walk 4,000 steps a day. Over time, this may significantly utilize your ankles and cause pain. Ankle pain can certainly slow down or change your lifestyle temporarily, but, in many cases, it isn’t a permanent injury. It may simply require some special at-home attention.

Why am I experiencing ankle pain?

Often a result of an accidental fall or injury during physical activity, anyone can experience ankle pain — regardless of age. The symptoms are typically quite clear — difficulty putting weight on your ankle, swelling, redness or simply general pain originating from your ankle.

Ankle pain can come in a wide variety of imbalances, such as sprains, fractures, arthritis, tendinitis, and more. Most commonly, ankle pain is caused by a sprain, which is an injury to the ligaments connecting to your ankle bones. This is often the result of a twist or movement that overstretches or extends your ligament.

What can I do at home as a remedy for ankle pain?

As soon as you notice ankle pain, or have an injury that strains your ankle, take preventative measures to help alleviate any lasting pain or swelling. That way you can get back on your feet as soon as possible.

To bring balance and remedy your ankle, just remember RICE — Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate — a simple and established at-home method for ankle pain relief and recovery.

Rest to protect your ankles and be sure to stop any activity that causes further agitation.
Ice to reduce pain and swelling, using a cold pack at 10 to 20-minute intervals.
Compress to decrease swelling, wrapping a bandage around your ankle.
Elevate to alleviate pain and swelling, lifting your foot and applying an ice pack.

As soon as your ankle’s soreness and pain subside, make sure to stretch daily before attempting to return to normal activities and exercises.

We’re here to help you find your balance

So, when should you visit a podiatrist for your ankle pain?

If the RICE method and over-the-counter pain relievers do not seem to be helping, there may be other solutions that can only be provided by a podiatrist that understands your unique biomechanics. In some cases, custom orthotics can put you on the right path to recovery. However, everyone’s unique feet and ankles require innovative solutions that fit their lifestyle and body. So, it’s best to schedule an appointment directly with a podiatrist for foot and ankle pain relief.

From medical and surgical appointments to aesthetics and wellness, Balance Foot & Ankle’s well-rounded and comprehensive approach to foot and ankle treatment fosters an environment of excellence, hospitality and compassion within a contemporary yet warm setting.

Experience a balanced approach to total wellbeing at a location convenient for you.

by Jennifer Prezioso

Video: 5 Tips For A Balanced Shoe Fit

Your feet are the window to your sole and the foundation of your entire body. On average Americans walk 4,000 steps a day, which is about 1.5 to 2 miles. At the forefront of each springing step are your feet and, often overlooked, your supportive shoes.

Poorly designed or ill-fitting shoes can cause pain and problems in your feet. These issues can ripple throughout your entire body, affecting your back, knees, joints and muscles.

On the contrary, as you walk to work or run for exercise, a quality pair of shoes can improve your daily health. Properly fitting shoes can help align your feet, ankles, hips, knees and back, enhancing your posture and the way you walk.

So, how should you go about selecting the perfect pair of shoes?

Below, we have five tips so that you can find your balanced shoe fit:

Schedule a foot exam. Having a foot exam with a board-certified foot and ankle physician is the most important first step in foot and ankle wellness. During this, your physician will be able to identify your particular foot type and unique biomechanics. This should then be followed up with a visit to a reputable shoe vendor, where they can help select the right shoe with the right fit and shape to meet your needs.
Measure your feet at the end of the day. The path to a pair of perfect fitting shoes begins with proper measurement. Your feet tend to change as you get older, so before purchasing a pair shoes, make sure to get a proper measurement of both of your feet. We recommend measuring your feet later in the evening so that you can account for any normal swelling that occurs in your feet throughout your daily routine.
Trace your shape. Your feet are unique and so is your perfect shoe fit. As you select shoes, ensure your choice in footgear reflects the shape of your feet. To do so, use a sheet of paper and trace the outline of your feet, remaining as close to a standing position as possible. This will provide a true footprint, reflecting both the length and width of your feet. That way, when you’re shopping for a pair of shoes, you can simply place a shoe on top of your tracing to see if it will be a great match for your foot.
Pay special attention to your arch. One of the most important factors in the perfect shoe fit is the arch length — the distance and curve from your heel to the ball of your foot. For the most comfortable fit, your arch length and curve should align with the bend in your shoes.
Try before you buy. Don’t wait for your shoes to feel comfortable until you “break them in.” Instead, start with a comfortable pair of shoes by simply trying on a pair of shoes before purchasing. See how your body feels while you stand and walk on different surfaces. Try to notice any discomfort or irritation from the shoe itself including cushioning on the sole or a poorly placed seam. If your feet are happy, then you know you’ve found the perfect fit.

Find your balanced fit

Your particular foot type, unique biomechanics and their influences affect the type of shoe you should be selecting. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we offer the latest technology in prescribing custom foot orthotics, which can complement your perfect pair of shoes. They can optimize your mechanics, prevent injury and even slow the progression of some painful conditions.

Experience a balanced approach to total wellbeing. Schedule your appointment today!

by Jennifer Prezioso

Balance Foot & Ankle - COVID-19 Coronavirus

A Note of Reassurance

The health, safety and well-being of our patients, visitors, employees, and our community is top priority.

As a medical facility, we already adhere to strict practices and policies of cleaning and sanitation daily. Given the current situation, we are taking additional steps to be extra vigilant and keep our office safe for our patients. These additional measures include increasing the frequency of cleaning all surfaces and areas with antibacterial and antimicrobial cleaning products recommended by the CDC. We have added a medical grade HEPA/HEGA air filter purification unit in our office which filters greater than 95% of all dust, spores, mold, bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and gases larger than 0.100 microns. Scientists say that the size of the Coronavirus is 0.125 microns. Therefore, the air filter purification unit is designed to capture airborne particles of this size. Additionally, masks and alcohol-based hand sanitizer is readily available. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Stay Safe & Healthy –

Dr. Jennifer L. Prezioso, DPM, FACFAS

by Jennifer Prezioso

BarkingDogShoes.com Guest Column: The Podiatrist is in! Meet Dr. Jennifer Prezioso

Have you ever found yourself, at the end of an evening, thinking of nothing other than getting home and switching out your gorgeous-but-painful pair of shoes in exchange for an old pair of slippers that has seen better days but never lets you down? If yes, then pull up a chair, have a seat, and welcome home. My name is Dr. Jennifer Prezioso, and I am a shoe lover (and hater) just like you. But, as a Podiatric Surgeon, board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, I am also a dedicated member of the world of Foot and Ankle specialists striving to help people understand their individual foot type and how to make sure they are making healthy shoe choices. So I not only empathize with those who adore shoes but face footwear challenges, I also advocate for them every day. I recently had the opportunity to write a guest column for BarkingDogShows.com on this very topic. If you would like to learn more, read the full article here.

Source: BarkingDogShoes.com

by Jennifer Prezioso

Balance Now Offers Video Visits!

While we love to see you in our office, we realize it’s not always convenient to do so. Video visits allow you to receive the same quality care as you do in the clinic, without taking time off work or finding a sitter to see us.

It’s easy to get started. Next time you’re in the office or need to schedule an appointment, ask for a video visit. Next, look out for an email or text to confirm your information in our telemedicine platform, called Chiron Health. On the day of your visit, simply log in 15 minutes early to see your doctor over video. It’s that easy.

Video Visits are great for:

● Follow-up visits

● Medication questions

● Lab & test results

● General questions and more

Skip the waiting room, request a video visit for your next appointment!

by Hayley Campbell

Tips for Healthy Feet - Summer Foot Care

Source: American Podiatric Medical Association, Inc.

Limit walking barefoot as it exposes feet to sunburn, as well as plantar warts, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and other infections and also increases risk of injury to your feet.
Wear shoes or flip-flops around the pool, to the beach, in the locker room and even on the carpeting or in the bathroom of your hotel room to prevent injuries and limit the likelihood of contracting any bacterial infections.
Remember to apply sunscreen all over your feet, especially the tops and fronts of ankles, and don’t forget to reapply after you’ve been in the water.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Drinking water will not only help with overall health, but will also minimize any foot swelling caused by the heat.
Keep blood flowing with periodic ankle flexes, toe wiggles, and calf stretches.
Some activities at the beach, lake, or river may require different types of footwear to be worn, so be sure to ask the contact at each activity if specific shoes are needed. To be safe, always pack an extra pair of sneakers or protective water shoes. If your shoes will be getting wet, they should be dried out completely before your next wearing to prevent bacteria or fungus from growing.
If you injure your foot or ankle while on vacation, seek professional medical attention from a podiatric physician. Many often only contact a doctor when something is broken or sprained, but a podiatrist can begin treating your ailment immediately while you’re away from home. Use our Find a Podiatrist tool to get treatment wherever your travels take you!
In case of minor foot problems, be prepared with the following on-the-go foot gear:
- Flip flops—for the pool, spa, hotel room, and airport security check points
- Sterile bandages—for covering minor cuts and scrapes
- Antibiotic cream—to treat any skin injury
- Emollient-enriched cream—to hydrate feet
- Blister pads or moleskin—to protect against blisters
- Motrin or Advil (anti-inflammatory)—to ease tired, swollen feet
- Toenail clippers—to keep toenails trimmed
- Emery board—to smooth rough edges or broken nails
- Pumice stone—to soften callused skin
- Sunscreen—to protect against the scorching sun
- Aloe vera or Silvadene cream—to relieve sunburns

by Jennifer Prezioso