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Evidence Suggests Gout Has Link to Arrhythmia
Information pulled from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink suggests that gout “is significantly associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF).” AF, a type of heart arrhythmia, seems to be directly correlated with gout. The findings indicate that gout may be one potential cause of AF. It was also found that gout patients had more health problems, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and a higher body mass index (BMI). These health problems can contribute to both higher risks of gout and AF.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you have any concerns about your feet see one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will provide you with quality treatment and assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns.
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 Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tips to Prevent Running Injuries in 2016
A new year is often accompanied by resolutions for a healthier lifestyle full of exercise. Many beginners, however, are immediately put off by tough and unfamiliar workouts. Those intending to incorporate exercise into their routine must gradually build up the difficulty to allow the body to become accustomed to the exercise. Gradually adding is also key to avoiding injuries; quickly jumping into tough exercises may be harmful than good.
Runners can still be prone to running injuries even with proper precautions. If you are suffering from a running injury see one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will provide you with quality treatment and assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns.
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 Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Drew Bees of New Orleans Saints Keeps Playing Despite Foot Injury
Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints led his team to victory with a score of 38-27 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, despite a right foot injury. Brees had injured his plantar fascia in the game against Detroit but was able to continue playing because of a lack of symptoms. Brees did miss one practice in between the games, allowing himself three days of treatment and recovery. He felt “he was confident he could be effective,” and he wanted “ ‘to play for my guys - bottom line.’ ”
Sports related foot and ankle injuries need proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. If you have any concerns, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, P.C. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
Sport Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar Fasciosis
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
Sports-related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Dermatologists Develop New Treatment to Combat Hyperhidrosis
Two Austin dermatologists have developed a treatment, called miraDry(r), to help combat excessive underarm sweating. This medical condition, in which the body sweats more than usual without any specific trigger, is called hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis can make patients feel uncomfortable in social situations and irritate the skin. Hyperhidrosis can also affect other parts of the body in addition to the underarm areas, such as the palms and feet. The FDA-approved miraDry(r) drug is said to help “eliminate the sweat glands in and around the underarm area that causes excess sweat.” This new drug represents another potential breakthrough in treating medical conditions with few known cures.
If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.
Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.
In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.
A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Taking Care of Your Achilles Tendon
The Achilles tendon is known as the tendon that runs along the back of your leg. This tendon is important for making it possible for you to push off when running, and was named after the Greek hero, Achilles, of the Trojan War. Achilles tendonitis affects many, especially runners, and usually involves stiffness or soreness near the heels. This occurs because the tendon becomes inflamed, which leads to heel pain. If you think you have Achilles tendonitis, it’s important to immediately stop strenuous physical activity like running. Treating your Achilles tendonitis involves performing stretches to speed up recovery.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel bone of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
- Inflammation
- Dull to Severe Pain
- Increased blood flow to the tendon
- Thickening of the tendon
Rupture Symptoms
- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
- Snapping sensation
- Total immobility
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses
If unable to immediately see your podiatrist, remember to Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate until then.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Running Shoe Prototype Offer Customized Benefits
New Balance, a shoemaker based in Boston, is set to develop a 3D printed running shoe. This new shoe is expected to be cost-effective and represent new breakthroughs in the development of running shoes. These shoes will be created with the focus of printing custom scans of patients’ feet, then creating a midsole with the measurements. This new shoe can offer benefits for patients who need inexpensive shoes that are comfortable and durable. The project involved collaborations with running and biomechanics experts in plastics engineering, generative design, and material development.
Finding a proper fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:
- Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
- Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
- Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
- Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity
Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, proper fitting shoes is vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Algerian Striker Baghdad Bounedjah Undergoes Surgery for Broken Ankle
Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah broke his ankle after the first 18 minutes during the game against the Orlando Pirates in the Confederation Cup Final. He was replaced by Brazilian striker Acosta. Bounedjah underwent surgery but will be on leave for up to two months, according to the Tunisian club. Bounedjah was on loan from the Qatari side Al-Sadd for six months until the end of 2015. The club went on to beat the Orlando Pirates in a score of 2-1.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle
- Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
- Swelling around the area
- Bruising of the area
- Area appears to be deformed
If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Managing Diabetic Foot Care
For people who have diabetes, it’s important to manage it often to prevent further damage. Foot problems can arise as a result of poor management, and this can lead to damage of the nerves and blood vessels, or even neuropathy, the loss of feeling in the feet. Feet must be inspected on a daily basis so that injuries can be prevented. According to Nursing in Practice, “people with diabetes are at an increased risk of amputation compared to the non-diabetic population.” It’s best to see a specialist if you feel that you may have any potential issues with your diabetic feet.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
- Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels because blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Julian Edelman of the New England Patriots Has Surgery for Broken Foot
Wide receiver Julian Edelman of the New England Patriots will be undergoing surgery for a broken bone in a foot injury he suffered in the game against the New York Giants. Reports suggest that Edelman may still return to the field to keep playing, while others suggest that he may be done for the season. Edelman sustained the injury after being tackled by Giants Linebacker Jasper Brinkley.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. If you have any concerns about your foot and ankle needs contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:
- Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
- Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
- Cosmetic reconstruction
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
- Bunionectomy for painful bunions
- Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
- Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Peyton Manning Playing with Plantar Fasciitis
Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos had allegedly played several football games while suffering from plantar fasciitis, according to reports from CBS. Head coach Gary Kubiak stated that Manning had been dealing with soreness from the foot condition for several weeks. While clinically the condition is called “plantar fascitiis,” in football it is coined as “sore foot” or “jogger’s foot.” Manning’s brother Eli was previously diagnosed with plantar fasciitis back in 2009 while he played with the New York Giants, avoiding missing a single game. Manning has been undergoing treatment for the injury but will continue to play.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
· Excessive running
· Non-supportive shoes
· Overpronation
· Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia
How Can It Be Treated?
· Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
· Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
· Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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High Heels Can Damage Your Entire Body Starting with your Feet
Wearing high heels often can affect your entire body stature and cause serious health issues. According to medical professionals, the weight of your body shifts to your feet, causing your skeleton to overcompensate for the unsteady posture. Your back hyperextends backwards to adjust to the shifted weight, which can cause serious long-term problems like arthritis, pain, and joint pain. The American Podiatric Medical Association suggests wearing high heels that are no taller than 2 inches
High heels have a history for causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity. Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
What parts my body will be affected by high heels?
- Ankle Joints
- Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
- Balls of the Feet
- Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
- Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.
What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?
- Corns
- Calluses
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Plantar Fasciitis
How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock; you can buy either full inserts or metatarsal pads.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Foot Exercise to Maintain the Feet During Marathon Season
Cooler weather makes for prime conditions for marathon season, when runners will be out training to their fullest. To ensure that the feet are kept in top shape, there are a simple set of eleven exercises one can follow. Toe flexion, ankle dorsiflexion, ankle eversion, ankle plantarflexion, rotating the ankles, wiggling the toes, curling the toes, spreading the toes, pointing the toes out, pointing the toes in, and the butterfly stretch can all stretch the feet and add support and strength. For optimal results, exercise using a Thera-band.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you to gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important and often we forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate not to have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure its good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rise, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, also flexing the toes and involving the shins may help too. It is best to speak with your doctor regarding how to do these fitness steps and how often is right for you. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different and it varies from individual to individual to determine what should be done for you to maintain strength in your feet.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Different Treatments for Heel Pain Prove Effective
Stiff and persistent heel pain that is not easily supplemented with heel pads or mild painkillers often reveals itself to be plantar fasciitis. Treatment options for plantar fasciitis can involve other anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, stretching exercises, night splints, or cortisone injections. While each of these methods are effective, it is important to see a podiatrist or foot specialist who will properly examine the foot and determine the best treatment for each individual.
Anyone can wind up suffering from heel pain. If your heel is hurting, see one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Our podiatristswill treat your heel pain symptoms in addition to other podiatric-related needs.
Causes of Heel Pain
● Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
● Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
● Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes
- Wearing non-supportive shoes
- Weight change
- Excessive running
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a thing of the past.
With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.
If you have any questions about arthritic foot care, please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Reducing Symptoms Essential to Managing Arthritis
When it comes to arthritic foot care there is no definitive cure. However, reducing the symptoms and causes of inflammation are key in managing your arthritis. One of the major aspects of this pain management comes in the form of dieting: making sure you get the proper nutrients to help fight inflammation is paramount. Fish, and the omega-3 fatty acids contained in them, have jumped to the top of the list when it comes to combatting inflammation. Researchers have also found that broccoli, which contains sulforaphane, could help prevent or slow the progression of osteoarthritis. Lastly, heart-healthy oils that contain oleocanthal, which have similar properties to non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, are also highly recommended to those trying to fight the symptoms of arthritis.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are suffering from arthritic foot pain, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Our podiatrists can treat your foot and ankle needs.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.
In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
- Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
- Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
- Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.
It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.
If you have any questions about arthritic foot care, please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
