Physical therapist and University of Central Florida instructor Carey Rothschild, recently conducted a study on barefoot running which was published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Rothschild surveyed 785 runners for her study. She concluded that barefoot running may help some people, but that others could potentially injure themselves if they do not allow their bodies to adjust properly to barefoot running.

Allowing your body time to adjust properly to barefoot running is essential, and part of this preventative care involves talking to a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can advise you on a running regimen, as well as provide information on techniques of barefoot running to help avoid foot pain, heel pain, and injury.

Barefoot Running

The Impact of Barefoot Running
- Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
- Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.

The Advantages of Barefoot Running
- When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced, this can reduce stress injuries.
- It strengthens muscles in the feet and ankles and the lower legs.
- Balance of the body is improved and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running
- No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
- Blisters may form.
- Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
- Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.

So what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Francisco Cordero was placed on the disabled list during the last half of the season, after suffering painful inflammation on his big right toe that has been diagnosed as sesamoiditis. Cordero was only recently acquired after a ten man trade with the Blue Jays. Cordero is currently on the 15 day disabled list, but is scheduled to visit a doctor soon, who will determine if surgery is necessary, though Astros manager Brad Mills is hopeful Cordero will recover with conservative treatment.

Foot and ankle injuries like sesamoiditis are painful and may potentially require surgery, as Cordero has learned. If you are experiencing sesamoiditis or any other foot pain, it is important to speak to a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. to determine the appropriate treatment options for your condition.

Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.

Singer Huh Gak is underwent treatment for his right Achilles tendon after falling over and injuring his ankle back in July. According to Cube Entertainment, Gak’s ankle will have to undergo a series of tests and therapy; in the meantime he will be wearing a half cast to speed up recovery.

Because the Achilles tendon is such a vital part of our bodies and our movement, getting the proper treatment for it right away is highly recommended. If you have suffered an Achilles tendon injury, you should seek the care of a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center. Dr. Hyman will examine your ankle pain, determine if it is an Achilles tendon injury, and then provide the appropriate treatment options for you.

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel 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
- Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation. Often the doctor will order an MRI to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment will involve 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
- Proper fitting shoes
- A healthy diet

If you have any questions, please contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.

Jill Foster of the Daily Mail, spoke with three British women regarding their relationship with high heels.  Of the three women, two developed bunions on their feet, while the other had an arthritic toe and needed surgery.  Two of the women wore heels daily until foot pain prevented them from continuing to wear them, while the other woman plans to continue wearing heels despite the bunions she is developing.  

Even though high heels are a popular footwear choice for many women, as the Daily Mail points out, there can be some serious complications that can result from excessive high heel use. If you are experiencing foot pain, ankle pain, or think you are developing a bunion or arthritic feet, it is highly recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist, like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, immediately. Dr. Hyman will be able to examine your feet, diagnose any foot problems you might be having, and provide treatment options that work for you.

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 contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.