Items filtered by date: July 2012

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health found an average of 50 species of fungi living on the feet of 10 healthy adults. These results were published in a May issue of Nature.

The scientists also swabbed the study participants in other parts of the body including the ear, back, and scalp. However, fungal communities were more diverse in the foot, than anywhere else in the body. In addition, the fungal assemblages living on the subjects feet fluctuated wildly, compared to other parts where they were more stable.    

If you do catch athlete’s foot, or are experiencing foot pain, burning, or tingling that you think might be caused by athlete’s foot, it is recommended that you should seek the care of a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C.  Dr. Hyman can properly examine your feet and determine if the symptoms you might have are being caused by athlete’s foot.  

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

If you suffer from itching, burning, dry, and flaking feet, this may be a sign of athlete's foot. Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be extremely contagious, and often infects shower floors, gyms, socks and shoes, and anywhere else feet may come in contact with. It is commonly found in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, locker rooms and public pools.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

- Hydrate feet with lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff nails
- Use anti-fungal product

What is Tinea?

- Athlete’s foot is often caused by the same fungus that causes ringworm (tinea).
- Tinea can invade other parts of the body as well.
- Tinea thrives in mostly dark, warm and moist environments.

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.

Read the Full Article on Athlete’s Foot.

A recent study performed by Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk who focuses on population science at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana, found that by leading a more active life style, people can tack on two years to their lives.  Sitting less than 3 hours a day is beneficial, while sitting for 11 or more hours can be a risk factor for many diseases.

Making time for your feet with exercises can be beneficial to your health. With the help of Dr. Hyman of The Podiatry Center, he will be able to treat patients with foot complications.
Exercise for Your Feet

If you spend most of your time on your feet, or even if you don’t, your feet deserve attention. There are many people who exercise regularly and still don’t spend enough time to care for their feet. Your foot does get exposure that requires maintenance since your health has a lot to do with footing.

Exercises

Toe rise – this exercise involves standing on the tip-toes for a count of 15 seconds, then resting your feet on the ground. This exercise should be repeated three times a day to strengthen the feet.

Toe Pick-ups – the toes are exercises that are done by picking up small items using your toes. This helps strengthen the muscles on the upper part of the feet. Three sets along with 15 seconds being held should be completed. Small items like marbles or stationary will work.

Ankle Pump – can be performed upwards or downwards. The workout can be completed both ways at the same time. This involves flexing the foot either towards the shin or to the ground. This makes the foot work very well, working large parts of the muscles.

Stretching – your muscles in the feet need to relax and return to its natural stage. Placing both feet onto the ground and leaning with your back against a wall helps. This way when stretching occurs, both feet are relaxed.

As always, a good work out helps

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 care needs.

While performing at Milwaukee’s Summerfest, singer Kelly Clarkson fell and sprained her foot and also suffered a hairline fracture.  Clarkson is currently in a wheel chair to rest her foot, but the singer believes the show must go on.  She has been performing while on crutches to continue promoting her latest album, “Stronger.”

Podiatrists, like Dr. Hyman of The Podiatry Center, are experts at getting you the proper care for your injured foot and helping you along the sometimes long road to recovery.

Most common injuries
People who are constantly on their feet are prone to a variety of injuries. Whether it is a turf toe injury, or damaging fracture, or ankle sprains these can be very frustrating. Therefore, it is always important to keep yourself in therapy in order to get back on the right track quickly.

What to do when injured
Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. This is important for those wanting to get back into the game quickly. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, even at first when the foot feels awkward. These are some steps physical therapy often involves:

1. Basic stretching & twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
2. Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
3. Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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