February 2023
Foot Health for Cashiers
Due to the nature of their employment, some individuals may be more at risk of developing various foot conditions. Cashiers are an example of one such employee. Since cashiers spend most of the workday standing on their feet, they are at an increased risk of developing some kind of foot condition. There are many ways that cashiers might be able to mitigate this risk. First, and most importantly, cashiers can see a podiatrist for individualized, high-quality care for their foot and ankle needs. Second, cashiers should distribute their weight evenly throughout their feet. This means not putting more weight on one foot or leg than another. Third, the cashier might consider breaking up the day by alternating between sitting, walking, and standing whenever possible. If you are a cashier and are concerned about maintaining the health of the feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
How Beneficial Is Stretching the Feet?
Many patients can find mild relief when stretches are performed for specific foot conditions. Stretches that may ease the pain of plantar fasciitis are often successful in temporarily reducing discomfort, and completing daily tasks may become easier. Calf raises can strengthen the tendons in the calf muscles and heels, which can ultimately make the arch stronger. This is done by standing on a step and lowering the heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. A stretch that is known as doming can control the arch, which may help to prevent excess pronation. This is accomplished by pressing the toes down while standing, and keeping the heel firmly planted on the ground. The foot will form an arch, and this is an effective stretch when repeated several times. Towel curls are a popular stretch that can strengthen the entire foot. This is done by laying a towel on the floor, and picking it up by using only the toes. There are several stretches that can be done for various parts of the foot. If you would like more information about stretching the feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.
Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.
- Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
- Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
- Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
- Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.
It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Common Causes of Foot Pain
The feet undergo a great deal of wear and tear throughout a lifetime. For that reason, it is common for most people to experience some type of foot pain. Sprains and fractures are typical foot conditions that cause pain. In some cases, a bone in the foot will break, often the result of trauma, such as dropping something heavy on it. Sprains are caused by overstretching of a ligament when you land wrong on the foot. Hairline fractures are frequently the result of overuse, as may be experienced by runners or other athletes. A hammertoe can cause pain from rubbing the bone against the top of a shoe. This is caused by an imbalance between a tendon and a muscle in the toe, which makes the joint of the toe rise up. Pain in the ball of the foot, referred to as metatarsalgia, can be extremely painful. It is common among people who run and jump a lot and is often a side effect of a foot deformity, such as bunions, that changes the biomechanics of the feet. Improperly fitting footwear can also cause foot pain from corns, calluses, and blisters. If you are experiencing foot pain that will not go away or worsens, please consider seeing a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer treatment solutions.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Neuropathy and Checking the Feet
Another name for neuropathy is nerve damage. Common symptoms that neuropathy causes are total numbness or a tingling sensation in the feet. The feet may also turn blue and feel cold. This is a condition that is prevalent among diabetic patients, and the lack of feeling on the soles of the feet calls for a need to check the feet daily for cuts that may have developed. Patients who have chronic alcoholism may be at an increased risk for developing this condition, in addition to people who have a vitamin B12 deficiency. Neuropathy falls into three categories, consisting of mono, poly, and distal symmetric polyneuropathy. The former is generally caused by an injury, and affects one nerve. Multiple nerves are affected in patients who have polyneuropathy, and may create blood pressure or gastrointestinal symptoms. The latter may be more prevalent among people who have diabetes, and the upper extremities may become affected. If your feet are numb, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat neuropathy.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
- Numbness
- Sensation loss
- Prickling and tingling sensations
- Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
- Muscle weakness
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!