Orthotics by Dr. Evan B. Kelner

One of the most common questions that I encounter from patients who suffer from heel or arch pain (often a symptom of plantar fasciitis) is the long term solution to their painful condition.  The answer often surprises them.  For many people suffering from foot pain, orthotics are the answer they're looking for.
                    
Orthotics are devices that fit into the shoes or sneakers that correct the positional deficiency of the foot, and provide the proper position that footwear itself cannot provide.  All orthotics though, are not created equally.  Custom made orthotics are fabricated from an impression of the foot in a very specific position.  For some who's condition is not yet severe, off the shelf orthotics may adequately address the problem.  Beware however of claims of "instant custom made" orthotics such as seen in some large stores.  These orthotics are generally very overpriced for what they really are.
                     
A quality custom made orthotic will change the mechanical function of the foot. It works dynamically during weight bearing activities like walking, running and standing.  A good orthotic can prevent pain and deformities such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, corns and hammertoes.  They may even prevent surgery!
                      
Looking for a long term solution for foot pain?  Look into a good quality custom made orthotic.

Walk Your Way to a Healthier Lifestyle by Lindsay Westley

I recently read a good article by Lindsay Westley of "Eating Well" about the benefits of walking.  Following is a condensed version of that article in which Ms. Westley has some great ideas.

                                                                                      

There are days when just the thought of leaving the house seems like a huge effort.  Days when you don't feel like getting off the couch, never mind going to the gym.  But guess what - if you got out of bed this morning, you jump-started your fitness routine just by walking down the hall to the bathroom.

           

Add a little pep to your stride for an activity that feels less like exercise and more like living a normal life- but with the added benefits that exercise provides.

           

Mark Fenton, a health and fitness consultant says "make walking a part of your normal routine and you'll have a much easier time keeping it up".  Set aside time at a specific time of day to walk, or go about your daily tasks on foot.  If you can routinize it, you're more likely to keep doing it.

           

One suggestion is to find a friend who's willing to walk with you.  This will provide better motivation if you come to rely on one another.

           

If you need an extra push, tell yourself that you will only walk for 10 minutes.  Even in such a short amount of time, you will start feeling the physiological effects of walking.  You blood pressure goes down and you feel a flood of positive endorphins, so you feel motivated to go even longer than 10 minutes.

           

Still can't convince yourself?  Get up and move during commercial breaks.  Most 30 minute TV programs include about 8 minutes of commercials, so you'll be 80 percent closer to reaching your minimum by the time the credits are rolling.

Boomers: Caring for your feet as you age by Terrie Todd

Many older adults get frequent checkups, exercise regularly, and in general, try to take good care of themselves. But one aspect of their health that they (and for that matter, younger people) frequently neglect is good foot care. Foot injury, neglect and disease are major factors contributing to mobility, or lack thereof, in older adults. In one study, 71 percent of respondents aged 65 or older reported foot pain and problems, yet only 39 percent of them had sought medical advice and only 26 percent of them believe their foot problems were medical conditions.

Senior adults tend to experience more problems with their feet than younger adults simply because they have used them for longer. Women are four times more likely than men to have foot problems, probably because of the preponderance of high heels. Other conditions, such as diabetes and poor circulation can also affect foot health. The danger of neglecting feet can mean reduced quality of life — problems with coordination, balance and gait, all of which produce an increased risk of falling, and can lead to diseases and infections. Like other parts of the body, however, good care and maintenance can go far in promoting health and ensuring that senior individuals remain mobile and independent.

Healthy seniors should monitor foot health by regularly cleaning and examining the feet for any changes or irregularities. Using mild soaps followed with lotion helps keep the skin from drying out, cracking and itching. Ensuring that feet remain dry helps to fight off fungal infections, and keeping the feet warm can aid in circulation.

Keeping toenails properly trimmed helps prevent problems such as in-grown nails and toe pain. Toenails should be cut straight across, not curved, using clippers designed for toenails, and should be slightly longer than the tips of the toes. Also regularly stretching the legs, calves, and feet by walking, and wearing appropriate shoes, promote foot health and prevent conditions such as plantar fasciitis, which can cause debilitating heel pain.

Caring for feet can become difficult for seniors who may be less flexible or have other impairments that prevent them from reaching, cleaning and examining their feet. Caregivers may need to help in these cases, especially in seniors with medical problems, such as diabetes that can severely impact the feet, to ensure that feet and toenails are properly maintained.

Family caregivers should ensure that feet are kept clean and dry and monitor the toenails for deformities or misshapenness, trimming them as necessary. They should also examine the feet for any fungal infections, sores, cuts or cracking from dryness. These conditions can lead to disease, infection and amputation in seniors with diabetes and other medical conditions, so they need to be addressed promptly by medical professionals. Caregivers can also aid with circulation by providing a stool for senior individuals to elevate their feet, and by providing ample opportunities for the older individual to sit and rest when out walking.

Courtesy of  The Las Cruces Sun-News

Fall Prevention for the Elderly

During the past several decades, the elderly population in the United States has been steadily increasing.  This trend is expected to continue.  This continued growth will place burdens on the nations healthcare system.

For older people, falls present a serious risk of injury or even death.  Prevention of falls in older adults is a top health priority in the United States.
                    
A comprehensive fall risk assessment and subsequent intervention to identify risks is an effective strategy to reduce falls in older people.  Traditional prevention programs have targeted muscle weakness of the legs, general balance improvements, medication intervention and environmental modifications.  Foot problems, however have been relatively neglected.  Footwear selection is important for older adults and could impact the risk of falling.  Use of non-slip socks can also be of value.  The use of custom made orthotics or insoles in the proper shoes also can provide significant improvement in regard to the prevention of falls.  Foot and ankle exercises that increase strength, flexibility, balance and functional ability are all valuable in the prevention of falls in older people.

Dr. Evan B. Kelner D.P.M.

OCEAN TOWNSHIP OFFICE

1398 Highway 35

Ocean, NJ 07712

(732) 988-0070

TOMS RIVER OFFICE

191 Highway 37 W

Toms River, NJ 08755

(732) 286-9200

Orthotics

One of the most common questions that I encounter from patients who suffer from heal or arch pain is what is the long term solution to this painful condition.  The answer often surprises them.  For many people suffering from foot pain, orthotics are the solution they are looking for.
                 
Orthotics are devises that fit into shoes or sneakers that correct the positional deficiency of the foot and provide the proper support that footwear itself cannot provide.  All orthotics though are not created equally.  Custom made orthotics are fabricated from an impression of the feet in a very specific position.  For some who's condition is not yet severe, off the shelf orthotics may adequately address the problem.  Beware however of claims of "instant custom made" orthotics such as those seen in some large stores.  These orthotics are generally low quality and very overpriced.
                 
A quality custom made orthotic will change the mechanical function of the foot.  It works dynamically during weight bearing activities like walking, running, and standing.  A good orthotic can prevent pain and deformities such as bunions, plantar fascitiis, and hammertoes.  They may even prevent surgery!
                 
Looking for a long term solution for foot pain?  Look into a great quality custom made orthotic.

Dr. Evan B. Kelner D.P.M.

OCEAN TOWNSHIP OFFICE

1398 Highway 35

Ocean, NJ 07712

(732) 988-0070

TOMS RIVER OFFICE

191 Highway 37 W

Toms River, NJ 08755

(732) 286-9200

                                                       

What is a corn and what can be done about it?

One of the most common complaints seen in my office in 23 years of private practice is the simple corn.  Everyone has heard of corns and many of us have experienced the pain of a corn, but do we really understand what it is?
             
A corn is a thickened, hardened area of skin normally caused by excessive pressure or friction on the skin.  Most often this is due to an enlargement of bone that rubs the skin against the shoe..  With repeated pressure the skin builds thickened layers of hard tissue that causes excessive pressure to the area.  The result can be pain with every step you take.
             
Treatment by a podiatrist would consist of carefully cutting out the hard tissue and thus relieving all the pressure it causes.  The problem is, corns often come back because the rubbing on the skin is still often there.  Changes in shoe type (generally softer, more accommodating shoes) will often be enough to prevent the corn from returning.  Foam toe spacers, toe sleeves or pads are also a good conservative way to prevent pressure to the toe.
             
Especially problematic is when a corn occurs under a toenail.  This is often due to an enlarged bony spicule or a bone spur.  This can cause considerable discomfort at or under the nail.  Surgical excision of the bone spur is often necessary.  The most effective way to treat this condition is to make a small opening in the tip of the toe and insert a small surgical instrument to reduce or eliminate the spur.  The bone spur can easily be removed with this technique and helps insure a lasting result.  Healing is usually fast and uneventful.
             
Whether by conservative methods, or by surgery, there is a solution to the problem of corns.

Dr. Evan B. Kelner D.P.M.

OCEAN TOWNSHIP OFFICE

1398 Highway 35

Ocean, NJ 07712

(732) 988-0070

TOMS RIVER OFFICE

191 Highway 37 W

Toms River, NJ 08755

(732) 286-9200

SELECTING WALKING SHOES

Walking shoes are different from street shoes or running shoes.  Designed specifically for walking, they are more rigid and offer greater support than running shoes, but they absorb less shock. To select walking shoes from the numerous brands available, you should know something about shoe construction.
 -  walking shoes are usually lighter in weight than street shoes, but heavier than running shoes
 -  if you have flat feet, you may need to consider additional support at the heel or midsole
        
When you buy shoes, tell the salesperson what your level of activity will be.  Try on shoes with the socks you would normally wear when walking.  The shoes should feel comfortable as you soon as you first try them on.
       
Try several styles to make sure you find your best fit.  Remember, the shoes must feel "friendly" on your feet immediately, there is no such thing as a breaking in period.

Dr. Evan B. Kelner D.P.M.

OCEAN TOWNSHIP OFFICE

1398 Highway 35

Ocean, NJ 07712

(732) 988-0070

TOMS RIVER OFFICE

191 Highway 37 W

Toms River, NJ 08755

(732) 286-9200