Items filtered by date: December 2021

The bones in your child’s feet will develop over time— from the cartilage they were born with to ossified bones that are fully formed around the age of 18. For the first few months of their lives, babies’ feet are quite delicate. That is why the type of footwear you choose for your child is very important. You don’t want your child’s developing feet to be distorted by footwear that does not fit properly. Make sure footwear and socks are never tight. While your child’s feet are developing, the nerve endings in their feet are developing too and may not be able to signal if their feet are being squeezed or compressed. Since no two feet are the same, avoid hand-me-down shoes that may not be right for your child’s feet. Keep their toenails trimmed straight across without curving them or cutting them so short that it puts them at risk of developing an ingrown toenail. For more advice on how to best protect your child’s feet as they grow, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pregnant women often deal with various foot-related issues because of the added weight when carrying a baby. One of the most common foot-related issues during pregnancy is swollen feet. This occurs when there is an excess of fluid that builds up and travels down to the feet. Because of this, raising and elevating the feet as much as possible, as well as wearing wide comfortable shoes, can help reduce the swelling. Arch pain is another common issue in pregnancy and can be eased by stretching the feet in the morning as well as after exercise. Ingrown toenails may also develop during during pregnancy, and they are another reason why wearing wide shoes is important. Pregnant women who get ingrown toenails or are struggling with other foot-related issues and pain may wish to consult with a podiatrist for suggested treatment options.    

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Most runners experience injuries from time to time, and pushing the body too far is probably the most common cause of foot and ankle injuries. Stress fractures and heel pain can also be caused by inefficient running habits. Increasing your cadence slowly, (the number of steps per minute) can help to prevent injury. An efficient running cadence is thought to be between 85 and 100 steps per minute, counting on one leg. Anything under 75 may increase your chances of injury. Another way to avoid injury is to reduce the amount of time your feet are on the ground while running. A third suggestion is to slightly lean into the run and let gravity help propel you forward. These changes can help to reduce the impact that causes stress on the bones and muscles. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain while or after running, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible for a diagnosis and treatment plan before continuing activity.

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 Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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 one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Patients who have diabetes may experience a variety of foot related complications, and in severe cases those complications can lead to amputation. Because diabetes can cause patients to lose sensation in their feet, noticing problems can become very difficult. Diabetes can cause poor blood flow, a slowdown of healing in wounds on the feet, and an increased numbness of the feet and toes. This is why establishing a foot-care action plan with a podiatrist, as well as scheduling regular checkups is suggested. Some things that can be implemented daily include checking for wounds or sores, washing and drying the feet thoroughly, and protecting the feet with properly fitting footwear. A podiatrist will also be able to help treat wounds on the feet, as well as provide guidance on shoes specifically designed for diabetic patients.  

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially 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, as 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 one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.