Chronic Ankle Pain – Why You Have it and What to Do!

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Any nagging ache or pain can be just that – a real pain! When it happens to occur in your foot or ankle, it can really impact your quality of life. Simple tasks can become difficult and you realize how much you rely on your feet to get through the day.

Is chronic ankle pain something you are tired of dealing with? Numerous conditions can cause this and because it can lead to tissue damage and possible disability, it is worth getting to the bottom of why you have it and what you can do to keep it from getting worse.

When patients come in to Central Connecticut Footcare Center with persistent pain, we often start by asking about footwear. Shoes with tight toe boxes and higher heels don’t allow your feet to function properly, even if you claim to be comfortable! Good shoes help your feet gain strength and flexibility and without those and the proper support, pain can lurk around the corner.

Two other reasons for your sore ankles could be osteoarthritis and tarsal tunnel syndrome. The first is a degenerative joint disease typically affecting older people, while the latter can be caused by an ankle injury, bone spurs or having a condition such as diabetes. Our podiatrist, Dr. Tina Boucher will be able to find the root of your pain, get you on a tailored treatment plan and help you back to the freedom of living life without ankle pain!

How long have you been suffering, hoping your nagging problem will just go away? If you are like most people, your answer is probably far too long! Allow us to help get you back on your feet. Make an appointment at our Meriden, CT office today by calling (203) 238-3668 – you have nothing lose but that annoying pain!

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Benefits of Cycling & How to Protect Your Feet!

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What are the benefits of cycling?

From the start, when cycling was first invented in the early 1900s, it has been a sport embraced by all ages. More than 100 million Americans enjoy cycling and are reaping the benefits. It doesn’t matter if you are biking to work, running errands or joining a road race, hopping on a bike is good for your body!

As far as burned calories go, cycling at a moderate to fast pace for 30 minutes can help you burn up to 300 calories. Biking is a great cardiovascular exercise that also helps strengthen your muscles. It is also a lower-impact form of exercise, which spares joints some of the stress that other types of exercise can put on your body. 

Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT is all about helping her active patients protect their feet. Some of the common cycling injuries she treats are: shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis and foot numbness and pain. Over activity, lack of proper body alignment and poor footwear can each cause injury.

Your feet are transferring energy to the pedals in every push making proper shoes essential, even for a casual stroll through your neighborhood. If you are going to do more serious cycling, your shoes should have a stiff sole and fit snugly around your heel and the bridge of your foot. Look for ventilated uppers and avoid any shoes with loose straps or laces that could be hazardous. Also, bring your socks with you when you go to try on shoes to ensure you get the right fit.

If your feet are in pain at every turn of the pedal, take a break and come in and see Dr. Boucher. She can evaluate the cause of your foot pain and provide the right course of treatment. You can make an appointment at our podiatric office by calling (203) 238-3668 or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Finding a Great Pair of Ice Skates

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Whether you are hitting the ice for leisure, exercise or competition, a great pair of skates that fit you well is important. Having the right skates will make it easier to learn, keep you more stable and lessen the chance of injury.

Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT treats athletes and sports enthusiasts on a regular basis. Your feet play the most important role in any activity you do and keeping them safe and healthy will keep you staying active.

Here are a few tips to follow when trying to find the right pair of ice skates:

• First of all, visit a reputable store with employees who know how to fit ice skates. They can help you find a pair appropriate to your level and answer any questions you may have.

• Look for skates made of good quality leather, as they will provide the most support. A more expensive pair will also provide a higher quality of boot and blade.

• If you are just going to skate, stay away from hockey or speed skates unless you plan on learning those sports.

• Avoid wearing bulky, thick socks as it can affect finding the proper fit.

• Keep in mind that skates often run a half-size smaller than shoes. Skates should fit snugly but you should be able to wiggle your toes.

• Lace them up in the store properly to get a true feel for how they fit. When you flex your foot forward, you should be able to fit two fingers into the back of the boot.

If you are dreaming of gliding and spinning on the ice but are sidelined with foot pain, let us help you. Make an appointment with Dr. Boucher today for expert advice, diagnosis and treatment. You can call our podiatric office at (203) 238-3668 or find more information at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Talking About Turf Toe

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If you have stubbed your toe in the middle of the night or had it injured during a game, you can attest to the pain such a little thing can bring! Your big toe may be small when compared to other parts of your body but an injury such as turf toe can sideline any athlete or weekend warrior.

Turf toe is a big toe injury that occurs when the big toe joint is hyper-extended. It can happen when the toe is jammed suddenly or through a repetitive pushing off action such as what happens when running or jumping. It is a very common injury seen in football players who play on artificial turf, hence the name of the injury. Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT sees turf toe occur in other as well such as: gymnastics, dance, basketball, soccer and wrestling.

Turf toe is actually a sprain to the ligaments around the big toe joint. Common symptoms associated with turf toe include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Limited movement of the big toe joint

Continuing to engage in activity or play sports with this injury will only cause it to worsen. It is important to treat turf toe at the onset to get you back in the game quickly. Dr. Boucher offers patients with turf toe several effective treatment options that include: anti-inflammatory medications, rest, icing, compression, elevation, taping and change of footwear.

Contact our conveniently located podiatric office and make an appointment if you feel you may have suffered a turf toe injury. Call (203) 238-3668 or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Staying Fit During the Winter – Part 1

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The winter months can be depressing with the snow and lack of sunshine at times. It can also be hard to stay in shape when it is cold outside or you just can’t find the energy to do anything after the holidays.

Don’t give up

Keeping fit is important. Whatever it is you do, do it. Maintaining a good level of fitness keeps your heart healthy, your weight down and your stress levels at a minimum. Find something that can work within your schedule and that you will enjoy doing.

Join a local gym and take in some classes. If that is not possible, borrow or invest in a treadmill, exercise bike or elliptical. They can be used in the warmth of your house at any time. Get a used TV and watch your favorite shows or movie to pass the time!

Find some buddies. Everything is more fun with company and it will keep you accountable. Find some neighbors and form a walking or running group or just sign up for a class together. It will keep you motivated and make things more enjoyable.

Take the winter as an opportunity to try something new. Maybe there is a winter sport or activity that would be fun to try. Skating, snowboarding and skiing are great ways to stay fit and fun things to do with kids as well.

Winter can bring its challenges and keeping your feet safe and healthy is also important. Whatever activity you choose, wear appropriate footwear and pay attention to any problems or pain.

See Dr. Tina Boucher, a foot specialist in Meriden, CT if you need treatment. Call our podiatric office today at (203) 238-3668 to schedule an appointment or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Good Boots, Good Fit and Happy Feet!

Boot with wooden sole and leather upper, made by the Danish company Sanita. Colour wood and light blue. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As cooler weather approaches you are probably looking for that must have pair of boots to go with almost any outfit. You want something versatile, warm and outrageously sexy. You can get all three in one pair if you do some looking, but the important thing to keep in mind is function over fashion. You always want to consider the overall welfare of your feet.

When contemplating what would be the perfect pair to complement your winter wardrobe, you may want to consider the following:

• Color

• Shaft height

• Heel height

• Construction

• Heel and sole composition

The style that most adequately answers this call to duty is the leather riding style boot. They are well constructed and easily water-proof for protection against wet and salt. Also, it is easy to re-treat them as needed. The leather riding style boots are durable and function well.

If you are more of the cowboy boot type, they are a great boot for autumn, but don’t carry through to winter well because of the smooth leather soles. They come in an endless variety of colors and designs and are great with jeans, slacks and just about all casual wear. They are great for both guys and gals, but there are some fitting details you should be aware of.

• Make sure the shank fits your foot. The break in the boot should coincide with your arch.

• The ball of your foot needs to settle into the widest part of the boot.

• Try the pinch test for width. Try to pinch leather between your thumb and forefinger across the foot top of the boot. There should be a small allowance for movement, but not enough excess material to grasp.

Inappropriate and poor fitting shoes can cause a multitude of foot problems. Never force your foot to fit the boot. Boots needs to conform to your foot. Also, shop for shoes in the afternoon when your feet are apt to be a bit swollen. Don’t think footwear will feel better once they are broken in. If they don’t fit in the store, the situation will not improve at home. As heel height increases, so does the pressure on the ball of the foot and toes. Keep heel height to two inches or less. Dr. Boucher has other excellent shoe fitting advice on her website - http://www.centralctfootcare.com/library/3778/GettingaProperFit.html.

If you have foot pain, call Dr. Boucher for an accurate diagnosis at (203)238-3668. She can send you home feeling better than when you walked in. Getting help for your foot pain is a first step in the right direction.

References:

http://www.ehow.com/info_8099480_types-make-legs-look-longer.html
http://houstonfootspecialists.blogspot.com/2012/03/correct-fit-in-cowboy-boots-lesson-in.html

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Sock It to Me

Eight girls wearing toe socks (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Socks are a vital part of foot health and safety. If you look for a great pair of socks and expect a quick find, think again. You will have to consider what activity you are participating in, then select socks that meet all the criteria necessary for a pleasant experience. Outdoors can be tough on your feet, so let’s walk that walk first.

There are 250 thousand sweat glands on your feet. All operate at peak performance meaning your socks better be up to a lot of moisture wicking capability or else you will drown in your shoes. Well, probably not, but you will need to choose a sock that is either merino wool or synthetic, or a combination of both. This will allow you with the moisture wicking properties necessary to keep your feet dry and prevent blisters.

Socks will need to fit your foot because if they are too long they will bunch in the toes causing discomfort, and if they are too short they will slide down into your shoe. If you’re hiking you will have to get socks that come just above your boot tops, which will prevent abrasion from boot tops. Socks can be manufactured with extra padding or cushioning at the heel and ball of foot. This increases the density of the stitches PSI or you can weave in tough, long wearing material like acrylic. Make sure socks, with all their extra cushioning, fit into your shoes or boots without feeling tight.

As a review, please remember that a great pair of general purpose outdoorsy type socks will include:

• Keep your feet dry. Dry feet will prevent blisters and provide comfort in a variety of situations. Your best fabric selections are merino wool, synthetic or a combination. Avoid the old cotton tube socks because they absorb sweat, are quick to saturate, and slow to dry.

• Have protection for your feet. Provide a little cushioning so your feet do not feel the impact of running and hiking.

• You need a perfect fit. Fit your feet properly with socks. If your socks are, too long or too short, a foot injury is likely to result.

You probably don’t think of socks in the “high tech” sense, but advancements in fabrics and design allow the creation of an entire line of specialized socks. Such socks include liner socks, waterproof socks, heated socks and toe socks. Toe socks are like a glove for your foot. When designed with seamless construction, they prevent blisters from occurring between the toes. They may not be ideal for all pursuits, but try them for running and hiking. You can learn more about specialized socks at your local sporting goods retailer.

Before you get off on the great adventure, make sure your feet are in shape. Call Dr. Boucher at (203) 238-3668 and address any outstanding foot concerns with her.

References:

http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/socks.html

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Capsulitis: Take Time Now and Get it Treated

Right knee. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Two bones coming together in the body form a joint. Joints are what allow the body to move. Capsular ligaments surround the joint. They are tough cord like structures that are similar in strength to tough leather. They hold the bones together in alignment and allow the joint to move within its appropriate range. Bones are tougher than ligaments and have strength more in the range of low grade steel. With ligaments holding the joint together, if a traumatic injury occurs, since the ligaments are the weaker of the two structures, they give way first. Faulty biomechanical structure can also cause stress that results in an injury.

Activities done every day may contribute to stress that leads to injury. Some of the day to day activities that you do that may be contributing factors include:

• Stooping while gardening
• Squatting down frequently
• Climbing ladders
• Working close to the ground or floor
• Wearing high heels

All of these activities force the body into a position where the toes are excessively bent and a great deal of pressure is placed on the toes. Eventually, this constant overstretching occurs and capsulitis sets in. If the aggravating activity continues the injury becomes more serious and takes longer period of time to heal.

The pain caused by capsulitis is a continual nagging discomfort. At times the pain may closely resemble that of Morton’s neuroma, making it difficult or somewhat confusing to diagnose. A clear history of prior foot injuries, complaints and activities may assist Dr. Boucher with her evaluation, so a patient should be prepared to answer questions. You should contact Dr. Boucher if you suspect you have capsulitis.

Fortunately, there are conservative treatments that should help with the discomfort. These may include:

• Oral anti-inflammatory medications
• Cortisone injections
• Topical analgesics

You need to avoid the aggravating activity as much as possible and protect your feet by wearing shoes that have a more durable sole. Avoid flip-flops, high heels, boat shoes, skimmers and flats. These shoes have flimsy soles and will not protect your feet. Call Dr. Boucher at (203) 238-3668 if you suspect you have capsulitis. A delay in treatment will worsen the condition and extend the recovery time.

References:

http://www.centralctfootcare.com/library/3763/Capsulitis.html
http://www.foot-pain-explained.com/capsulitis.html

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Summertime Blues - The Water’s Edge; Appropriate Water Footwear

HDRI photograph of sunset on Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Summer is almost here. Schools everywhere are letting out and families are trying to figure out the whole vacation thing. Whether you choose inland lakes, beautiful coastal regions, or the azure blue of the Caribbean, the allure of the water is sure to play a part in your vacation. However, remember that there is no time to relax your foot care routine while on vacation. Protect your feet because not only are injuries and ailments inconvenient to your vacation plans, but they can also be painful and cause you to miss out on a lot of the action. Even what seems harmless, like an easy stroll on the beach, can hide dangers. Protect your feet with appropriate footwear at all times, even while in the water.

Shoe manufacturers make it so easy now with the quick dry materials, open ventilation and multifunctional water shoes. Just grab a pair and go.
 
Pools

If you are at poolside, not only do these provide hazard protection from deck slippage, but they can protect from hidden dangers in the water.  One such hidden danger is broken glass on the pool bottom or rough tile edges, both capable of cutting your feet. You don’t want to be the one that’s bleeding in the pool. Another danger of public pool areas is athlete’s foot fungus, which loves moist and damp areas. This is the same fungus which can invade your toenails.  So now you’ve progressed from a minor ailment to a major catastrophe, which can become a very lengthy battle and one that is difficult to win.
 
Beaches

If you’re drawn to the beaches, keep water shoes on your feet if you plan on getting wet, or sandals while on the dry sand. Hidden objects lay just below the surface, such as coral, rocks, broken glass, metal and sticks that can cause lacerations and puncture wounds. Openings in the skin then allow bacteria to enter the body.
 
Lakes

If you enjoy inland lakes and waterways, there is appropriate footwear for canoeing, kayaking, walking shorelines and fording streams.

Water shoes are a critical element in swimming and fitness. They are the first line of defense that protects your feet from injuries and bacteria.  If the unthinkable happens and you are injured, contact Dr. Boucher at (203) 238-3668. Her expert healing hands can get you right back to having fun, just like life was meant to be.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC Podiatrist Meriden CT http://www.centralctfootcare.com Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today! Copies will be sent to Connecticut residents only.

References:

http://gmagoldie.hubpages.com/hub/002-EZ-Swimmer-Swim-Shoes-Are-Essential

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AAAAAHHH the Comfort of Aetrex

English: Line art drawing of shoe. Suomi: Piirustus kengästä. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Aetrex shoes are on the cutting edge of technology with comfort of the wearer in mind. Aetrex has been around since the mid 40s, but has recently released new state of the art developments that prove their commitment to their customers.

First, Aetrex has introduced the iStep, a digital scanning device with pressure sensors. This device can scan your foot for correct size, determine your arch type and locate pressure points. With all this information, Aetrex can then place you in a shoe and recommend orthotics to correct your balance and help you to lead a healthier more pain free life. The first step to comfort is proper fit. Your foot changes throughout your life. If proper fit is not attained, it can lead to chronic foot problems.

Secondly, Aetrex has developed Mozaic Customization Technology to work in conjunction with the iStep. After the iStep has identified the pressure points on your foot, peel away the pieces of the Mozaic Customization insole where the areas of discomfort are, then replace the insole into the shoe. The result is foot comfort as never before experienced. Finally, a shoe fit without pressure. If you have diabetes, these shoes could be the long waited answer to your prayers.

If you have years of foot problems and discomfort that is driving you to frustration, get ready to experience the relief of your life. The technology and innovativeness behind Aetrex shoes is nothing short of amazing. It’s all done with the customer in mind.

Aetrex offers a complete line of footwear, including casual shoes, dress shoes, athletic shoes, clogs, casual sandals, dress sandals, tall boots and short boots, in men’s and women’s. Aetrex also offers multiple widths, which further allows you a more customized fit. If you have not yet experienced the iStep and Mozaic Customization systems, hurry off to an Aetrex store and find the relief you are seeking.

If you have foot pain, hurry of to Dr. Boucher and have her do a thorough examination and evaluation of your feet and ankles. Once your problem is diagnosed, she can develop a treatment plan customized to your feet. Call (203) 238-3668 and let her healing hands go to work.

References:

http://www.aetrex.com/pages/The-3-Essentials.html
http://www.aetrex.com/pages/videos.html

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