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Workers can help prevent foot injuries in the workplace by wearing protective footwear suited to their job environment. Steel toe shoes provide strong protection against heavy objects and compression hazards, making them ideal for construction and industrial settings. Alloy toe shoes offer similar protection while being lighter in weight, reducing strain on the feet during long shifts. Composite toe shoes are made from non-metal materials, providing protection without conducting heat or electricity, which is beneficial in certain work environments. In addition to toe protection, footwear should fit properly, have slip-resistant soles, have adequate arch support and cushioning to reduce fatigue, and improve comfort. If you develop foot pain while working, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can guide you on what type of shoes to wear during your work day.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A plantar fibroma is a benign growth that develops in the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. This firm lump is usually found in the arch and may cause discomfort or pain, especially when walking or standing for long periods. Symptoms include a noticeable mass under the skin, tenderness, and pressure-related pain. The exact cause is not always clear, but trauma to the foot, certain medications, and improper footwear may contribute to its development. Some health conditions, including diabetes and liver disease associated with alcoholism, have also been linked to plantar fibromas. Treatment options focus on reducing discomfort through orthotics and stretching, as well as other medical interventions. If you have one or more lumps on the sole of your foot, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Swollen feet and ankles are a common issue for diabetic patients due to circulation problems and fluid buildup. High blood sugar can weaken blood vessels to the lower limbs and feet. This may result in poor circulation and venous insufficiency, allowing fluid to collect in the feet and ankles. Some people who have diabetes are at higher risk for blood clots, which may cause swelling in one leg and require immediate medical attention. Certain medications used to manage diabetes also can also cause fluid retention, which increases the likelihood of swelling. Left untreated, persistent swelling of the feet and ankles may lead to infections or ulcers that can be difficult to heal. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause of swelling, check for underlying complications, and recommend treatment, including medical management, specialized footwear, or surgery when necessary. If you have swollen feet that may be linked to diabetes, it is suggested that you make a podiatrist a part of your medical management team. 

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 Family Foot Care. 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 our offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.