Month: February 2020

Extra Weight Puts Extra Strain on Your Feet

Posted by drjills on in arch, Heel0 Comment

March is National Nutrition Month and at Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads we see this as an excellent opportunity to focus on the relationship between your weight and the health of your feet. Carrying excess pounds puts a strain on your feet. Being overweight puts you at greater risk for developing several types of foot disorders, and also increases the severity of existing podiatric problems. Two areas of the foot that are particularly impacted are the arch of the foot and the heel. If you picture your foot, it’s easy to see how being overweight can apply pressure to the arch. Patients who are overweight or pregnant have a greater chance of developing flat feet. If you suffer with flat feet, we offer several products that may help while you work on correcting the underlying cause. Our Full-Length Orthotics, Arch Steppers and Gel Arch Pads may all decrease pain and discomfort. Flattening of the arch of the foot can cause inflammation of the plantar fascia which in turn can lead to heel pain. Your Podiatrist will develop a treatment plan for dealing with your heel pain. You may also find relief by using our Gel Heel Pads, Gel Heel Cup or our Gel Heel Sleeve.

Weight Loss Tips

Of course, taking off extra pounds will help with both arch and heel issues. Below are some steps to take to start changing your eating habits. Aim for small changes that you can make permanently.

  • Drink more water. Believe it or not, many people mistake thirst for hunger. Drinking more water will help you feel full. Try having an 8-ounce glass before each meal.
  • Re-think your plate. Start by filling half your plate with vegetables and/or salad. Then use one of the remaining quarters for lean protein and the last quarter for starches/carbohydrates.
  • Take home a doggy bag. Most restaurants serve oversized portions. Ask for a takeout container when your meal is served and put ½ of it away immediately to take home.
  • Plan ahead. Focus in on healthy snack and meal choices and shop accordingly. Having healthy foods on hand and planning meals will stop the “grazing” and reduce the calories you consume.

Regardless of the cause of your foot pain, we have products that can help. You can see all of our products on our online catalog. All items are easily ordered online, and we offer free shipping on orders of $25 or more. Contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Podiatric Care Can Lower Fall Risk

Posted by drjills on in Hammer Toe, Toe, toenail0 Comment

A recently released study showed that podiatric services as part of multi-pronged approach to senior health care resulted in a significant decrease in the rate of falls among older patients. At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we are not surprised by these findings. There are several facets of podiatric care that come into play here:

  • Routine checkups and preventive care
  • Patient education
  • Footwear and orthotics
  • Foot and ankle exercises

All of these types of care work together to reduce foot discomfort and decrease risks associated with falls. In addition, podiatrists and their staff are in a unique position to spot issues of postural instability, footwear and gait. Determining the cause of the abnormality can then lead to proper treatment and/or referral to other healthcare professionals who can help correct the underlying problem and thus prevent a fall.

A Multi-Faceted Approach

The condition and function of your feet impacts your ability to stay upright in several ways. Improper foot function and foot pain can lead to balance issues that increase fall risk. If you suffer with bunions or hammertoes, for example, the deformed position of your toes can lead to an unstable gait and pain that may cause you to alter the way you walk. Using our Spreader with Bunion Combo helps align toes in the proper position and decreases pressure from footwear. Similarly, our Budin Splint for one, two or three toes, gently straightens bent toes and allows them to bear weight normally. In some cases, it’s not major biomechanical problems that raise fall risk. Even minor, commonplace foot problems like an ingrown toenail can generate enough pain to precipitate a fall. While you’re receiving treatment, use our All Gel Toe Cap or our Gel and Fabric Toe Cap to minimize the pain and decrease friction from footwear.

Good podiatric care and relieving foot conditions that cause pain or balance impairment can go a long way to reducing the chance of a fall occurring. View all of our helpful products on our online catalog to find out what we offer. All items are easily ordered online, and we are offering free shipping on orders of $25 or more. Contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Weather-Proof Your Exercise Plan with Mall Walking

Posted by drjills on in arch, Heel0 Comment

At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we know that nothing can entice you to skip your fitness walk faster than a snowy, cold or rainy day. Fortunately, mall walking provides the perfect, “no excuses” venue to meet your step goals. In fact, studies show that shopping malls are the second most popular place for walking after neighborhoods. Malls offer several additional advantages besides controlled climate:

  • Generally accessible
  • Level surfaces free of rocks, acorns or other objects that cause you to trip
  • Benches for resting
  • Restrooms always close by

Gearing Up

Of course, one thing that is the same whether you walk in a mall or somewhere else is the need for good walking shoes and proper attention to foot ailments. Patients with chronically weak ankles may want to choose “high top” style sneakers for additional support. Our Gel Malleolar Sleeve can also help. It cushions and protects the ankle, protecting it from impact and injury. Patients who suffer with flat feet need to be sure that their walking shoes offer good arch support or they may experience arch and/or heel pain. Gel Arch Pads and our Arch Steppers can increase comfort and help decrease the risk of conditions such as plantar fasciitis. If heel pain is already an issue, consider the Gel Heel Cup or an Adjustable Heel Lift to get relief.

Benefits of Walking

Walking can improve your health in many ways, including:

  • Reduces your risk for heart disease and high blood pressure
  • Lowers blood sugar
  • Decreases stress
  • Helps maintain a healthy weight
  • Keeps joints flexible
  • Improves circulation

If you have a foot or ankle condition that causes you discomfort when you walk, view all of our products through our online catalog to find out what we offer to make this form of exercise more comfortable for you. All items are easily ordered online and or you can contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Foot Problems Plague Football Players

Posted by drjills on in Achilles Tendonitis, Heel, plantar fasciitis, Toe, Turf Toe0 Comment

Well, Super Bowl 54 is in the books and at Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads we want to take this opportunity to talk about some of the injuries commonly associated with the game. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an NFL pro, there are certain foot and ankle problems that are seen more frequently due to the movements required for the sport.

Achilles tendonitis—this is an inflammation of the long tendon that runs along the back of your lower leg connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone. A sudden burst of physical activity as well as repetitive motions that puts stress on the tendon such as sprints and hill climbing can all cause inflammation or rupture. Exercises that stretch and strengthen the calf can help. To get relief from Achilles tendonitis we recommend our Achilles Heel Sleeve or heel lifts. We offer several types of lifts including Adjustable Heel Lifts, and those made of cork and felt.

Plantar Fasciitis—running up and down the field puts a strain on the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that traces the bottom of the foot, which in turn can cause severe heel pain. Wearing shoes with good arch support off the field and keeping the plantar fascia well stretched can decrease symptoms. Our Arch Binder and Plantar Fasciitis Arch Sleeve apply gentle but firm support, while our Gel Heel Cup will protect your heel and lessen pain.

Turf Toe—another common injury to football players is Turf Toe. It is actually a sprain of the big toe and is the result of excessive pushing upward of the big toe joint that happens when running, pushing off and jumping, particularly if you play on an artificial turf field. Football players suffer the largest number of turf toe injuries. Our Carbon Stabilizer Plates are helpful in preventing or limiting turf toe injuries because they stiffen the sole of the shoe and limit the range of motion of the forefoot.

No matter what your sport, we have products that will help increase comfort and decrease risk of injury. To see all of our products, view our online catalog. All of our products can be easily ordered through our website or contact  us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).