Spring Fever Can Lead to Achilles Injuries

Posted by drjills on in Achilles Tendonitis, arch, Heel0 Comment

At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we know that when Spring arrives many people find new motivation to get outside and exercise. This is particularly true if you live in a part of the country where cold weather and icy, slippery conditions have kept you confined to home for the winter months. While increasing physical activity is a good thing, it can be harmful to your lower extremities if you don’t undertake a new exercise regimen properly. One area that Podiatrists frequently treat for injuries in relation to sports and fitness activities is the Achilles tendon.

Your Achilles tendon is a long, strong band of tissue that runs along the back of your lower leg, connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone. It is also known as the heel cord. It helps raise your heel off the ground. A sudden increase in physical activity, however, can result in inflammation and injury to the Achilles tendon. Too much stress applied too quickly to the tendon results in micro tears and pain. In addition, patients with excessive pronation or flat feet are at a higher risk for Achilles issues.

Tips to Alleviating Achilles Pain

We offer several products that can help with Achilles problems. Our Achilles Heel Sleeve is designed to relieve sore, fatigued or injured Achilles tendons. Soft gel pads protect the Achilles tendon area at the back of the heel from friction while simultaneously compressing and reducing pressure around sore areas. Our Adjustable Heel Lifts can also help. These consist of three layers of resilient rubber that are tapered for comfort. One or two layers can be peeled off to adjust to perfect heel height. If flat feet are the source of your Achilles discomfort you may want to try our Arch Steppers. Other ways to decrease the likelihood of Achilles problems include:

  • Starting up a new workout routine slowly and gradually increasing intensity and duration
  • Working out consistently–“weekend warriors” who are inactive Monday to Friday tend to have a higher risk for Achilles injuries
  • Always warm up properly before exercise and be sure to stretch your calf muscles

We have many products that can help you exercise safely and effectively. 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).

March Madness Highlights Basketball Injuries

Posted by drjills on in plantar fasciitis, Turf Toe0 Comment

It’s almost time for March Madness and at Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads we know many people are looking forward to this exciting basketball event. Viewers may also see a wide variety of foot and ankle injuries occurring on the court. Basketball, like all sports, makes unique demands on your feet and can result in several different kinds of foot and ankle trouble.

Cushion the Blow

When you think of basketball you think of players pounding up and down the court. This repetitive impact puts a lot of pressure on the ball of your foot and heels.

Plantar fasciitis—an inflammation of the plantar fascia which runs along the bottom of your foot—is a common and chronic problem for many players that causes heel and arch pain. Correcting technique and wearing basketball sneakers with better arch support can help. So can using our Plantar Fasciitis Arch Sleeve or our Moleskin Plantar Fascial Straps.

Metatarsalgia and Sesamoiditis—these are conditions that are brought about by excess pounding on the ball of the foot and the metatarsals. Stress fractures are also not uncommon. Protecting the vulnerable areas are key. Our Gel Dancer’s Pad allows you to shift weight away from sore metatarsals and cushions the ball of the foot. Superior protection can also be provided by our Flat Gel Metatarsal Strap Cushion.

Twists and Turns and Sudden Stops

In addition to constant pounding, your feet have to make a lot of sudden stops and starts and changes of direction as well as pushing off to shoot and score consistently. This increases the risk of turf toe, a sprain of the big toe. Our Carbon Stabilizer Plates can reduce the risk for this disorder. Another helpful product is our Turf Toe/Bunion Strap.

Ankle sprains and Achilles tendon problems are also common among basketball players. Injuries to these areas requires proper rest, exercises and full rehabilitation in order to prevent them from sidelining a player. We recommend our Achilles Heel Sleeve and our Gel Malleolar Sleeve to help in these areas.

No matter what your favorite sport is, we have products that can protect your feet. 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).

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).

Walk Your Way to a Healthier Heart

Posted by drjills on in Bunion, Corns, Toe0 Comment

February 7th is National Wear Red Day sponsored by the American Heart Association to highlight awareness of women’s heart disease issues as part of American Heart Month. At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we know there is a real connection between foot and heart health. Heart disease impedes circulation which can lead to devastating foot problems. Conversely, your feet play an essential role in allowing you to stay active—a key component in a lifestyle that battles against heart disease. Consider these statistics:

  • Heart disease is the number one killer of women, taking more lives than all types of cancer combined.
  • Heart disease is responsible for the deaths of one in three women.
  • Heart disease is known as the “silent killer.” Often, there are no warning signs or symptoms before a first heart attack.

The good news is that you can take steps to significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. One very important way to do this is by staying physically active and exercising regularly. At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we know this is difficult to do if your feet hurt or you have a chronic foot problem that makes fitness activities painful. That’s why we offer many products that can help relieve foot pain and make working out more comfortable. Here’s a sampling of how we can help you avoid foot discomfort and stay active.

Bunions produce a large protuberance at the base of the big toe that develops as a result of the joint becoming enlarged and moving out of place. As a bunion progresses, it becomes more painful to wear shoes. Our Gel Bunion Cushion, Bunion Care Compression Sleeve and our Slip On Felt Bunion Pad can bring swift relief.  If an ingrown toenail has created a sore toe, try our All Gel Toe Cap or our Gel and Fabric Toe Cap. Painful corns? Gel Corn Pads and Foam Toe Tubes can protect and increase comfort.

Whatever is impeding your ability to exercise, chances are we have a product that can help. Check our online catalog for a complete listing of what we offer. All of our products can be easily ordered through our website or contact  our friendly and professional staff for help by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Don’t Get Sidelined with Plantar Fasciitis

Posted by drjills on in arch, Heel, plantar fasciitis0 Comment

What do Peyton Manning, Albert Pujols, Ryan Hall and Stephanie Catley all have in common? They are all professional athletes who have suffered with plantar fasciitis at one time or another during their careers. At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we know that this condition affects both professional and amateur athletes. Plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the plantar fascia—a long band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot—can cause pain in the arch of the foot or the heel. There are a variety of factors that can increase your risk for this condition including:

  • Biomechanical issues such as flatfeet or overly high arches
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Playing on hard, flat surfaces
  • Being overweight

If your Podiatrist diagnoses plantar fasciitis there are a number of nonsurgical treatment options and suggestions that may help:

  • Limiting physical activities for a time to give your heel and arch a rest
  • Stretching and physical therapy—exercises that give calf muscles a good stretch can ease pain
  • Don’t walk barefoot—it puts extra strain on the plantar fascia
  • Change to shoes that have better arch support and a slightly raised heel
  • Night splint to help keep the plantar fascia stretched overnight and reduce early morning pain that is characteristic of this condition.

At Dr. Jill’s, we offer several products that can relieve pain caused by plantar fasciitis and help reduce inflammation of the plantar fascia including, Gel Heel Cup, Plantar Fasciitis Arch Sleeve, Arch Binder and our Plantar Fascial Straps – Moleskin.

We offer a wide variety of products that can help improve your comfort and performance when doing sports. Check our online catalog for a complete listing. All of our products can be easily ordered through our website or contact  our friendly and professional staff for help by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

3 Products to Help with Hammertoes

Posted by drjills on in Hammer Toe0 Comment

At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we know that hammertoes can be extremely debilitating. At first, you may just notice a slight contracture of a toe. Over time, however, the toe becomes more bent and increasingly rigid. Your Podiatrist can help determine the cause and best treatment for your hammertoe. One way to bring relief for hammertoes and also slow their progression is by making appropriate footwear choices. Avoid shoes styles that have narrow or pointy toe boxes and high heels as these force the foot forward and put extra pressure on the toes. Below are 3 products we offer that can help with this common condition.

  1. Wrap Straps – our unique wrap can secure two or three toes together to help re-position a hammertoe. Adjustable Velcro closure ensures a proper fit. Our Wrap Straps can be cut for optimal sizing. They feature soft, foam cushioning to ease irritation and friction from footwear rubbing on the top of your toe. Constructed of thin, comfortable material, these straps can be worn underneath any socks and shoes.
  2. 1 Toe Gel Crest Pad – this pad made of Premier Gel has a soft stretchy gel loop that slips easily but securely over your toe. The 1 Toe Gel Crest is a versatile product which can be used multiple ways. It is able to elevate and lift the tips of toes and also to hold down a toe that is moving out of place. These pads are washable and can be reused many times for a comfortable and economical aid in treating hammertoes.
  3. Gel and Fabric Toe Cap – simply slip on the soft, expandable gel pad over your hammertoe for instant relief from the pressure of footwear. Designed for use in all styles of footwear, the Gel and Fabric Toe Cap – has a padded toe tip. An additional benefit it offers is a slow release of mineral oil which softens and moisturizes the skin of the toe.
  4. All Gel Toe Caps – latex free, these Gel Toe Caps slip on easily and creates instant relief by cushioning the tips of the your toes.
  5. Ribbed Gel Toe Caps – fully lined with gel to alleviate any discomfort with your toes. Conveniently sold in S/M, L/XL which comes with 6 caps per bag and XXL comes with 2 caps per bag.

We offer a wide variety of products for all types of foot disorders. Check our online catalog for a complete listing. All of our products can be easily ordered through our website or contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Relief for Painful Calluses

Posted by drjills on in Callus0 Comment

At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we know that calluses can make everyday activities like standing and walking extremely painful. What causes a callus to form? Calluses can be a sign of repeated pressure being applied to a part of your foot or rubbing of socks or shoes that don’t fit properly. Over time, layers of skin build up as a way of protecting a sore spot. It may be necessary for a Podiatrist to examine your feet and determine the underlying cause of the callus before it can be eliminated. Patients are advised not to attempt “bathroom surgery” and cut away their own calluses. Instead, use one of our products to help ease the pain.

To relieve painful calluses, the key is taking pressure (off-loading) away from the callused area. This is achieved by choosing the correct pad and applying it to the right area. The pad needs to be placed around the area of the painful callus, so you are walking on the pad and not bearing weight on the callus. Calluses will not hurt if you are not applying weight on them.

Gel Callus Cushions—these soft gel cushions reduce discomfort while standing or walking. Gel Callus Cushions are self-stick for easy application and are designed for use in all styles of footwear. A center hole surrounds the tender callus and transfers pressure from the sore spot to the cushion. They are also washable and so can be used many times. Each package includes a smaller bonus pad that can be used on any spot where shoes may rub. Note: cushions should be removed for 3-4 hours each day to allow skin to breathe.

U-Shaped Pad Gel– these soft gel, latex free cushions the calluses and reduces pressure while walking. The u-shape portions protect the calluses, therefore alleviating the friction and pain.

U-Shaped Pad Foam—made of non-medicated, medical grade foam, these cushions surround a callus with a u-shape to reduce pain and create a barrier between skin and shoes. U-Shaped Pads Foam are available in several thicknesses for a comfortable fit. Adhesive backing keeps pad firmly in place. These versatile pads are also good for metatarsalgia and tender bony prominences on your foot.  The U–Shaped Pad Foam 1/8 -inch thickness is sold both individually and in a pack of 100.

U-Shaped Pad Felt—another option for relief of callus pain and pressure is felt. Our U-Shaped Pad Felt makes walking easier, providing long lasting comfort by shifting pressure away from skin irritations. These are for use in any style of shoe and are made of medical grade, non-medicated felt. The U- Shaped Pad Felt 1/8 inch thickness is sold both individually and in a pack of 100.

You can easily order any of these or our other products (view our online catalog for a complete listing) through our website or contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).