Items filtered by date: November 2022

There are countries around the globe that encourage children to walk barefoot during inside and outside activities. Research has shown that wearing shoes at an early age may negatively affect the gait, or walking style, and there may be evidence that supports children who wear shoes before the age of six may be prone to having flat feet. Conversely, walking barefoot during these same years may have numerous benefits that can affect more than the feet. These can include improved motor skills, and increased foot strength, and the nerve endings in the feet may be stimulated. Additionally, potential injuries may be prevented when children walk barefoot, and this may be a result of having wider feet that can distribute body weight more evenly. The feet can feel like they are being massaged while walking on different outside surfaces such as grass and sand. The arches may become stronger while walking on various surfaces that can including uneven ground and pebbles, which may help to develop a normal gait pattern. If you have concerns about having your child walk barefoot, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are basic things to look for when purchasing running shoes. It is important to decide what type of running will be practiced, and this generally consists of mileage that is high, medium, or low. This is followed by choosing a shoe that will fit your foot, such as having a wider toe box, or a certain type of heel. Additionally, the type of surface that is run on will determine what type of shoe to buy. Running on pavements will require road shoes to be worn, and these are adequate in providing shock absorption. Trail shoes are designed to be worn while running through soft muddy trails, and wearing hybrid shoes is recommended for running on various surfaces. It is beneficial to bring the socks that are worn to try on with the shoes, in addition to bringing insoles, if applicable. If you would like more information about what type of shoes to buy for specific types of running, please consult with a podiatrist who can help you to make choices that are right for you. 

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

People who are overweight may notice they have foot pain. The feet carry the weight of the body, and this type of pain may be reduced when excess weight is lost. It is beneficial to accomplish this by consuming a diet that is low in fat, and by practicing a frequent exercise routine. Research has indicated that approximately six times the body weight is felt in the ankle joints while climbing up steps. Arthritis in the feet may occur as a result of being overweight, and foot structure may be negatively affected. Common foot conditions that may happen to obese patients can include plantar fasciitis and inflammation of the tendon that is found on the inside of the ankle and foot. Additionally, a condition that is known as hindfoot arthritis affects the heel, and can radiate to the ball of the foot. If you have foot pain due to being overweight, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer you an effective weight loss plan which may provide foot pain relief.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Most experts agree that running can improve your cardiovascular health, increase endurance, and boost mental well being. Experts have identified several ways to reap the rewards of trail running, which may involve uneven and sometimes unpredictable surfaces. The first thing to do is make sure you have footwear that is specifically designed for trail runs. These shoes provide the extra traction and specific cushioning needed as you may encounter rocks, tree roots, and streams. Second, your stride may need to be adjusted, which includes picking up your feet differently. While some road runners try to conserve energy by keeping their feet close to the ground, this can become a liability in trail running. Dirt can build up and actually slow the pace. Dehydration, muscle fatigue, glucose depletion, and inflammation can lead to injury. Fueling and hydrating before, during, and after runs is recommended. For more information on how to prevent injury while running, please consult a podiatrist. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Anyone who suffers from arthritis likely knows that their condition can significantly affect their feet in many different ways. If you are living with arthritis, it might be helpful to be aware of how this condition can impact your toes. For example, arthritis may affect the joints of the toes, particularly the big toe. Also, swelling around the toe joints can occur. Restricted motion of the big toe may also be a symptom of your arthritis. Perhaps the big toe is stuck in a position and moving it can be difficult. It is also important to note that many different kinds of arthritis can affect the toes. Notably, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and other kinds of arthritis can impact the toes. If you suffer from arthritis, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today for guidance.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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