During the summer there is greater temptation to go barefoot, but this also exposes your feet to greater risk of injury.  Walking barefoot increases the chance of developing plantar warts, fungus or other infection.  It's also very important to wear a closed, protective shoe while gardening or doing yardwork.  This will help guard your feet aginst splinters or being punctured by sharp branches.

When spending time outdoors remember to apply sunscreeen to your feet too.  Feet and ankles need protection from the sun, and don't forget to reapply after swimming!  Inspect your feet regularly and watch for blisters.  Sandals can cause blisters because they rub against the bare skin of your feet.  Using moleskin to pad areas of friction can help prevent this too.

Following these easy tips can help keep your feet feeling good throughout the summer.  If you do encounter foot pain or injury, contact Woodbury Foot Care for an evaluation.

Dr. Wisniewski

Opening day for Major League Baseball has arrived!  Baseball is one of America's favorite pasttimes, whether it's kids playing in a youth league or adults in a pickup game with friends.  Just like with any sport, the season can be cut short by injury.  Keep the following tips in mind while playing, so you can enjoy baseball all summer long.

It takes time to adjust to cleats or spikes.  Make sure the spikes fit well, without causing irritation or blistering.  Baseball is a game with quick starts, stops and pivots.  The ankle is at risk of twisting ot spraining with these motions.  Be careful when making that game winning slide into home, this is another opportuinity to sprain the ankle or even fracture a bone.  Always stretch before and after a game, muscles and tendons such as the Achilles tendon can be tight and cause a flare up of pain.  Overuse injuries are also quite common for both pitchers and catchers.  For example, catchers are at risk of arch pain or plantar fasciitis because of repeated squatting.  Try altering your stance and shifting weight to decrease these symptoms.  Sooner or later the ball gets away from even the best athlete and may strike your foot or leg causing a contusion.  Apply ice to the area to decrease swelling and ease pain. 

If you happen to sustain one of these injuries we at Wood bury Foot Care Centre will work to get you feeling better and back on the field soon.

Dr. Wisniewski

Laser therapy is a treatment modality that has been increasing in popularity because of its multiple applications, effectiveness and ease of use. We are proud to have the Multi Radiance laser system at Woodbury Foot Care Centre and Herskowitz Podiatry. Laser therapy provides non-invasive stimulation delivered through the electrodes on the surface of the emitter. This allows the provider to administer therapy at the site of pain to best impact the patient's needs. The emitted energy is then absorbed by cells in the body and used to stimulate a healing response and pain relief.

Laser therapy has successfully been used to treat acute and chronic pain, bursitis, sprains, strains, and tendinitis. This is a non-invasive, drug free modality that controls inflammation and can help speed the healing process. Typically there are treatments scheduled two to three times per week for a 10 to 15 minutes over a two week period. This schedule may be modified to better suit patient needs. Some patients may require more treatment than others. Some improvement of symptoms may be noted after the initial treatment, but the effect is cumulative and ofter requires multiple sessions. During treatment there may be a mild tingling sensation, but typically there is little or no sensation felt.

When laser therapy is performed in conjunction with other treatment methods such as stretching, anti-inflammatory medication or bracing techniques, the potential for resolution of symptoms is great. Discuss these treatment options and diagnosis with your physician to see if laser therapy is right for you.

The temperature is dropping and it feels like winter has arrived. While this brings thoughts of a fun holiday season with parties, decorations and presents, it can also mean the arrival of snow and ice. Hopefully, there won't be as much as last season! The treacherous winter weather can also mean an increase in painful injuries such as fractures, due to slips and falls.

Fractures of the foot and ankle are a common injury due to falls on icy surfaces. A fracture may present with symptoms similar to that of a sprain. Swelling, bruising and pain are typical features of both types of injuries. It is important to seek immediate treatment and have x-rays taken to obtain a proper diagnosis. Our office at Woodbury Foot Care Centre has state of the art digital x-rays that provide amazing images to provide you with the best possible care.

There are some steps we can all take to help prevent these types of injuries. Check your footwear to make sure it is weather appropriate. Boots with traction or slip resistant soles are recommended. Shoes with smooth or leather soles increase risk for injury. Take your time and walk cautiously. A thin layer of black ice may be difficult to see, especially if covered by snow. Don't be afraid to use an assistive device. Sturdy railings help while climbing stairs, but a cane or walker can provide added support outdoors. Keeping a shovel inside is also helpful; many injuries can occur while navigating those initial slippery steps to reach it.

With any luck, these tips will be helpful and decrease the chance of injury as we all navigate the hazards of winter weather this season.

Have a happy and healthy new year!

Dr. Wisniewski