Working in a kitchen can be demanding on the feet due to long hours of standing and walking on hard surfaces. Using anti-fatigue mats helps reduce pressure and strain, while taking breaks to rest the feet can prevent soreness. Wearing supportive, non-slip shoes provides stability and reduces the risk of falls. Additionally, compression socks may improve circulation and decrease swelling. Paying attention to early signs of foot discomfort allows for timely care and prevention of serious injuries. A podiatrist can assess foot health, recommend proper footwear, and provide treatments for pain or fatigue. If you have foot pain while working, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional tips for foot protection on the job. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist 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 contact our office located in West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken toe can happen suddenly or develop over time. Common causes include stubbing a toe against furniture, dropping something heavy on it, falls, or sports injuries. Repeated pressure from running or jumping may also lead to small cracks in the toe bones. Symptoms of a broken toe include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and trouble walking. Some people notice that the toe looks out of place and has become stiff. Treatment depends on the severity of the break and which toe is affected. A podiatrist may protect the toe by taping it to a nearby toe for stabilization, termed buddy taping. Other options include wearing a stiff or supportive shoe and limiting weight-bearing activities while the toe heals. If the bone is not lined up properly or the joint is involved, surgery may be needed. If you believe you have broken a toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body regulates blood sugar, and it can have serious effects on foot health. Diabetic foot problems develop when prolonged high blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels in the feet. Loss of sensitivity may prevent a person from noticing cuts, blisters, or pressure points, allowing infections to form and worsen without early treatment. Additionally, limited blood supply can slow healing and increase the risk of ulcers and complications. A podiatrist plays a critical role in diabetic foot care by performing regular foot exams, treating wounds, managing infections, and providing guidance on proper footwear and daily foot care. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help protect your feet and reduce complications. Proactive podiatric care is essential in supporting long-term mobility and overall health.

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 Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist 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 office located in West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing high heels later in life adds pressure on the forefoot and increases strain on the toes and ankles, which can make balance more difficult and raise the chance of falls. When a heel sits too far back on the shoe and does not line up well with the leg bones, the foot is not properly supported and the ankle can become unstable. A heel positioned more directly under the leg helps improve balance, reduces wobbling, and lowers the chance of injuries. Choosing a shorter or wider heel eases pressure on the ball of the foot, and avoiding very narrow styles for long-term standing helps limit irritation. High heels also shift weight forward, which can lead to aching or burning beneath the ball of the foot. A podiatrist can offer guidance on safer footwear choices and prescribe orthotic inserts as needed. If you are experiencing foot pain or balance problems from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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