May 2024

Choosing the right shoes for restaurant workers is essential for their comfort, safety, and overall performance in a fast-paced environment. When selecting footwear, prioritize shoes that offer slip resistance to prevent accidents on wet or greasy surfaces commonly found in kitchens and dining areas. Look for styles with durable, non-slip soles that provide reliable traction. Additionally, opt for shoes with reinforced toes and sturdy construction to protect against dropped objects and other workplace hazards. Comfort is just as important, as restaurant workers spend long hours on their feet. Look for shoes with ample cushioning and arch support to reduce foot fatigue and minimize the risk of injuries like plantar fasciitis. Consider choosing shoes made from breathable materials to keep feet cool and dry during busy shifts. By prioritizing slip resistance, comfort, and breathability, restaurant workers can find the perfect footwear to support them through demanding shifts. If you have developed foot conditions from wearing the wrong shoes while working, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist. This foot doctor can offer effective treatment solutions and guide you on how to find the right shoes for your workday.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

Big toe pain can be a significant hurdle for competitive tennis players, impacting their performance and enjoyment of the game. This discomfort often stems from repetitive movements, such as pivoting, pushing off, and sudden stops, all of which put strain on the big toe joint. The condition, known as big toe arthritis or hallux rigidus, is characterized by stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joint at the base of the big toe. In tennis players, the constant lateral movements and high-impact footwork can exacerbate this issue. The pain can be particularly debilitating during serves, volleys, and quick direction changes on the court. To manage big toe pain, athletes may need to modify their training routines, wear supportive footwear, and use orthotic inserts. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to alleviate symptoms and restore mobility. If playing tennis has caused pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment measures.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Athlete's foot, a fungal infection of the skin on the feet, is usually treated with different types of antifungal medications. These can come in the form of creams, sprays, and powders, as well as oral medications for more severe cases. These treatments can kill the fungus that causes the infection. The infection usually clears up within a few weeks of topical treatment application. Keeping your feet clean and dry when treating athlete’s foot is important, as the fungus thrives in moist environments. Changing socks regularly, using antifungal powders in shoes, and avoiding walking barefoot in public areas, such as locker rooms or swimming pools, can help prevent the spread of the infection. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, might recommend a stronger prescription medication for more persistent cases. Podiatrists can also guide proper foot hygiene to prevent recurrence. If you are struggling with athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for the right treatment options for you. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from North Bay Ankle & Foot Center.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Diabetic foot ulcers pose a serious risk to those with diabetes, often flying under the radar until they become severe. The condition arises due to poor blood circulation and nerve damage, making it less likely for individuals to notice when their feet are injured. These ulcers typically occur on the soles of the feet or pressure points like the heels and toes, where friction and pressure are high. After a podiatrist removes dead tissue and cleanses the affected area, it is important to keep weight off the foot to prevent further complications and promote healing. Prevention is key, involving daily foot inspections, proper footwear, regular foot hygiene, and blood sugar management. Consulting a podiatrist is essential for diabetic patients to receive specialized care and guidance in preventing and managing foot ulcers. With their expertise, individuals can better safeguard their feet and overall well-being, avoiding the potentially devastating consequences of diabetic foot ulcers. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you add a podiatrist to your healthcare team.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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