The Brannock device is a tool invented in the 1920s to provide precise foot measurements for proper shoe fitting. Before its creation, foot measurements were often inaccurate, leading to discomfort and poor support. The device measures both the length and width of the foot, ensuring that shoes are selected to match an individual’s exact size. By solving the problem of unreliable sizing, it has become the standard in footwear fitting worldwide. A podiatrist advises that wearing correctly fitted shoes is essential for preventing pain, blisters, and long-term foot problems. If you experience discomfort or are unsure about your shoe size, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and measure your feet properly.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Yvonne Umezurike, DPM from Umez Podiatry. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Trail running exposes the feet and ankles to forces and hazards not found on smooth pavement. Uneven ground, hidden roots, and shifting rocks can quickly lead to rolled ankles, strained ligaments, or stress fractures. The constant changes in slope and surface demand rapid adjustments in foot placement, increasing the chance of missteps that overstretch tendons or tear soft tissue. Repeated downhill impact can bruise the heel or inflame structures like the plantar fascia. In some cases, sudden landings on unstable surfaces cause foot bone injuries that require weeks of recovery. Trail conditions such as mud, loose gravel, and water crossings can make slips more likely, leading to sharp impacts or twisting falls. Because these injuries can escalate and lead to long-term complications if ignored, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for any lingering pain, swelling, or difficulty bearing weight after a run.

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 Yvonne Umezurike, DPM from Umez Podiatry. Our doctor 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 contact our offices located in Baltimore, MD and Washington DC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Stress fractures in the foot occur when repeated stress causes small cracks in bones that support weight during walking, running, or standing for a long time. These injuries often affect the metatarsals, especially the second and third, which are slender bones near the middle of the foot that bear significant force during activity. The calcaneus, or heel bone, can also develop stress fractures from impact, while the navicular bone on the top midfoot is prone to injury during jumping or sprinting. Less commonly, the talus bone in the ankle joint may become injured. Symptoms of stress fractures include pain during weight-bearing that eases with rest, along with tenderness and swelling in the affected area. Stress fractures can be the result of muscle fatigue, sudden increases in activity, or bones weakened by underlying conditions. A podiatrist can diagnose a stress fracture using a physical exam and imaging, such as an MRI scan, and may recommend rest, immobilization, or surgery, in severe cases. If you are experiencing symptoms of a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnose and appropriate treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Yvonne Umezurike, DPM from Umez Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Baltimore, MD and Washington DC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.