Items filtered by date: November 2020

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) refers to poor circulation in your limbs. This is usually caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which causes them to narrow and restrict blood flow. There are two different types of PAD. Occlusive PAD stems from blocked blood vessels and is usually the result of other health conditions, such as atherosclerosis, lymphedema, deep vein thrombosis, or carotid artery stenosis. Functional PAD stems from blood vessels that are not blocked, but rather malfunctioning due to spasms. Functional PAD can be triggered by medical conditions such as varicose veins, Reynaud’s disease, or chronic venous insufficiency. It can sometimes be made worse by stress, smoking, or the cold. Regardless of which type of PAD you have, it is important to comply with treatment recommendations made by your doctor. If you have PAD, a podiatrist can help you maintain your foot health. 

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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

Foot pain, on its own, is a fairly nonspecific symptom. There are many conditions that may lead to foot pain. Plantar fasciitis, in which the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, is a frequent cause of foot pain. Morton’s neuroma, a condition in which a nerve in the foot starts to thicken and place pressure on the toes, is also a fairly common problem. Other foot problems that can cause pain include metatarsalgia, tendinitis, turf toe, hallux valgus, heel pad atrophy, arthritis, and heel spurs. To figure out what is causing your foot pain, and how to treat it, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Women often experience swollen feet and ankles at some point in their pregnancy. It may become evident during the evening hours, or if the outside temperature rises. Swelling can be referred to as edema, and generally starts at approximately twenty-five weeks. It typically occurs as a result of increased blood flow and pressure from the growing baby. Many pregnant women find mild relief when they can frequently elevate their feet during the day, or while engaging in a mild exercise routine. The feet may become larger, and it is beneficial to get a proper foot measurement before purchasing new shoes. If you would like additional information about how pregnancy can affect the feet, please speak with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

A fungal infection of the toenails can be unpleasant, embarrassing, and sometimes even painful. In certain people, such as those with diabetes or a compromised immune system, fungal infections can lead to more serious complications. Treating fungal nails can be a daunting task, but there are fortunately many things that you can do to prevent fungal nail infections from developing in the first place. The fungus that causes fungal nail infections thrives in warm, moist environments. To stop your feet from becoming the perfect host for this fungus, opt for breathable footwear and moisture-wicking socks, dry your feet and the spaces between your toes thoroughly after washing, and wear shoes in wet public spaces like locker rooms and swimming pools. Keep your toenails clean and short, and avoid sharing your nail clippers and other personal items, such as towels, with others. For more information about fungal nail infections, consult with a podiatrist today. 

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Hammertoe is a foot deformity in which the toes are curved downward at the joint rather than remaining straight. Symptoms of this condition include corns and calluses on the affected toes, an inability to straighten the affected toes, inflammation and redness, and pain that worsens with movement and when wearing shoes. There are various treatments for hammertoes, including taking anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling, wearing more comfortable shoes or orthotics, wearing special pads to protect the toes, and wearing splints to realign or immobilize the affected toes. In more severe cases, surgery may be warranted. To find out which treatments are right for you, consult with a podiatrist today. 

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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