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Pregnancy May Have an Impact on Feet
With pregnancy comes the expectation that our bodies will change in different ways, one of them being that our feet swell up. As our feet can grow in size, this means that our shoe sizes may increase as well. Make sure to accommodate your feet during pregnancy, especially since the increase in foot size may become permanent. However, expert Jessica Shepherd, M.D., says that the increase in size “usually goes away within six months to a year postpartum.”
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, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C. 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 over-pronation, 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 one of our offices in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prep for DIY Pedicures
Pedicures are very important when it comes to maintaining healthy feet. Prior to giving yourself a pedicure, you should soak your feet in hot water with bath salts or oils. Soaking your feet will help soften calluses and remove any unwanted particles from your skin. The next step in your DIY pedicure is to trim your toenails. Trimming your toenails will help prevent dirt from being trapped underneath them. You should be careful to cut straight across when trimming your nails, in order to prevent ingrown toenails. Be sure to file your nails in the same direction in order to avoid damaging them.
Every day foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Every Day Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. After all, without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks. It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before, for example.
For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops.
Also, wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Everyday Foot Care
Diabetics Need to Have Feet Screenings
Diabetic foot is one of the top 20 causes of hospitalization in Australia. Studies conducted in the country found that one in every twenty-two patients in Australian hospitals have active diabetic foot disease. The disease is also responsible for over 4,400 amputations and 1,700 deaths each year. Nevertheless, early prevention is the best way to assure that diabetic foot does not progress into something much worse. It is recommended that every diabetic who goes to a hospital asks to have their foot screened for diabetic foot. Many people who have the disease often aren’t aware of it.
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 one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including 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 because 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 one of our offices located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Diabetic Foot Care
Proper Fitting Shoes important for those working on their Feet
Workers who are on their feet for the majority of their shift should make sure they are wearing properly fitted shoes. There are a few ways to tell if the shoes you are wearing are properly fitted. The inner side of your shoe should be completely straight from your heel to your big toe. If this part of the shoe is not straight, then the shoes you’re wearing are not properly fitted. You should also look for shoes that allow freedom of movement along the front, in order to have comfort while walking.
Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
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 is 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 one of our offices located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about proper shoe fitting.
Stafford Suffers from Broken Toe
Kenny Stafford of the Montreal Alouettes recently sustained a broken toe in a game against the Ottawa Redblacks. Fortunately for Stafford, the injury will not require him to undergo surgery. However, the team announced that he is expected to be sidelined for at least six games in order to recover from the injury.
A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about a broken toe.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Sweat is created by tiny glands in the skin that are sacs filled with fluid. These glands, called eccrine glands, are activated by signals in the brain. These brain signals release a chemical called acetylcholine, which activates the glands to squeeze the fluid up through pores. Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a condition that a lot of people tend to struggle with. People with hyperhidrosis are sensitive to acetylcholine and produce much more sweat as a result. Many people may view hyperhidrosis as a trivial medical condition, but it isn’t. Although it isn’t life-threatening, it can very easily interfere with your social life and work.
If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.
Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.
In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.
A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Man Injures His Foot in Central Park
A University of Miami student severely injured himself in Central Park recently on July 3rd. Connor Golden and his two friends jumped off a rock and landed on an explosive device. The device nearly blew off Golden’s leg, while his two friends were not harmed. Unfortunately for Golden, he needed surgery in order to remove his foot and may need to amputate part of his leg as well.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:
- Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
- Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
- Cosmetic reconstruction
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
- Bunionectomy for painful bunions
- Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
- Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about foot surgery.
Wichita State’s Keyser Has Stress Fracture in Foot
Wichita State freshman C.J. Keyser suffered stress injuries in his right foot. The stress injury was due to two bones in the foot rubbing together aggressively. Keyser is currently wearing crutches along with a walking boot. Keyser states that he does not need surgery to repair the injury; however he has opted to use bone stimulation as a form of rehabilitation.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries need proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Sport Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar Fasciosis
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
Sports-related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
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.
Read more about sports related injuries.
How to Properly Care for Ingrown Toenails
Care for ingrown toenails often begins with good practices at home. In order to prevent ingrown toenails, you should cut your nails straight across instead of cutting them in a rounded shape. Be careful not to cut your toenails too short and to wear shoes that fit properly. Soaking the feet in warm water 3-4 times per day can also help relieve pressure in the skin surrounding the ingrown nail. Consult with your podiatrist for the best way to treat ingrown toenails.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
- Bacterial infections
- Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
- Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
- Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
- Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Ingrown Toenails
Living with Gout
Gout is a painful type of arthritis that is caused by high blood levels of uric acid. It can keep people off of their feet for several days. Hard uric acid crystal deposits can cause swelling and deformity. Gout is a permanent condition; however its symptoms are not always visible. Gout must be properly managed in order to relieve the severe pain. People who have gout should make dietary modifications and take their medication regularly. Sufferers should also drink plenty of water and maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of future gout attacks.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
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.
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See a Podiatrist for Corn Treatment
Corns are characterized as thickened layers of skin, ranging from small to large, that form as a result of constant pressure to the skin. Corns can be removed with DIY methods, but it is recommended to see your doctor first. Treatments such as salicylic acid after filing your corns is one potential method in removing them. General prevention of corns involves wearing properly-fitting shoes.
If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Corns: What are they? And how do you get rid of them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
- Well-fitting socks
- Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
- Shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Salicylic acid can help in getting rid of these corns because it dissolves keratin, which is the protein that makes up a good majority of corns. Podiatrists recommend that people with diabetes not use salicylic acid but should consult with their podiatrist regarding the treatment of corns.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Podiatrists Treat Conditions of the Feet and More
Seeing your podiatrist should become a routine, as your podiatrist ensures that your feet are properly taken care of. Podiatrists treat foot and ankle ailments such as corns, calluses, heel pain, physical injuries, diabetic feet, arthritis, and more. Podiatrists also assist with evaluating your feet and can provide guidance on choosing the proper footwear. See your podiatrist especially if you’re having concerns about your feet or need early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to visit one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.
What is a Podiatrist?
Someone would seek care of a podiatrist when they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as: heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems etc.
Podiatric Treatment
A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:
- physical therapy
- drugs
- perform surgery on lower extremity fractures
- orthotic inserts or soles
A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Blisters Form to Protect our Damaged Skin
Also known as vesicles, blisters form when “the top layer of skin pulls away from lower layers and then fills with fluid.” Constant pressure and friction can lead to your skin breaking and blisters forming. Blisters are your body’s response to protecting and healing your skin, so avoid draining a blister if it is recently formed, as this can lead to infection. Different factors can affect why blisters form, including ill-fitting shoes that rub on your feet, or socks that retain sweat and moisture.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, visit one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.
What are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
How do Blisters Form?
Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.
Prevention & Treatment
It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
What to Look for in the Right Footwear
Investing in a quality pair of shoes that are comfortable is essential in ensuring that your feet are happy. Opt for shoes that have breathable, lightweight fabrics and that have proper arch and heel support. Wear the respective shoes for the physical activity or sport you will be doing. Avoid shoes that are too tight and avoid heels or elevation in the soles of the shoes. Look for footwear that gives your toes enough room to wiggle and change your shoes if they begin showing wear and tear marks.
Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, visit one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.
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 office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
