Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes the lining of the joints to break down over time. This type of arthritis frequently affects the small joints of the feet and ankles. One of the factors that can increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis and joint pain is being overweight or obese. Because the joints of the lower limbs bear the weight of the entire body, they can become increasingly damaged from carrying excess weight. Losing weight may help prevent osteoarthritis in those who do not yet have it and can reduce the severity of arthritis symptoms and prevent further damage in those who do. If you have osteoarthritis in your feet or ankles, a podiatrist can help you manage this condition.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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.

Blisters on the feet are fluid-filled bubbles of raised skin that are usually caused by repetitive friction over an area of the foot. If you are a runner, you have likely experienced blisters. The discomfort and pain associated with them can make running difficult. Fortunately, there are measures that you can take to prevent blisters. These include ensuring that you wear properly fitted shoes and moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet comfortable and dry and to reduce friction as you run. You may also consider applying tape or wearing a pad over areas that tend to blister. Applying a small amount of lubricant to these areas can also help reduce friction. For more information about blister prevention, please consult with a podiatrist.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

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 and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Orthotics are special shoe inserts designed to give your feet support and make standing, walking, and other daily activities more comfortable. Orthotics can be bought in most major drug stores, or they can be prescribed and custom made by a podiatrist. When looking for orthotic inserts, it is important to consider your needs. For example, if you experience foot pain due to prolonged standing, you may want to look for orthotics that have extra cushioning. If you participate in sports that require you to frequently put weight on the balls of your feet, such as running, look for inserts that support the metatarsal arch at the front of the foot. If you suffer from heel pain, it suggested that your orthotics offer extra shock absorption in the heel area and have firm arch support. To learn more about orthotics and which ones may be right for you, please consult with a podiatrist. 

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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