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Monday, 04 July 2016 23:24

Living with Gout

gout3Gout 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.

Read more about Gout

Monday, 27 June 2016 00:59

See a Podiatrist for Corn Treatment

athletes foot9Corns 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.

Read more about Corns on the Feet

toenail fungus7Seeing 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.

Read more about What is a Podiatrist.

blister6Also 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.

Read more about blisters on the feet.

Monday, 06 June 2016 20:12

What to Look for in the Right Footwear

shoes2Investing 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.

Read more about proper shoe fitting.

foot exercise4As running and jogging are becoming more common activities as the weather is getting warmer, it’s important to know how to reduce the risk of injury as we exercise. “It’s estimated that at least 40-50 percent of runners will experience some type of injury in a given year.” As running is a repetitive motion, this can lead to constant pressure on our legs and feet and eventually overuse injuries. To avoid the risk of running injuries, stretching, training, having the proper footwear, and keeping in mind your own personal biomechanics are all important aspects to consider.

Runners can still be prone to running injuries even with proper precautions. If you are suffering from a running injury, visit one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber, this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.

Read more about How to Prevent Running Injuries

high heel14High heels are extremely damaging as they alter your body’s posture, lead to back pain, change your natural gait, and can cause several other complications if worn for long periods of time. Other consequences include ankle instability, unstable biomechanics in the feet, and uneven pressure being exerted on the feet and the ball of each foot as we walk or run. The narrowness of high heels can also lead to bunions forming as our toes are pressed together unnaturally. It’s recommended to wear high heels in moderation or to avoid them altogether.

High heels have a history for causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet visit one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because their style and societal appeal. Despite this, they can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

What parts my body will be affected by high heels?

  • Ankle Joints
  • Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
  • Balls of the Feet
  • Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
  • Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?

  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Plantar Fasciitis

How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads 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.

Read more about the effects of high heels.

Monday, 16 May 2016 12:05

Axl Rose Fractures Metatarsal in Foot

broken foot6Axl Rose, frontman for the popular band Guns N’ Roses, performed at Coachella with a broken foot. According to his foot and ankle specialist, Rose had fractured the fifth metatarsal in his foot. He had surgery which involved doctors inserting a plate and screws to hold up his bones, which had been realigned. As Rose is recovering, he had to avoid putting too much weight on his healing foot.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. To learn more, visit one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue (foot)
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Read more about Broken Feet

Monday, 09 May 2016 23:19

Understanding Athlete’s Foot

athletes foot8Keeping your shoes and feet clean are important in protecting against foot infections such as athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot, caused by fungus, can accumulate and thrive on our skin when we sweat. It’s essential to change your socks often and to invest in antifungal treatments to kill bacteria. Over-the-counter treatment options for athlete’s foot include antifungal ointment or shoe spray.  

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 visit one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.

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 helping you figure out which treatment options are best for you.

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.

Read more about athlete’s foot.

Monday, 02 May 2016 09:47

Gordon Hayward out due to Foot Injury

foot injuryGordon Hayward of the Utah Jazz did not play against the Cleveland Cavaliers because of plantar fasciitis he was suffering from in his right foot. His status at the time was considered day-to-day. Hayward leads the team with “averages of 20.1 points, 3.7 assists and 36.2 minutes per game. He also averages 4.9 rebounds per game.” The Jazz team also suffered losses with players Rudy Gobert, Derrick Favors, Alec Burks, and Dante Exum out.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries need proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. If you have any concerns, visit one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C.. Our doctors will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.

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 technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about sports related injuries.

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