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Managing Diabetic Foot Care
For people who have diabetes, it’s important to manage it often to prevent further damage. Foot problems can arise as a result of poor management, and this can lead to damage of the nerves and blood vessels, or even neuropathy, the loss of feeling in the feet. Feet must be inspected on a daily basis so that injuries can be prevented. According to Nursing in Practice, “people with diabetes are at an increased risk of amputation compared to the non-diabetic population.” It’s best to see a specialist if you feel that you may have any potential issues with your diabetic feet.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. 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.
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 our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Julian Edelman of the New England Patriots Has Surgery for Broken Foot
Wide receiver Julian Edelman of the New England Patriots will be undergoing surgery for a broken bone in a foot injury he suffered in the game against the New York Giants. Reports suggest that Edelman may still return to the field to keep playing, while others suggest that he may be done for the season. Edelman sustained the injury after being tackled by Giants Linebacker Jasper Brinkley.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. If you have any concerns about your foot and ankle needs contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
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 our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Peyton Manning Playing with Plantar Fasciitis
Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos had allegedly played several football games while suffering from plantar fasciitis, according to reports from CBS. Head coach Gary Kubiak stated that Manning had been dealing with soreness from the foot condition for several weeks. While clinically the condition is called “plantar fascitiis,” in football it is coined as “sore foot” or “jogger’s foot.” Manning’s brother Eli was previously diagnosed with plantar fasciitis back in 2009 while he played with the New York Giants, avoiding missing a single game. Manning has been undergoing treatment for the injury but will continue to play.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. 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 is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
· Excessive running
· Non-supportive shoes
· Overpronation
· Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia
How Can It Be Treated?
· Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
· Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
· Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
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.
High Heels Can Damage Your Entire Body Starting with your Feet
Wearing high heels often can affect your entire body stature and cause serious health issues. According to medical professionals, the weight of your body shifts to your feet, causing your skeleton to overcompensate for the unsteady posture. Your back hyperextends backwards to adjust to the shifted weight, which can cause serious long-term problems like arthritis, pain, and joint pain. The American Podiatric Medical Association suggests wearing high heels that are no taller than 2 inches
High heels have a history for causing foot and ankle problems. 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.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity. Despite their appeal, they can 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; you can buy either full inserts or metatarsal pads.
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.
Foot Exercise to Maintain the Feet During Marathon Season
Cooler weather makes for prime conditions for marathon season, when runners will be out training to their fullest. To ensure that the feet are kept in top shape, there are a simple set of eleven exercises one can follow. Toe flexion, ankle dorsiflexion, ankle eversion, ankle plantarflexion, rotating the ankles, wiggling the toes, curling the toes, spreading the toes, pointing the toes out, pointing the toes in, and the butterfly stretch can all stretch the feet and add support and strength. For optimal results, exercise using a Thera-band.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. 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.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you to gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important and often we forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate not to have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure its good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rise, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, also flexing the toes and involving the shins may help too. It is best to speak with your doctor regarding how to do these fitness steps and how often is right for you. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different and it varies from individual to individual to determine what should be done for you to maintain strength in your feet.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
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.
Different Treatments for Heel Pain Prove Effective
Stiff and persistent heel pain that is not easily supplemented with heel pads or mild painkillers often reveals itself to be plantar fasciitis. Treatment options for plantar fasciitis can involve other anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, stretching exercises, night splints, or cortisone injections. While each of these methods are effective, it is important to see a podiatrist or foot specialist who will properly examine the foot and determine the best treatment for each individual.
Anyone can wind up suffering from heel pain. If your heel is hurting, see one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Our podiatristswill treat your heel pain symptoms in addition to other podiatric-related needs.
Causes of Heel Pain
● Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
● Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
● Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes
- Wearing non-supportive shoes
- Weight change
- Excessive running
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a thing of the past.
With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.
If you have any questions about arthritic foot care, 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.
Reducing Symptoms Essential to Managing Arthritis
When it comes to arthritic foot care there is no definitive cure. However, reducing the symptoms and causes of inflammation are key in managing your arthritis. One of the major aspects of this pain management comes in the form of dieting: making sure you get the proper nutrients to help fight inflammation is paramount. Fish, and the omega-3 fatty acids contained in them, have jumped to the top of the list when it comes to combatting inflammation. Researchers have also found that broccoli, which contains sulforaphane, could help prevent or slow the progression of osteoarthritis. Lastly, heart-healthy oils that contain oleocanthal, which have similar properties to non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, are also highly recommended to those trying to fight the symptoms of arthritis.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are suffering from arthritic foot pain, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Our podiatrists can treat your foot and ankle needs.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.
In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
- Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
- Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
- Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.
It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.
If you have any questions about arthritic foot care, 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.
Study Finds Patients in Rural Areas More Susceptible to Diabetic Foot Complications
According to a study published in PLOS ONE, diabetic patients living in rural areas have a higher chance of a more problematic experience with diabetic foot ulcers. This includes an increase in hospital admittance and risk of major amputation. Research shows that those in rural areas with diabetic foot complications make up 1.9% of 55 million diabetic emergency visits and areas with lower incomes also had a higher risk of amputation.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot complications such as ulcers or amputation. 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 doctor will diagnose and treat your foot and ankle needs.
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 our office in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Training Barefoot Strengthens Feet and Body
Despite the apparent downhill interest in barefoot running, barefoot training in which you exercise and strengthen your feet through a barefoot exercise regimen is a good way to remain flexible and healthy. The other important thing that these barefoot drills do is increase gait pattern which affects the overall biomechanics of walking and running. Since off-kilter feet can lead to injuries in the legs, knees, and back, these barefoot drills have become a great tool to staying healthy and fit.
Proper footwear is important for biomechanics, which incorporates the moving parts that manage the movement of your feet. To learn more about biomechanics, see one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, P.C. Our doctors can provide you with the foot and ankle information you seek.
A History of Biomechanics
- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974 biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination to the area.
Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, moments and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured.
Advances in materials and more awareness of biomechanics have developed enhanced corrective methods, offering further options for foot-related injuries. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
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 care needs.
Increase in Morton’s Neuroma May be Due to High Heels
Within the past decade, more women have been admitted into the hospital with symptoms leading to Morton’s neuroma. Many scientists believe this spike is due to an increase in high heel usage especially in women ages 40 - 69. In fact, within the past ten years there has been a 115% increase in high heel related Morton’s neuroma treatment; 1,179 admitted women in 2005 and 2,523 admitted women in 2015. Since Morton’s neuroma affects the nerves that run between the toes, high heel shoes over five centimeters can become problematic by pushing the metatarsal bones against the nerves. Many suggest wearing shoes with a wider toe box and a lower heel to avoid this ailment.
Morton’s Neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of having Morton’s Neuroma?
- -Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
- -Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
- -Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and treatments to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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University of Michigan Loses Bryan Mone due to Broken Ankle
University of Michigan loses their defensive tackle Bryan Mone due to a broken ankle sustained during practice. The sophomore player was excited to start the season, but will apparently not be able to participate since the injury was significant enough to keep him off the field for a long period of time. Initially sources and Mone’s coach refused to comment for the Wolverines player stating they wanted to keep him away from the media. However, the injury and Mone’s time off this season have since been confirmed.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle
- Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
- Swelling around the area
- Bruising of the area
- Area appears to be deformed
If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.
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.
Preventing Blisters for Events Such as Ironman Kona
With the return of fall weather, it is important to get the feet prepared for blister prevention during the boot weather months. When purchasing shoes it always best to make sure you are getting the correct size and fit of the shoe. A shoe that is too tight will definitely cause blisters on the feet. Rubbing a blister block or silicone based hair serum on blister prone parts of the feet can help reduce friction if you already have shoes that are too tight. On the chance that you are unable to take the proper measures to prevent a blister and get one anyways, make sure to keep durable band aids on you to allow it to heal properly.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If you have any concerns with blisters on your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
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 doctor.
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.
Honey Gives Advice from Personal Bunion Problems
Honey Good, founder of lifestyle website HoneyGood.com recalls her experience on dealing with bunions and bunion surgery later in life. When the pain of bunions first erupted, Good received medical attention from four different doctors with four different opinions that ultimately resulted in bunion surgery. Although Good never went through with it since she already had surgery on her foot once and did not enjoy the experience, she has developed a few tips for women her age. Purchase shoes that are a size bigger or have a larger toe box in addition to putting an insert in your shoe that goes under the big toe. Good has also found that putting a one inch rubber wedge in between in her big toe and index toe helps relieve the pain. She also recommends having your shoes stretched professionally, so you can continue to wear your shoes in addition to keeping your feet healthy.
Bunion surgery usually occurs after non-surgical methods have proved to be ineffective. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs by the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why do Bunions Form?
- Genetics – susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
- Stress on the feet – poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can cause bunions to form
How are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How are Bunions Treated?
- Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
- Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
- Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
- Orthotics or foot inserts
- Surgery
If you have any concerns 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.
Laser Treatment Gaining Popularity in Reducing Toe Nail Fungus
While toenail fungus is estimated to have an effect on nearly 35 million people worldwide, laser treatment for the condition has become increasingly popular. The treatment works by sending wavelengths of light through the nail bed to eliminate fungal spores. Since this occurs by delivering heat into the nail, patients often find warming or pinprick sensations in the area. According to Dr. Alap Shah, “The reason more people are going to it is because it’s preventing people from having to take some of these medications that can be toxic to the liver.”
While toenail fungus is troublesome to eradicate, it is not impossible. For more information about treatment, consult with Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Our doctor will attend to all of your podiatric needs.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a problem which affects many people and is hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating toenail fungus.
Antibiotics & Treatments
Lamisil – is the most commonly effective treatment for toenail fungus. It is available as an antibiotic Terbinafine tablet and cream. Terbinafine is a chemical component which kills fungal growth on the body. Applying regular doses will gradually kill the fungal growth. It is important to keep the area clean and air free.
Talcum powder – applying 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
Alternative Treatments
There are always surgical procedures that are available for toenail fungus. Some people would like immediate quick removal of toenail fungus. Surgeons will be able to cut through and remove the growth using laser surgery. It is important not to try and remove it yourself. Once removed, your old shoes will need to be replaced to avoid reinfection.
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.
