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Monday, 30 March 2015 00:00

Arthritic Foot Care

During your lifetime, you will probably walk about 75,000 miles, which is quite a lot of stress to put on your feet. As you get older, the 26 bones and 30 joints in your body will lose flexibility and elasticity, and your foot’s natural shock absorbers will wear down too. Having arthritis added to this mix only makes matters worse because your joints will become distorted and inflame, which is why arthritic foot care needs to be something you think about every day.

When dealing with arthritis, having additional foot complications, such as bunions, hammertoes, or neuroma, can be a serious detriment. To avoid these, buying well-fitting shoes with a lower heel and good support are a must. Arthritis causes you to lose your arch, so having shoes with good arch support is also highly recommended.

Aside from getting good arch support, the shoes need to fit comfortably and properly as well. A good place to start is by leaving a finger width between the back of the shoe and your foot to gauge proper size. It is also helpful to have a square or rounded toe box in the front to provide even more comfort. Another thing to look for is a rubber sole that can provide a cushion and absorb shock as you walk. This adds flexibility to the ball of your foot when you push off your heel to walk.

Exercise is another key aspect of arthritic foot care, not only strengthening and stretching your muscles and joints, but helping to prevent further injury and pain as well. Stretching the Achilles tendon for example, the tendon located in the back of your heel, will give you added mobility and reduce pain due to stress. Another thing you can do is massage your feet, kneading the ball of your foot as well as your toes from top to bottom.

Stretching the Achilles tendon is a simple exercise that you can do at home anytime. Lean against the wall with your palms flat against the surface while placing one foot forward, towards the wall, and one foot behind you. Bend your forward knee towards the wall while keeping your back knee locked straight, and make sure both your heels are completely touching the ground at all times. This will stretch your Achilles tendon and calf muscles as well, and you will feel the stretch almost immediately. You can also stretch your toes in a couple ways. One involves taking a rubber band and wrapping it around both your big toes while your heels remain together, then pull them apart to stretch your big toe. You can also place a rubber band around all the toes of one of your feet and then try to separate each individual toe, stretching them all.

A final step you can take to help your arthritis is taking non-steroid, non-inflammatory drugs or topical medicines with capsaicin. Unfortunately there is no complete way to remove all of your arthritic pain, but following some of this advice can go a long way in staying as pain free as possible.

atletesfootAccording to Dr. Pfenninger of the Midland Daily News, it is estimated that ten percent of the adult population already has some type of nail fungus. At times, individuals can have toenail fungus and not even be aware that it is there. Some signs of nail fungus include thickening, discoloration, weak nails, appearance of debris under the nail, foul smells when nails are wet, and the occasional lifting up of the nail into a tent-shape. Older individuals and women are also more likely to have fungus in their toenails. Many people may have toenail fungus but initially confuse it for an ingrown toenail. Although there are topical and oral antifungal medications available, prevention is important. To avoid nail fungus, allow your feet to fully dry after showering and keep the nails groomed.

While toenail fungus is troublesome to eradicate, it is not impossible. For more information about treatment, consult with one of our podiatrists from University Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors 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.  

For more information about Toenail Fungus, follow the link below.

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

Read more about Toenail Fungus

coldA loss of blood circulation in the feet and legs is often caused by peripheral artery disease. Come the winter season, many people suffer from numb fingers and toes as a result of losing blood circulation to their extremities due to colder temperatures. Raynaud’s disease, a condition in which the blood vessels in the fingers and toes contract in response to drops in temperature, is behind an estimated ten million people’s loss of blood supply. The ceasing of blood flow to the fingers and toes often causes them to turn icy wait. Raynaud attacks can last from a few minutes to an hour. When blood flow returns, the fingers or toes will turn blue and eventually red, accompanied with a burning sensation. Due to winter’s drop in temperature, attacks often peak during the cold months.


Diseases that cause poor circulation in the feet can be extremely dangerous. If you are having difficulties with reduced circulation, see one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors will identify the cause of your decreased blood flow and help you get the care you need.  

Poor Circulation in the Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. It usually restricts the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes
Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development.
It can also cause:

  • muscle pain  
  • numbness in legs
  • cramps          
  • skin discoloration
  • weakness
  • slower nail & hair growth
  • stiffness
  • erectile dysfunction


Those who have diabetes and or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, or who are over 50.

If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD, and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is often caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is usually the result of a build up of plaque in the arteries. Plaque build up, or atherosclerosis, can be the result of excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream, which restricts how much blood can flow through arteries. Reduced blood flow to a certain area of the body severely limits the amount of oxygen and nutrients that part of the body receives, causing degeneration in the muscles and other tissues. Sometimes, poor blood circulation in the feet and legs can be caused by other conditions, such as damage to or inflammation of blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

The lack of oxygen and nutrients caused by poor blood circulation can restrict muscle growth and development, as well as cause muscle pain and cramps, weakness, and stiffness. Other common symptoms include numbness in the legs and feet, skin discoloration in the affected limbs, slower nail and hair growth, and erectile dysfunction in men. In more severe cases of PAD, pain can be present even when a person isn't exercising, and may range from mildly uncomfortable to completely debilitating.

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is more common in those who are overweight or obese, have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, who smoke, or who have a family history of PAD or related conditions (heart attack, stroke, etc.). Diabetes and smoking place a person at greatest risk for developing poor blood circulation, although advanced age (over 50) can also increase risk.

If you are experiencing poor blood circulation in the feet and legs caused by PAD, it is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce your risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke caused by this condition. If you smoke, quit completely -- this will increase the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream. Exercising and reducing the saturated fats in your diet (which come from fatty meats, fried foods, whole milk, etc.) can make a difference in improving blood circulation in feet. It is also important to avoid developing influenza and to carefully control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.

Your doctor may recommend combining lifestyle changes with a prescription medication regimen to improve blood circulation. The most commonly-used medications for PAD are called statins and work by blocking the amount of enzymes in your body that produce cholesterol. They are known by the brand names Zocor, Lipitor, Crestor, and others.

footcareIn an article by Centre Daily, Dr. Christina L. Rowe believes if someone is affected by neuropathy, there may be a loss of sensation to the feet. As a result, neuropathic patients might miss something as small as a nail technician’s cut or burn.

This could be serious, as even a minor injury or burn could develop into an infection which could form down the line. Dr. Rowe believes it is best for patients with neuropathy to avoid pedicures altogether as there are natural products which can help and be classified as a safe alternative, essentially saving the patient’s foot in the long run.

The American Diabetes Association describes symptoms of peripheral neuropathy as including a tingling sensation, pain, numbness or weakness in the hands and feet.

Being diabetic makes you especially susceptible to foot problems like ulcers and nerve damage. For instructions about diabetic foot care, talk to one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors can help you manage your foot and ankle conditions.

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.

For more information about Diabetic Foot Care, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Care

Friday, 06 March 2015 00:00

Ankle/Foot Orthotics for Athletes

Ankle/foot Orthotics (AFOs) are custom-made devices, molded to fit inside a shoe, and designed to correct an abnormal or irregular walking gait. Orthotics come in both customized and over the counter models. Custom made Orthotics should be prescribed through a podiatrist, who specializes in foot pathology, as well as performing surgery if required, or a pedorthist, who specializes in customized footwear and orthotics management and design. AFOs are commonly used by athletes, such as professional track and field runners, cyclists, hockey players, professional dancers, ice skaters and golfers. Athletes benefit greatly from custom made AFOs, both when recovering from an injury and to help prevent future problems from occurring. These devices keep the foot aligned to allow the bones, ligaments and muscles to heal, restoring the patient to optimum performance. AFOs are designed for shock absorption to help release the pressure and stress from painful parts of the foot and ankle, and to allow for the correct positioning of the feet. Custom-made AFOs relieve pain in the hip and lower back, while restoring balance and improving an athlete’s performance. The AFO controls the motion of the ankle and foot, which helps in alleviating pain. The brace comes in various heights and profiles, for high and low top shoes and boots. Braces are fabric lined and are made of light weight material to easily embrace the ankle, for a better fit inside the footwear. With this type of orthotic, athletes can continue to play in comfort and stability. A custom made ankle/foot orthotic is designed by a podiatrist or an orthotic specialist, to help treat ailments, i.e., tendon maladies, flat foot problems, spurs, arthritis of the ankle and/or foot, ankle sprains, ankle weakness and drop foot (a patient cannot raise their foot at the ankle joint or at the least, has limited ability to raise their foot). An orthotics specialist will put a patient through a complete muscular workup, using digital or ultrasound equipment, followed by the ankle and foot being cast and fitted for the proper orthotics. Depending upon the final evaluation, a stretching treatment is designed, with specific shoe fitting discussions. In a couple of weeks, after the AFOs are fitted to the shoes that the patient was required to bring, any needed adjustments are made to ensure a perfect fit. Following the fittings, evaluations are set up for the patient over the following weeks. AFOs are also available over the counter for improving basic comfort. If an athlete has general low aches or pains in the ankle/foot or lower back, an over-the-counter orthotic arch support, which slips inside the shoes, can be purchased without a prescription. The arch supports help to spread an athlete’s weight evenly throughout the bottom of the foot. But when a medical condition occurs, i.e., an injury, arthritis, problems with an illness, or poor circulation, then a specialist's prescription will be required. Over-the-counter arch supports can be purchased in local retail or sport stores, as well as in drug store pharmacies.  In all cases, a skilled podiatrist will offer the best recommendation on which medical device is suited to handle the patient’s particular needs.
Thursday, 19 February 2015 14:02

Flat Feet

Affecting about 20-30% of the population, Flat Foot is a condition in which the foot’s arch either drops or never develops. Flat feet is relatively common babies and small children as a result of the arch not developing. Adults can develop flat feet as a result of injury or pregnancy due to increased elasticity. However, in adults flat feet is usually a permanent condition.

Flat feet can make walking difficult since it places undue stress on the ankles. This stress throws off the general alignment of the legs since flat feet cause the ankles to move inward, causing discomfort. Flat feet can also affect the knees since arthritis is a common condition in that area. Fortunately, in many cases flat feet do not directly cause any pain.

When it comes to runners, there are specific shoes that can help realign the ankles wand provide more support while lessening the amount of pronation involved. Running often causes weight shifting very quickly, so it’s important to be informed whether or not you are affected by flat feet. Knowledge about flat feet is crucial, especially when it comes to preventing injuries.

To be able to diagnose flat feet, a test commonly used is known as the wet footprint test. In the wet footprint test, the individual places a flat foot on a surface to generate a footprint. If there is no indication of an arch or any indentations, that person could have flat feet. In any case, if there is a possibility of having flat feet, a podiatrist should be consulted.

Once flat foot has been diagnosed, it can be treated by wearing insoles or walking barefoot in beach-like terrain. There are two types of flat feet. The first type is rigid, where the feet appear to have no arch even the person affected is not standing. The other condition, known as flexible flat feet, occurs when the arch seems to ‘go away’ when someone is standing but appears while sitting. In the case of flexible flat feet, unless pain is caused by the condition there is no need for treatment. However, in the case of rigid flat feet or pain involved in flexible flat feet, orthotic insoles and exercises are prescribed to help the arches develop.

In more severe causes, surgery may be required. However, surgery is often avoided due to having a high cost and lengthy recovery time.
Thursday, 19 February 2015 00:00

Early Signs of Flat Feet detectable in Children

Flat feetChildren are in a constant state of growth and development and therefore often require frequent shopping trips to purchase items that will fit their growing bodies. Shoes often fall into this list of necessities, and with the purchase of new shoes parents should also keep in mind the necessity of proper foot health. Children in particular are prone to developing flat feet, a condition characterized by an abnormal collapse of the arch while standing. Parents can watch for early signs of the condition, which include: a flat foot arch at age 5 or older, heels that tend to angle outward when seen from the back, clumsiness during activity or early leg fatigue, or foot, knee or ankle pain during or after activity or the middle of the night.

Certain sports and physical activities may become difficult for children with flat feet. If you suspect that your child has the condition, speak to one of our podiatrists of University Foot & Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors will answer any of your foot and ankle related questions and attend to all of your podiatric needs.

What are Flat Feet?

Flat feet are a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. Standing about 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arch never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – if you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms:

Pain around the heel or arch area

Trouble standing on the tip toe.

Swelling around the inside of the ankle.

Flat look to one or both feet.

Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment:

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

For more information about Flat Feet, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Flat Feet
Corns are areas of the skin where it has thickened to the point of being irritating and sometimes painful. Corns are circular or cone-shaped and are commonly found on the feet where there are areas of pressure or friction, such as on the little toe where it may rub against shoes or on the ball of the foot. The medical term for corns is helomas.

Corns can easily be confused with a callus, but there is a difference between the two. Corns can be a raised bump that feels hard to the touch and painful. They consist of a thick, rough area of skin that may be dry and waxy. Corns tend to be surrounded by inflamed skin and are usually smaller than calluses.

The key to treating a corn is to remove the dead skin that has built up. Salicylic acid is the most common medication used to accomplish this. Salicylic acid works by dissolving keratin, the protein that makes up the majority of corns. You can purchase salicylic acid over-the-counter in the form of wart removers. It comes in medicated pads, drops or creams. People with diabetes should not use salicylic acid, but should immediately consult their doctor.

To treat corns, apply the medication directly onto the corns according to the product directions. The top layer of the corn will turn a white color. When that happens, the layers of skin can then be peeled away, making the corn smaller. It is never a good idea to try and shave off corns with razors or other pedicure equipment. This can lead to infection. If your corns get infected or do not respond to over the counter treatment, a visit to the doctor is necessary.

Orthotic inserts fitted by a podiatrist also help to treat corns and help prevent their return. Inserts fit into shoes and help to adjust the way your foot fits in your shoe, thus fixing the way you walk. This will reduce friction, lowering your chances of getting a corn and eliminating the pain for current corns.

Surgery is seldom an option for corns, but does occur on rare occasions. Surgery for corns actually deals with the underlying issue causing the corns. During surgery, the bone is shaved and any abnormalities are corrected to reduce the amount of friction that occurs during walking.

The first step to preventing corns is to reduce any possible friction. Wear well fitting shoes that don’t rub on your feet. If you notice rubbing developing, pads can be purchased to help reduce the friction. These can be purchased over the counter and are simply placed on the area that is being irritated. Friction can also be reduced by using cushioned insoles in your shoes, and making sure to wear well-fitting shoes. This will make sure your foot is not being squeezed awkwardly, and stop corns from forming in the first place.
FeetClaudia Jordan, the newest member of Real Housewives of Atlanta, has been the subject of the latest social media stir due to comments her fellow cast mates have made about her feet. Jordan has been noted for having extremely good looks, but in the latest sneak peek for the season, viewers took to twitter to deem the stars hammer toes with corns all over as “ugly.” Co-star NeNe Leaks only added to the conversation by stating she has better skin, feet, and overall genetics compared to Jordan. The 41 year-old took to her own twitter and blog to defend herself, “It started when I ran track and would wear a really tight track spike when I would race (basically cramming my feet in a shoe a size smaller), then when I got into modelling and wearing heels all the time, that wreaked havoc on my poor toes.”

Corns may be painful and embarrassing to have on your feet. If you have corns and would like to learn how to treat them, speak to Dr. Genine Befumo and Dr. Mark Berger of University Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors can treat your foot and ankle needs.

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
Treating 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.

For more information about Corns on the Feet, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Corns on the Feet
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