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Athletes FootA woman from Conwy reportedly dialed 999—the U.K.'s 911—because she had athlete's foot. This case was just one of the many "ludicrous" phone calls made to ambulance chiefs in Wales over the span of seven months. Other calls included a diner who felt their face burning after eating a red hot chilli pepper, someone who had two cotton buds stuck down their ear, a man who was feeling tired, and a man who had broken his two teeth and wanted dental work. Another woman from Rhyl called paramedics after pulling her side reaching for a phone charger.

Athlete's foot is an inconvenient condition, but nothing to call an ambulance for. If you are concerned about your athlete's foot contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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. Speaking to your podiatrist will give you 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 Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about athlete's foot.

Monday, 04 May 2015 18:12

New Technology useful for Runners 

plantarAccording to Jennifer Jolly of USA Today, this summer we can vamp up our workouts and reduce injury with the help of new technology. RunScribe, a tracker that attaches to the back of the shoe, captures at least 13 different data points to help analyze and perfect our form. This helps runners understand if they are routinely making running mistakes that will hurt the body.

Another gadget called the Hyperice Vyper is a roller that helps stretch the body and aid in recovery post workout. The ball shaped device is used to rub against muscles in the legs and feet with the help of extra pressure and vibrations dedicated to protecting and loosening them up.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Stretching Your Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.
Good ways to stretch your feet are:

  • Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
  • Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
  • Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about stretching the feet.

highthealsAngela Kelly of England says she was left crippled after a lifetime of wearing high heels. The 67-year-old first became aware of the problem four years ago while on a shopping trip. The former All England badminton mixed doubles champion was in so much pain she was latching onto her cart to help her move.

Kelly had suffered damage in her feet and knees due to wearing only high heels for nearly thirty years. Although many women wear high heels to boost their confidence, the ending results of high heel wearing can have extremely negative effects on the body.

The effects of high heels can cause many complications in the feet. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. 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. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read More about the effects of high heels.

xrayAccording to the Arthritis Foundation, 2.3 million adults and 10,300 children in Michigan alone suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, a disease that causes a slow and painful deterioration of the body’s joints, bones, ligaments, and cartilage. Although the disease affects millions of people all over the country, there is still no known cure. However, there are some treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to temporarily reduce inflammation and pain.

Each year Michigan hosts the Detroit Walk to Cure Arthritis to raise awareness for the vast population suffering for the disease without a cure. Each participant is asked to raise at least $100 to help raise awareness, research funding, and funds to lobby for bills such as the Patients’ Access to Treatments Act.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a painful and limiting condition. If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Severe pain and immobility are caused by an inflammation of the lining of your joints, and in worse cases the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone can occur.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, many cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area. Pain will often initially present in the toes before the condition worsens and spreads throughout the entire foot.


Symptoms

  • Swelling and pain in the feet
  • Stiffness in the feet
  • Pain on the ball or sole of the feet
  • Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that your podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor may ask you about your medical history and lifestyle to help determine possible causes of your RA.

Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for RA, so treatment options are designed to specifically target the symptoms of it, most notably the pain it causes. Two types of anti-inflammatory drugs – non-steroidal or NSAIDs and corticosteroids – may be prescribed by your doctor. In some severe cases where the joints are too badly damaged, surgery may be an option. As always, speak with your podiatrist to help determine the appropriate treatment options available to you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

sprainankleStephen Strasburg, pitcher for the Washington Nationals, will miss the start of the season due to a sprained ankle.

The injury occurred a few days before their game against the Tigers, but the pitcher still played against the Marlins where they won 4-2. Matt Williams, Nationals manager states, “We don’t want to have any issues with the arm trying to over compensate so we’ll push him a couple of days and he’ll be good. But it’s not serious.” Apparently Strasburg rolled his ankle during some conditioning which resulted in the injury.

Ankle sprains are very painful and need to be treated as soon as possible. If you are suffering from a sprained ankle contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits can aid in prevention

Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Read More about ankle sprains.

shockwaveRosemary Smith was a full time carer from London when she started to feel shooting pains through her feet. She states she would even feel the pain while standing in her office making photo copies. Smith would often miss out on invitations to parties, exercising, and even found a new job where she could sit down more. After an extensive amount of research, Smith discovered that she had symptoms similar to plantar fasciitis that occurs often in middle aged and overweight individuals. After eight years of suffering from the pain of plantar fasciitis, the forty-five year old discovered shockwave therapy and the treatments have allowed her to live her life again. “My feet still ache if I’ve been shopping or standing for hours, but I don’t have to tiptoe out of bed and can dash off to get the post as soon as it drops through the door,” Smith mentioned.

Shockwave therapy is one of many forms of treatment for plantar fasciitis. If you are interested in receiving shockwave therapy for your lower extremities, contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will assess your needs and give you a professional opinion.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. This technique is used on patients that do not respond well to physiotherapy. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, attacking the source of the problem so treatment lasts for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

Read more about Shockwave Therapy

runnersImproper training is the cause of about 56 percent of running injuries each year, reports Jason Fitzgerald, a 2:39 marathoner and USA Track & Field certified coach. Contrary to popular belief, proper running requires proper technique—similar to the way a football tackle or deadlift requires practice and skill.

According to Fitzgerald, there are three general methods in avoiding injury: Avoid repeated use of the same part of the body and add variety to your training and distances, practice proactive recovery by adjusting your workouts by how you’re feeling day-to-day, and perfect your running form by counting your steps, avoiding over-striding, and standing up tall.

Running injuries, even with proper precautions, can still occur in many runners. If you are suffering from a running injury see one of our podiatrists from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will provide you with quality treatment and assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns.

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 Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about How to Prevent Running Injuries

APMAThe American Podiatric Medical Association recently published a study revealing that much of this nation’s foot pain goes untreated.  In a survey of 1,000 people over the age of 18, 77% reported experiencing foot pain, but only a third of those claim they would see a podiatrist.  Half of the participants with foot pain say that the pain has hindered walking, exercising, playing with grandchildren, and other daily activities. 

Among the group who sought podiatric help, 88% reported a quick diagnosis and 76% received treatment that eliminated the problem.  A third of the group said that their visits to the podiatrist exposed other health concerns, such as diabetes, circulatory issues, and nerve issues.

"It's not surprising to see how many people are affected by foot pain, when survey results show that we view our feet as the least important body part in terms of our overall health and wellbeing," said AMPA President Frank Spinosa. "Our feet are literally and figuratively the furthest things from our minds."

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment.  Seek the assistance of Dr. Gregory and Andrew Birch. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

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.

For more information about Podiatrists, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices. Weoffer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.


Read more about What is a Podiatrist

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 Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors can help you manage your foot and ankle conditions.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people of all ages each year. Diabetes damages blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. When damage occurs to nerves in the feet, they may be unable to send the proper signals to the peripheral nervous system, resulting in a condition known as neuropathy. Once a diabetic patient develops neuropathy, it is imperative that the feet are well taken care of to avoid possible amputation of the feet.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

- Regularly check your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet; socks shouldn’t be tight.
- Wear properly fitting shoes that are comfortable.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their Hemoglobin A1C levels as this test lets the physician know how well the blood sugar levels have been controlled during the past 3 months. It is important to keep the blood sugar levels in a normal range (70-110mg/dl). It is advisable to visit a podiatrist if the diabetic patient is experiencing any conditions involving the feet.

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

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

Read more about Diabetic Foot Care

barefoot running7This year, former Guam resident Eddie Vega, has completed 101 marathons while running barefoot in order to raise awareness and funds for young children in the Philippines and other countries walking around barefoot. Due to his efforts, Vega has raised nearly $12,000 that will provide thousands of shoes for children in third world countries. Barefoot running in marathons was not an intentional choice for the 55 year-old, who initially participated in the activity in order to reduce an injury incurred from previous marathons.  Although Vega has ran in over 100 marathons, he does not believe in being barefoot all of the time and has experienced criticism from avid believers of the barefoot lifestyle. “I do it to create awareness for 300 million kids with no shoes,” he states.

Barefoot running has its own share of benefits and disadvantages. To learn more about this trend, consider speaking to Dr. Harvey Jacobs of Quality Foot Care Center. Dr. Jacobs will explain the facts of barefoot running and help you decide if it’s a practice you’d like to take up.

Barefoot Running

The Impact of Barefoot Running

-Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
-Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.

The Advantages of Barefoot Running


-When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced, this can reduce stress injuries.
-It strengthens muscles in the feet and ankles and the lower legs.
-Balance of the body is improved and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running

-No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
-Blisters may form.
-Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
-Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.

So what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.

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

Read more about Barefoot Running

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