Understanding Osteoarthritis as a Form of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis, a debilitating disease that affects your body’s tissue and cartilage, can affect people of all ages. Although osteoarthritis symptoms usually flare up around the age of 65, it can also affect younger individuals. Many different factors can contribute to osteoarthritis, including obesity, genes, and injuries, which can promote the early onset of symptoms. Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis, which affects “1 in 5 adults in the United States,” which amounts to “at least 27 million Americans.”
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment,contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will 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, please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Cryotherapy Ideal for Soothing Inflammation of the Feet
Cryotherapy is one potential treatment option for soothing the feet, especially if you have arthritis. First developed by the Japanese during the 1970s, cryotherapy is a “non-invasive, whole-body hyper-cooling treatment” that is often used for professional athletes. The method is said to reduce inflammation in the body through the rapid cooling of your body in -160 to -260 Fahrenheit temperatures.
Foot therapy is necessary for those recovering from both foot deformities and foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Most common injuries
People who are constantly on their feet are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is important to take part in physical therapy in order to get back on the right track quickly.
What to do when injured
Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. This is important for those wanting to get back into the game quickly. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.
During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. These are some steps physical therapy often involves:
- Basic stretching & twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
- Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
- Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers A Serious Concern for Diabetics
Diabetic foot ulcers are known as injuries on the feet that are suggested to be experienced by about “15 percent of diabetics,” and can usually start out small as blisters, calluses, or small cuts. Diabetic ulcers that are not treated can progress into a more serious issue, become infected, and can be extremely harmful for the diabetic person. Infections caused by diabetic ulcers can spread throughout the body and be difficult to treat at later stages. Diabetes can impair the blood cells and the immunity system.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. 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 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 Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Take Care of Your Children’s Feet Early on to Prevent Onset of Problems
Children’s feet and ankles are both especially prone to injury since they are not wholly developed yet. If your child participates often in sports, make sure to check them for bodily injuries. Softer surface sports can “create less trauma to the joints, whereas the harder surfaces can take their toll.” Small symptoms can progress into larger problems later on as your child grows older. Children can suffer from inflammation in the heel growth plate, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures. Repeated stress and strain on your children’s bodies can lead to these issues, so make sure to have them checked regularly.
Making sure that your children maintain foot health is very important as they grow up. If you have any questions contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Having healthy feet in childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care from birth to school-age.
Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.
- Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet
- Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable
As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.
As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet
- Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus
- Be watchful of any pain or injury
- Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible
- Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Causes of Poor Circulation in the Body
There are many different symptoms and causes behind poor circulation, all of which can indicate serious problems in the body. Symptoms can commonly include feelings of numbness, cramps, the appearance of varicose veins, feelings of pins and needles, and feelings of heaviness on your limbs. Vascular disease is also another name for poor circulation in the body. Treating your poor blood circulation involves exercising more often, eating a healthy diet, and stopping smoking.
Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention.To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs can be 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 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 are over 50-years-old, have diabetes and/or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD, and it is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce the risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.
Consult a podiatrist or doctor to help determine a regime that suits you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Marc Gasol Sustains Foot Injury Playing Against Portland Trail Blazers
Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies will be out on recovery for an indefinite amount of time after sustaining a right foot injury in the game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Gasol had to leave the game during the first quarter. Head coach Dave Joerger said that “Marc is a guy who lays it out there for his teammates and the fans. We’re going to fight, scratch and claw.” Gasol’s status was unknown at the time.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
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 Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Bone Broth Suggested to Help Ease Arthritis Symptoms
Bone broth has been the new health fad in preventing diseases such as arthritis. While people have been using bone broth to ease their pains for a very long time, there is not a lot of research to back up its helpful claims. Elisabetta Politi, dietician and director of the Diet and Fitness Center at Duke University, also questions these claims. She states, “the cooking method will draw out cartilage-building substances like glucosamin and condroitin. Many people take them in pill form to combat arthritis, but clinical trials haven’t shown they’re effective.”
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will 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, please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Tom Brady Spotted with Recent Sprained Ankle Injury
Jeremy Lin of the Charlotte Hornets had to be removed from a game against the Jazz due to a sprained ankle. After scoring four points within two rebounds and an assist, Lin sustained his injury. Lin’s current condition is not known since further evaluation of the injury is still necessary. Players Brian Roberts and Aaron Harrison are next in line to sub in Lin’s place.
Ankle sprains are common, but need immediate attention. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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 tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Who Are Geriatricians and Why Are They Important?
Geriatricians are podiatrists who specialize in treating the elderly, but the profession is considered an uncommon field. According to nytimes.com, “geriatrics is one of the few medical specialties in the United States that is contracting even as the need increases,” indicating that more older adults are in need of having their feet checked and treated. Geriatricians are important because they are “certified in internal or family medicine” and they have “completed additional training in the care of older adults.” Geriatricians are able to treat older adults, addressing problems that may extend beyond ordinary foot care.
If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and even rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.
It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseases can affect your overall health and having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.
Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or anything else that may seem irregular.
Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. So wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.
Lastly, good foot health means you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health can also lead to good circulation which is paramount to overall health.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Jockey Stephen Brown Sustains Broken Ankle
Stephen Brown Junior, jockey apprentice, will not be on the saddle for a short period of time as his broken ankle heals. The injury was sustained during a fall at a race on King Island. As the horse and his jockey were ready to head towards the barriers, the bucking horse caused the 16-year-old to land awkwardly, rolling his foot inward. “I was just starting to kick things off a little bit and had ridden a couple of winners in the past few weeks so it’s disappointing, but these things happen,” the young jockey stated.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. 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 Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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Combating Athlete’s Foot
For those who may think they have Athlete’s foot, make sure to see your podiatrist first. If you want to try self-diagnosing or treating your feet first to see what condition you may have, make sure to apply your medication treatment on a consistent basis, even after the condition has healed. The root of Athlete’s foot can exist in the layers underneath the skin as well. Remember to also take proper care of your feet by washing and drying them daily, and using powder to absorb moisture. Another tip is to wear acrylic socks rather than cotton socks.
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 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. 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 Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Probiotics Can Help Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Taking probiotics may help with treating joint pain and joint disability, or rheumatoid arthritis. Recent research from the Arthritis Foundation suggests that the good bacteria in probiotics help reduce inflammation and joint pain. Probiotics aid in digestion and help break down and filter the toxins in the body, preventing the spread of inflammation. The healthy bacteria found in probiotics, Lactobacillus casei, is effective in reducing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in patients, as suggested by the National center for Biotechnological Information.
Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, 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. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.
Symptoms
- Swelling & pain in the feet
- Stiffness in the feet
- Pain on the ball or sole of feet
- Joint shift and deformation
Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Feet Play an Important Role in Keeping the Body Healthy
When it comes to keeping your body in shape, it is important to keep your feet in healthy and safe conditions to avoid any potential injuries. When starting a new workout, start gradually to avoid strains or stress fractures. Wearing the correct fitting shoes and socks with support can help reduce heel pain and avoid blisters. Using the proper technique during your workout is vital in preventing injury. Always remember to wear shoes in public places and to wear flip-flops in public showers or near public swimming pools to avoid foot fungus or other infectious diseases.
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 Quality Foot Care Center. 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 Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Chris Clarke of Virginia Tech to Have Surgery
Virginia Tech’s Chris Clarke will be undergoing surgery for his foot injury, which occurred during Christmas break of last year. Clarke sustained a fracture while working out and he now has to wear a walking boot for recovery. He was examined by the team’s orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Tony McPherron, and after a diagnosis and x-rays, surgery was found to be the best option for Clarke’s injury. Following the surgery, Clarke’s status for the team will be unknown.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. For professional help, see one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will ensure that your feet receive the care that they need.
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 feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
