Items filtered by date: December 2015

Melissa Wescott has a shoe size that’s four sizes larger than the average size of 9. She opened her business, Big On Shoes, to help create and customize footwear for clientele specifically like her who have specific shoe needs. Look for a local organization that can provide the right shoe size for you, especially if you find that many popular outlets do not offer your ideal shape.

Finding a proper fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in properly fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improperly fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, keeping properly fit shoes is vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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A business in Minden, Nevada, has created new bunion treatment products that have been allegedly reported to help address a variety of problems connected to feet, such as back pain. Back pain results as an effect of bad posture, and bunions are one ailment that can contribute to poor posture. Bunions spread the feet and arch out, which can ultimately lead to back pain.

Bunion surgery usually occurs after non-surgical methods have proved to be ineffective. 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.

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 questions feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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Blisters on the feet are often caused by friction between skin and the material of the shoe. To prevent this, ensure that shoes have a proper fit with a wide enough toe box. Moisture reducing socks can keep your feet dry and reduce friction. Sticking a layer of tape over any friction susceptible areas are also a sure way to reduce any blisters.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. 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.

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 feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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Researchers from McGill University of Montreal found brain activity that can assist in providing treatment for diabetic patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Professor Seguela of the neurology and neurosurgery department discovered this by studying the HCN, hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated, channels and how they transmit pain signals through the ACC. Brain scans found that emotional and cognitive factors can also influence pain of peripheral neuropathy.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly. 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.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet.

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.

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