Items filtered by date: April 2015

A 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.

Angela 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.

According 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.