Items filtered by date: July 2018

Sean Doolittle of the Washington Nationals noticed a difference in the way he landed off the mound after he finished his pitches. To his surprise, he felt discomfort in his toe and decided to have an MRI to discover the cause. The initial MRI revealed no structural damage, however a second MRI was able to reveal a stress reaction. Doolittle believes the injury stemmed from the burden that is placed on his foot from his pitch delivery. He is currently avoiding all baseball activity, which isn’t a good sign for the Nationals. Kelvin Herrera is expected to fill in as temporary closer while Doolittle is on the disabled list.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

A vegan woman recalls a time when she experienced what she describes as a “mysterious pain” in her right ankle. She recounts that the pain was reminiscent of a sunburn mixed with an explosion of agony. When she visited her doctor, she was able to discover that the pain and swelling she was experiencing was due to a condition called gout. Gout is a condition that is often the result of eating large amounts of red meat, shellfish, and beer. Consequently, this woman was shocked to learn the cause of her condition, because she had been living a vegan lifestyle. Her case of gout was confirmed through a blood test that revealed she had a buildup of monosodium urate monohydrate crystals in her ankle. Nevertheless, this woman made it her mission to not allow gout to take control of her life. She exercises on a daily basis, socializes with friends, and continues her job to ensure that her life is not disrupted by gout.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

There are several foot conditions that may produce considerable pain. Fractures, sprains and Achilles tendon injuries may all be among common foot ailments that fall into this category. Stiffness may be a result of tendinitis in the foot, and relief may be found by consulting with a podiatrist for proper treatment options. A type of arthritis referred to as gout is known to cause severe pain at the bottom of the big toe and surrounding areas. It is a result of excess crystals that form in the bloodstream due to a large amount of uric acid in the blood. Foods that are rich in purines such as shellfish and red meat may contribute to the onset of gout. Other causes of foot pain may include plantar fasciitis, uncontrolled diabetes, or Morton’s neuroma. A podiatrist will be able to determine the specific cause of certain foot pain, and it’s suggested to seek counsel as soon as possible.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

The Royals will have to play the next few weeks without their outfielder Jorge Soler. Soler recently fractured his left first metatarsal when he tripped running out of the batter’s box during a game. The injury hasn’t been ruled severe enough to require surgery, but the Royals are expected to re-evaluate the fracture soon. Fortunately, there is a possibility that the break may heal on its own. However, if Soler’s CT scan reveals a further separation of bones, surgery may be necessary. Soler is expected to be placed on the disabled list very soon and he will most likely be out of gameplay until August. Soler’s injury will be a monumental loss for an already struggling Kansas City Royals team. If you suspect that you have a fracture in your foot, you should consult with your podiatrist right away.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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 in color
• 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 and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Research has shown that walking is one of the best ways to stretch the feet. When a step is taken, the foot completes a full range of motion as the heel makes contact with the ground causing the foot to lift with the toes. There are flexibility and resistance exercises that will strengthen the foot, and may benefit the general health of the body. When stretches are practiced daily, the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the foot will typically become stronger and may help to provide optimum support for the entire foot. Effective stretches include lifting one leg while sitting in a chair, rotating the ankle several times, and then changing directions. To strengthen the sole of the foot, step back with one foot while standing, then slowly lift the heel until a gentle stretch is felt, and then repeat on the other foot. A consultation with a podiatrist is suggested for additional information about the benefits of stretching the feet.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the 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.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• 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 and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.