Items filtered by date: January 2020

It’s very common for those with diabetes to experience nerve damage. This may cause what is known as diabetic neuropathy, which often affects the feet. With this condition, it can be very difficult to feel if you have developed a wound. If these small injuries are not felt, it’s likely they will go untreated, which can be incredibly dangerous as that may lead to an infection, or further foot complications. To best care for your neuropathy, it’s suggested that you keep your blood sugar at a healthy level, check your feet daily, and refrain from walking barefoot. It is also advised that you wear protective footwear as an extra support for your feet. If you begin to notice symptoms such as a burning or tingling feeling in your feet, we recommend that you consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible for an advised treatment plan.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

There are several types of foot pain many people can experience in their lifetime. If you notice a bump gradually developing on the side of your big toe, you may have what is known as a bunion. This may come from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. A common foot condition that is known as cracked heels can occur from wearing shoes that have an open back, or from standing for the majority of the day. A small calloused area on the top of the toes may be a corn and can develop as a result of friction between the toes and the top of the shoe. Additionally, a blister can develop from excess friction, and will appear as a small bubble filled with protective fluid while the damaged area heals. If you have foot pain of any kind, please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat your condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors 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.

There are more than thirty joints in each foot. If you feel pain in your feet, it may be indicative of arthritis. There are different types of this condition that may gradually develop. The most common form of arthritis is referred to as osteoarthritis, and typically affects one joint.  Rheumatoid arthritis can be the result of an autoimmune disease, and symptoms can be seen in the ankle and foot. Sudden and severe pain in the big toe may indicate gout, which can come from genetic factors, or from foods that are eaten. Psoriatic arthritis generally affects the toes, and can cause swelling. Additional symptoms can include bumps forming on the toes from rubbing together, and it may be difficult to move the toes. Some patients notice their toenails are affected, and the toes may curl. If you feel you have any type of arthritis in your feet, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to 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 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 technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The plantar fascia is located at the bottom of the foot. It is identified as a portion of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, and can become painful if it is torn or inflamed. This may happen as a result of frequently participating in running and jumping activities, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. Additionally, existing medical conditions may cause this condition to gradually develop. These may include diabetes, arthritis, flat feet, or tight calves. It may be beneficial to perform yoga stretches to strengthen the feet, which may help in preventing plantar fasciitis from developing. If you are experiencing pain in your heel and surrounding areas, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.