Items filtered by date: January 2022

Being overweight can cause discomfort and damage to your feet. The excess fat you are carrying around redistributes itself throughout your body, and your feet are no exception. Extra fat can deposit in your feet and the fat pads on the bottom of your feet can get worn down. Your feet may even become flat. Being obese may make you more susceptible to developing plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoe, and more. While losing weight will not change the structure of your feet, it can help to take pressure off your feet and ankles and help you avoid osteoarthritis, gout, and joint pain. It can also relieve foot pain and inflammation due to circulatory issues. Contact a podiatrist to get relief from your foot pain and to learn various solutions about taking better care of your feet.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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.

Osteoporosis is a bone disorder that causes the bones to become thin, brittle, and weak due to a lack of calcium and vitamin D. Although it is particularly common in women over 50, younger people and men can also develop osteoporosis. Since osteoporosis weakens the bones, it makes fractures more likely. Often, the first sign of osteoporosis is a broken bone in the foot. Symptoms of this include pain, redness, and swelling around the site of the fracture, and difficulty walking. A podiatrist can diagnose a broken foot bone through physical examination and X-rays. If you suspect that you may have broken a foot bone, or if you have been previously diagnosed with osteoporosis and want to learn more about preventing foot fractures, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist today. 

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.

Foot blisters are a common but very annoying problem. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent them. First, you should look for a shoe that fits well, holds your heel firmly in place, and leaves some wiggle room for your toes. Avoid buying shoes with rough seams or edges along the inside, as these can irritate the skin. Socks are important too. Look for socks that are made with a moisture-wicking material. These will help keep your feet dry. You can also use an antiperspirant or talcum powder. Toughen the skin on your feet by slowly increasing the distance of your walks or runs and by moisturizing your heels if they are dry. If you have certain areas of your feet that are prone to blistering, cover them with sports tape, moleskin, or special patches to protect them. For more information about how to prevent foot blisters, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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 podiatrist.

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 bones in the ankle are connected by a variety of ligaments. Ankle sprains occur when these ligaments become either overstretched or torn, usually because the ankle is twisted. Mild ankle sprains mean that the ankle is tender and swollen, but more severe ankle sprains can make the ankle unstable and unable to support any weight. Patients who believe they may have sprained an ankle would be wise to consult with a podiatrist, because the symptoms of an ankle sprain are similar to those of a broken ankle, and an x-ray may be necessary. Recurring or severe sprains can also cause long-term weakness and joint pain. Upon the diagnosis of an ankle sprain (or fracture), a podiatrist will be able to provide a treatment plan for the injury.   

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. 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.

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

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 and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.