Items filtered by date: April 2023

Tuesday, 25 April 2023 00:00

Swelling and Salt Intake

Salt is a mineral that is familiar to the vast majority of Americans. Countless different people around the country choose to flavor their food by sprinkling salt on it almost every day. However, excessive salt intake can have potentially negative consequences for the feet. Specifically, when an individual eats too much salt, their ankles can effectively swell up because of increased water retention. Therefore, before eating too much salt, someone who is experiencing swollen feet might be more hesitant to increase their salt intake. If you are living with persistently swollen ankles, it is highly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today who can answer any questions you might have and provide treatment. 

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

  • Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
  • Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
  • Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
  • Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
  • Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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 Swelling of the Feet
Tuesday, 18 April 2023 00:00

Stress Fractures in the Feet

Many runners, dancers, and other athletes develop stress fractures in the feet. This injury occurs when the force on the bone is greater than its ability to adapt. The result is a hairline crack in the bone. The most common location of stress fractures in the feet is the metatarsal bones. These are the long bones of the feet that connect the toes to the midfoot. The 2nd and 3rd metatarsals are most often affected, accounting for a third of stress fractures in feet and ankles. The heel bone, called the calcaneus, is the second most common location of foot stress fractures. Stress fractures are often the result of overtraining, such as increasing running speed, distance, or intensity too quickly. One of the main problems of developing stress fractures is the difficulty in diagnosing them. They are hard to detect through X-rays and can easily be thought of simply as sore feet, at first. To see if you have developed stress fractures, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a complete exam and diagnosis. 

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.

Read more about Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Tuesday, 11 April 2023 00:00

Flip-Flop Straps

As the weather starts to get warmer, many individuals throughout the country will begin wearing flip-flops. Although this kind of footwear is fashionable for the incoming summer weather, it can also pose several health risks to your feet. Specifically, flip-flops have a retainer between the big and second toe. As a result, sometimes individuals may develop blisters or a sore in this area due to rubbing and friction. To mitigate this, an individual could consider opting for flip-flops made of fabric rather than plastic. More importantly, people should choose footwear besides flip-flops, such as a supportive pair of sandals. If you are someone that enjoys wearing flip-flops and experiences blisters between the big and second toe, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

  • Ankle problems
  • Hip problems
  • Lower back problems
  • Pain in the balls of the feet
  • Problems with foot arches
  • Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

  • Sprained ankles
  • Blisters
  • Infections
  • Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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.

Read more about Flip Flops and Feet
Tuesday, 04 April 2023 00:00

Examples of Congenital Foot Conditions

Most babies are born with normal feet, despite the few structural abnormalities that may occur. These can include clubfoot and overlapping toes and may be treated without having surgery. Clubfoot is defined as developing in the womb, and the baby is born with twisted feet that point inward and down. Metatarsus adductus is a congenital foot condition that causes the baby’s toes to point in and they can be difficult to straighten. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary for permanent straightening. Babies who are born with one or more extra toes are known to be polydactyly. It is a fairly common condition and may happen for genetic reasons. Some babies are born with certain toes that overlap and are noticeable when the pinky toe crosses the fourth toe. It is generally not a bothersome condition, but special shoes may need to be worn. If you would like additional information about congenital foot problems, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you with the knowledge you are seeking. 

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

  • Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
  • Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
  • Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
  • Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
  • Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
  • Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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 Congenital Foot Problems

Connect With Us