Items filtered by date: October 2013

Researchers in the UK have been able to find a way to prematurely identify rheumatoid arthritis through computer-based modeling. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition marked by a painful joint inflammation, and is inherited from genetics and nurtured by environmental factors such as smoking.

Through correlating information about the patient’s smoking history and genetic markers taken from blood tests, doctors at the University of Manchester and King’s College London have been able to identify the likelihood of developing the condition. According to Dr. Ian Scott of King’s College, “This is an important first step in trying to develop ways to prevent the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.”

If you are suffering from foot pain and think it might be caused by arthritis, you should seek the care of a podiatrist like as Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can examine your foot pain and diagnose any potential conditions.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. As a result, inflammation of the lining and the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur.

Symptoms

- Swelling & pain of the feet
- Stiffness in the feet
- Pain on the ball or sole of feet
- Joint shift or deformation can occur

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is usually necessary for the podiatrist to treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine what could have triggered the condition. The Rheumatoid Factor Test helps determine if someone is affected by the disease.

Treatment

Treating RA is usually a lifelong process that includes a variety of methods and therapy. Your doctor will prescribe special shoes that help with arch and heel support, and a physical therapist will assist with joint flexibility.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.

Read the full article on Rheumatoid Arthritis.

In the journal PLoS One, researchers have found common wisdom when it comes to flat feet to be scientifically true. The Framingham Foot Study measured foot posture in 3,000 people, finding that people with flat feet were more at risk for overlying toes and conditions such as hammertoe and bunions.

On the contrary, people who possessed high arched feet were less likely to develop these feet conditions; since high arched feet tend to supinate as opposed to pronate. However, the study did not indicate any relationship between foot type and developing plantar fasciitis.

Having flat-feet can lead to complications down the road. If you think you have flat feet you should seek out the care of a podiatrist such as like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman will diagnose any foot conditions you may have as well as provide you with a range of treatment options.

What are Flat Feet?

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – if you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms:

• Pain around the heel or arch area.
• Trouble standing on the tip toe.
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle.
• Flat look to one or both feet.
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.

Read more on Flat Feet.

A study by the National Foot Health Assessment and Institute of Preventive Foot Health shows that frequent dryness on the feet is experienced by twenty percent of Americans over 21. Additionally, split skin more prevalent in women than men by at least fifty percent.

These symptoms of cracked heels include; red or flaky patches, peeling and cracked skin, itchy skin, and bleeding from the cracks. Cracked heels are also called “heel fissures,” and are prevalent among people with diabetes. According to The Star, cracked heels may be difficult to treat if the skin around the outer part is already thickened or callused.

Having cracked heels can be bothersome and embarrassing but it doesn’t have to be. Seek the help of a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman will examine your feet and provide you with the best treatments possible.

The Truth about Cracked Heels

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are unappealing, and make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Not only may they look bad, but they can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How do you get them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief, or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Pumice Stones – these remove dead skin, and then you can massage cream onto your foot. This way the cream will be absorbed. The skin needs to be exfoliated; therefore the outer layer dead skin needs removal.

To learn more about the truth about cracked heels, please follow link below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.

Read more on Cracked Heels.

Country singer Carrie Underwood took a spill lately during a concert while wearing 5 inch heels. The superstar was on stage in Corpus Christi, Texas when she got her shoe wedged in her large shirt and fell to the floor.

The injury does not look like it will require serious matters and it does not appear that an operation will be needed. After her show, Underwood joked about the fall tweeting, “Hey, remember that time in Corpus Christi when that girl busted her butt on stage?! Hilarious! Oh wait, that was me! #5inchheels #klutz.”

Wearing high heels can cause discomfort or difficulty in standing or walking, if you have concerns over the usage of high heels you should seek the aid of a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can provide you with more information on alternative footwear as well as further details on foot and ankle pain you may be experiencing from heels.

Wearing High Heels and How it Affects Feet

Most doctors agree that high heels are bad for the health of your feet, and discourage wearing them when it can be avoided. High heels are known to cause joint pain and Morton’s neuroma, among other complications.

High heels affect what parts of the body?

• Joints in the Ankle
• Balls of the Feet
• Achilles Tendon
• 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 problems can arise from long term use of high heels?

• Calluses
• Corns
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bunions
• Hammertoe

For more information on maintaining proper foot health while wearing high heels, visit our link at the bottom.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.

Read more on High Heels and Feet.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory process of the plantar fascia tissue on the sole of the foot which affects around 2 million Americans each year. Plantar fascia manifests in people who practice high impact sports-runners, gymnasts, parachutists, and athletes who train on artificial surfaces, according to David Pierson, former president of the International Federation of Sports Chiropractors.

Dr. Miles Colaprate, DC at Balance Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Shelburne, Vermont, says, “Many people try to treat PF with minor stretching and denial. They roll their foot on a golf ball, or ice and heat their foot, neither of which are the correct therapy. Turns out, Pierson and Colaprete both agree that Plantar fascia can be treated at home; even more importantly if it's caught early.

Plantar Fasciitis can be painful and frustrating. If you are currently experiencing pain in the ball of your foot or heels, where the plantar fascia is located, it is best to seek the care of a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can examine your feet and work with you to provide an appropriate treatment option to ensure healing and recovery.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the connective tissues on the bottom of the foot, causing pain in the heel and arch of the foot.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Lack of adequate footwear
• Obesity
• Excessive running
• Poor foot support
• Overpronation

How Can Plantar Fasciitis Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices. 
• Shockwave therapy – sends sound waves to the areas where pain is experience.  Requires multiple sessions.  This is used for very persistent cases of plantar fasciitis. 
• Ultrasound-guided technique with steroid injections into the plantar fascia.  This is from a relatively new and small study, but was shown to be effective in most cases treated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.

Read more on Plantar Fasciitis.