Items filtered by date: January 2023

Studies have indicated that the foot condition known as gout affects men more than women. While this is still true, over the last 20 years the number of cases in which women have developed gout has doubled. Menopause may be a contributing factor due to a lack of estrogen. Gout is a form of arthritis that generally affects the joints in the big toe. This happens as a result of excess uric acid in the blood which collects in the joints of the toes. Studies have shown that women experience gout in multiple joints and may begin in toes other than the big toe. Gout attacks can be controlled by eating foods that have fewer purines than other foods. It is suggested to limit the intake of red meat, shellfish, and drinks that contain a large amount of sugar. Engaging in light exercise programs and drinking plenty of water daily may help. Gout can cause debilitating pain so it is wise to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

An injury that breaks through the skin is called a wound. Small wounds on the feet may heal naturally whereas larger and deeper wounds may require assistance. After the hands are thoroughly washed, pressure can be applied to stop existing bleeding. This is generally followed by cleaning the wound with water and saline solution and removing any foreign objects from it. Many times an antibiotic cream is applied to it to help prevent an infection from developing. A dressing is then put over it and changed daily to ensure the wound is kept clean. Wounds can develop for various reasons and generally require prompt medical attention. Wounds can occur due to a human or animal bite, an injury, or getting cut by a dirty or rusty object. Additionally, if there is blood coming from the wound that cannot be stopped, it is strongly urged to contact a podiatrist who can effectively treat wounds on the feet.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Anyone who participates in sports or running activities knows that sooner or later they are liable to sustain some type of foot, toe, or ankle injury. Precautions that can help you to avoid such injuries are warming up before exercising and resisting the urge to do more than your body is prepared for. Additionally, it can help to increase exercise levels slowly. Most sports injuries are caused by doing too much too soon, overestimating your stamina and strength, and poor technique. Other causes include overtraining by pushing your body too hard, accidents, and using poor equipment. This last cause includes wearing shoes that do not fit properly, are wrong for the activity, or fail to provide proper support and cushioning needed for that sport. It is also important to pay attention to any pain you may incur during sports activities. Ignoring it can make a mild injury or condition much worse. Furthermore, continuing play or exercise despite the pain can increase the time it takes to recover. Seeking medical advice from a podiatrist when you experience foot, toe or ankle pain is a wise course of action. A podiatrist can make a thorough examination, determine the cause of the pain, and provide appropriate treatment options. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

The foot bears the weight of the entire body with every step taken. Most foot sprains occur in two main areas, the midfoot, which includes the arch, and the 1st metatarsal joint, which is the base of the big toe. Midfoot sprains are generally the result of a sports-related fall or collision. Another cause of a midfoot sprain is the twisting of the area common among snowboarders, windsurfers, and divers. Ballet dancers and horseback riders are also at a higher risk for midfoot sprains. The joint at the base of the big toe, known as the MPJ or metatarsophalangeal joint, is the site of a sprain often called turf toe. It is the result of the repetitive action and sudden burst of energy that causes the ligaments in this joint to become overstretched. This type of MPJ sprain is common among football players and ballet dancers. Symptoms of a foot sprain are pain, swelling, and tenderness. Some bruising may also take place, and with serious sprains, bearing weight becomes difficult. For guidance on how to deal with sprains in the foot, please consult a podiatrist. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. 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 Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

It is easy to slip, fall, and incur a broken foot. A fractured foot is a common injury that can happen suddenly or from chronic overuse. It may also occur from twisting it beyond its normal range of motion or when a heavy object drops on it. The symptoms often experienced with a broken foot include consistent pain, the inability to walk, and the foot may be bruised or swollen. In severe fractures, a bone may have become displaced, and will need to be put back into place, often through surgery. Many people who have a broken foot will have a proper diagnosis performed, which consists of having an X-ray taken. This is helpful in determining the severity of the fracture and treating it accordingly. It is common for patients who have fractured their foot to wear a protective boot or a cast, which is helpful in maintaining stability as the healing process occurs. If you have endured a broken foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist sooner rather than later who can help you with the correct treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors 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 Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.