Items filtered by date: February 2025

Tuesday, 25 February 2025 00:00

Tips for Diabetic Foot Care

Maintaining good foot health is essential for people with diabetes to prevent complications like infections or ulcers. High blood sugar can cause nerve damage and poor circulation, making it harder to detect injuries or infections. Regularly check your feet for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. If you notice any changes, seek treatment immediately. Wearing the right shoes is key. Opt for well-fitting shoes that provide support and avoid tight or high-heeled footwear. Soft, moisture-wicking socks help protect your feet from friction and reduce the risk of blisters. Keep your toenails trimmed and filed to prevent ingrown toenails and avoid cutting them too short, which can lead to injury. If you experience numbness, tingling, or pain in your feet, it is important to consult a podiatrist. They can help with routine foot exams, treatment for any existing issues, and advice on proper footwear or orthotics. For optimal foot care, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to keep your feet healthy and pain-free.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Conditions
Thursday, 20 February 2025 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Tuesday, 18 February 2025 00:00

Facts About Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, located on the inside of the ankle. This compression can lead to various symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and sharp pain in the foot and ankle area. These symptoms often worsen with prolonged standing, walking, or activity. The causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome include trauma, repetitive stress, or conditions like diabetes that lead to nerve damage. Other contributing factors include swelling, cysts, or flat feet, which can narrow the tunnel and put pressure on the nerve. To diagnose tarsal tunnel syndrome, podiatrists rely on a thorough physical examination and may use imaging tests like MRI scans or ultrasounds to assess the area. Nerve conduction studies may also be performed to measure the electrical activity of the nerves and confirm the diagnosis. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
  • Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  • At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
  • The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
  • If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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.

Read more about Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tuesday, 11 February 2025 00:00

Preventing Toenail Issues While Running

Running can put significant stress on the feet, often leading to various toenail issues. Common toenail conditions caused from running include black toenails, ingrown toenails and fungal infections, in addition to thickened nails, and toenail trauma. Black toenails usually occur from repeated impact, causing blood to pool under the nail. Ingrown toenails develop when the edges of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin, often causing pain and infection. Fungal infections thrive in a warm, moist environment created by sweat, leading to discoloration and thickened nails. Toenail trauma can happen from wearing ill-fitting shoes or improper running form. Preventing these issues requires wearing properly fitting shoes with enough room for the toes to move freely. Regularly trimming toenails straight across can help avoid ingrown nails, while keeping feet dry and using antifungal treatments can reduce the risk of infections. Additionally, performing proper nail care and recovery time after long runs can help prevent toenail damage. If you have developed toe pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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.

Read more about Preventing Running Injuries
Thursday, 06 February 2025 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Tuesday, 04 February 2025 00:00

The Foot as the Foundation for Balance

The foot is often overlooked in discussions about overall body health, but it plays a critical role in maintaining balance and supporting movement. As the foundation of your posture and stability, the foot must be mobile and adaptable to function properly. Good foot mobility allows for proper alignment and efficient transfer of force from the ground to the rest of the body. When the foot has the ability to adjust to different surfaces and conditions, it helps maintain balance, reducing the risk of falls and injury. Many people experience limited foot mobility due to tight muscles, poor posture, or insufficient movement, which can affect overall mobility and stability. Prioritizing foot health through exercises that improve flexibility, strength, and adaptability can significantly enhance posture, prevent discomfort, and promote better balance. If you have foot pain or concerns, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on strengthening exercises to improve balance.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Read more about The Importance of Biomechanics in Podiatry

Blog Archives

Connect With Us