Tuesday, 04 July 2023 00:00

The Summer Months and the Feet

Many people enjoy the summer months, despite the fact that this time of year can cause damage to the skin on the feet. This can be a result of excessive humidity, non-supportive shoes, and UV damage. There are effective methods to protect the skin during all seasons of the year, and this begins with practicing everyday foot care. Cracked heels may be prevented when the feet are washed and dried daily, followed by applying a good moisturizer. Additionally, many people may find it helps to soak their feet in Epsom salts, which can be useful in exfoliating dead skin. Protecting the feet with appropriate sunscreen can block damaging UV rays, possibly helping to eliminate sunburned feet. Additionally, it is beneficial to change socks frequently during the hot summer days, which can help to limit bacteria and bad foot odor. If you would like more information about effective foot care routines, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Donald Manger, DPM from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

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Tuesday, 27 June 2023 00:00

Purchasing Shoes Online

Shopping for shoes online has become increasingly popular despite the inability to try the desired shoes on before purchasing them. For people who prefer this method of buying shoes, it is beneficial that their feet are measured. Determining your correct shoe size can easily be accomplished. This can be done by standing on a piece of paper and tracing the foot. It is important to measure both length and width, and it may be easier to have a family member or friend do this. This is followed by using a conversion chart to find the right size. The height of the arch can be seen when the foot is dipped in water, followed by stepping on a piece of cardboard. A full footprint may indicate low arches. Conversely, if half the footprint is visible, this can be a sign of having high arches. If you would like to learn more about how to measure your foot for the correct shoe size, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Donald Manger, DPM from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

  • When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
  • Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
  • Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
  • Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
  • If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

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Tuesday, 20 June 2023 00:00

Young Runners and Burnout

Parents and coaches that are involved in youth running may find one of their runners may be on the verge of burning out. This is defined as having prolonged frustration, which may lead to becoming emotionally and physically exhausted. Some of the symptoms that are associated with burnout can include a lack of motivation, mood changes, and chronic fatigue. It is important to prevent running injuries from occurring, and this can be accomplished by ensuring that young athletes get adequate sleep. Additionally, it is beneficial to promote healthy eating habits, and warming up before running can keep the body limber. Burnout may be prevented by making sure there is enough recovery time, and it may be helpful to change the race distance, in addition to promoting other activities. Running injuries can impact the feet, and can temporarily halt running. If you would like more information about how to implement running injury prevention techniques, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Donald Manger, DPM of Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

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Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Tuesday, 13 June 2023 00:00

Who Is Prone to Getting Ankle Sprains?

Many people who are active find they are prone to getting ankle sprains. These are defined as the ankle turning in or out beyond its normal range of motion, and can happen from suddenly twisting it. There are two types of ankle sprains that are common, which are known as inversion and eversion sprains. Studies have shown the likelihood of incurring an ankle sprain may be greater when it has been sprained before. An ankle that has healed from a sprain may be weaker, which may compromise walking. This may cause more weight to be put on the other ankle, and may become weaker. Performing ankle stretches is beneficial in strengthening the ankles which may help to prevent ankle sprains and regain a normal range of motion once it has healed. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you with treatment and effective prevention techniques.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Donald Manger, DPM from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. 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 are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

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Tuesday, 06 June 2023 00:00

Signs of Athlete's Foot

The top layer of the skin is affected when athlete’s foot develops. It can cause severe itching and redness, and the area may become dry and begin to flake. It is considered to be contagious, and the fungus that causes this ailment lives in warm and moist environments. These can include shower room floors, public swimming pools, and surrounding areas. An effective preventive method can consist of wearing appropriate shoes while in these types of places, such as flip-flops or water shoes. Patients who have athlete’s foot may also find they have cracked heels, and applying a good moisturizer may help them to find mild relief. In severe cases of athletes’ foot, small blisters may begin to form and ooze. This may also be managed by using moisturizer. Many patients who have developed athlete’s foot often seek the advice of a podiatrist, and it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can prescribe medication as an effective treatment method.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Donald Manger, DPM from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

 

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Tuesday, 30 May 2023 00:00

Women and Gout

The majority of people who are affected by gout are men. However, it can also happen to women who are past menopausal age and may result due to a lack of estrogen. Gout is caused by excess uric acid levels in the body, which may increase after a woman reaches menopause. Many people associate gout with eating foods that have high levels of purines. These foods include shellfish, red meat, and drinks containing large amounts of sugar. Gout has been known to be a man’s disease as they had these types of eating habits centuries ago. Over the years, women have kept their gout attacks hidden from society, possibly from fear of being labeled as indulging in excess food and drink. Gout can cause severe pain and discomfort and generally affects the big toe. Uric acid will cause crystals to form in the joints of the big toe, which may result in extreme pain, redness, and swelling. Gout patients require the expertise of a podiatrist, and it is suggested this type of doctor be contacted to provide the correct treatment options for you.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Donald Manger, DPM from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctor 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 Hamilton Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 23 May 2023 00:00

Foot Stitches

Sometimes when an individual endures a wound on their foot, they may require stitches of some kind. Stitches are essentially a way to close the two sides of a skin wound. If a patient has stitches in their foot, they may have to take specific steps to care for their stitches, ensuring they do not become infected. For example, a medical professional may recommend the patient keep the stitches dry and clean, particularly in the first day.  Additionally, an individual may consider refraining from engaging in physical activities that can tear the skin apart at the stitches. Lastly, a medical professional may advise against swimming, as this activity would submerge the stitches in water. If you are someone that has stitches or will need stitches on their feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for treatment.

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 Donald Manger, DPM from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctor 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 Hamilton Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Wednesday, 17 May 2023 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Tuesday, 16 May 2023 00:00

Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that can cause debilitating pain. It may compromise the ability to complete daily activities and medical treatment is eventually sought. It is a condition that affects the plantar fascia, which is defined as a band of tissue on the sole of the foot that connects the heels to the toes. An injury can cause the plantar fascia to become irritated or torn, which may happen from running on hard or uneven surfaces. It may also occur from gradual or sudden weight gain, in addition to wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Some people have a tight Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel. This may result in severe heel pain, which can be a symptom of plantar fasciitis. Patients who have developed this condition may notice the pain is worse in the morning upon arising and the affected foot may be swollen and red. If you are afflicted with plantar fasciitis, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can offer you effective treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Donald Manger, DPM from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

 

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