Items filtered by date: August 2016

Rheumatoid Arthritis is usually diagnosed from the presence of other clinical symptoms. These symptoms may include: joint erosion, joint space narrowing, or periarticular osteopenia. There are different treatment options available for different levels of rheumatoid arthritis. Mild and moderate levels of RA can be treated with anti-inflammatories and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Patients with severe cases of the disease are treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, which are also known as anti-TNFs.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Mangercan provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

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

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

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Athlete’s foot is one of the most common foot conditions a person could experience, as the condition itself is very contagious and can spread easily from person to person. The fungus behind Athlete’s foot typically grow in warm and damp environments; that is why it is important to wear flip-flops in public areas such as around the pool, the public shower, or a locker room. People who walk barefoot through such areas are more likely to contract the fungus and develop Athlete’s foot.   

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Mangerwill treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

·      Hydrate your feet by using lotion

·      Exfoliate

·      Buff off nails

·      Use of anti-fungal products

·      Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of athlete’s foot, as well as helping you figure out which treatment options are best for you.

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

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Arthritis is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It occurs when the tissue that lines the inside of joints becomes inflamed or swollen. Out of the 40 million people in the United States who have arthritis, 300,000 are children aged 16 and under. The cause of juvenile arthritis is currently unknown; however researchers believe that genetics may play a role in its development. Juvenile arthritis may have long term effects on children, so it is important to have them diagnosed early. Unfortunately, there is no cure for juvenile arthritis, but there are treatment options available to relieve inflammation.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment,contact Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Mangercan provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care           

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

·      Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility

·      Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications

·      Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

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Although there are many people who support barefoot running, there are also a lot of people who are against it. Many coaches believe that barefoot running plays a role in preventing injuries among runners. Not only could barefoot running help runners avoid injury, but it could also improve muscle strength. A recent study that has been conducted shows that barefoot running could have a positive impact on foot strike patterns.

Barefoot running has its own share of benefits and disadvantages. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Manger will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Barefoot Running

The Impact of Barefoot Running
-Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
-Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.

The Advantages of Barefoot Running
-When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced, this can reduce stress injuries.
-It strengthens muscles in the feet and ankles and the lower legs.
-Balance of the body is improved and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running
-No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
-Blisters may form.
-Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
-Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.

So what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.

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

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Grizzlies center Deyonta Davis has been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis in his left foot. As a result, he is expected to miss the team’s first three summer league games in Las Vegas. The team announced that he hurt his foot during individual workouts in Memphis. Davis is going to be re-evaluated on a daily basis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Mangerwill assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

·     Excessive running

·     Non-supportive shoes

·     Overpronation

·     Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

·     Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices

·     Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis

·     Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis