Items filtered by date: February 2017

As the winter months are here, you may find yourself switching to winter shoes such as boots. However, it’s important to be mindful that boots are often narrow and can irritate bunions. Bunions are bony protrusions on the side of the feet that develop over time. Narrow shoes such as winter boots can contribute to the progression of this condition, so it’s vital to accommodate your feet with the proper footwear. Opt for wide shoes and look to treatment options such as orthotics, padding, and if the condition is severe, anti-inflammatory medications, injections, or surgery.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact the podiatrists of Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.

There are many different causes of numbness in your feet, ranging from trivial to potentially very serious.  If your feet and legs are “falling asleep,” this is usually do to compression of the nerves.  Because of this pressure, the nerves are not receiving the proper amount of blood and they are not able to communicate properly with the brain.  Poor blood circulation to the lower extremities, especially the feet, can be a symptom of neuropathy.  Diabetics should always take care to check their feet and make sure that nothing seems numb.  Poor circulation might also be an indicator of peripheral artery disease (PAD).  Make sure to see a podiatrist if you have numbness or feel that you have lack of blood flow to your feet.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact the podiatrists of Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

Most people, especially those who lead an active lifestyle, probably have had athlete’s foot at one time or another.  It is caused by a fungal infection and usually manifests itself between the toes.  Symptoms can be redness, itching, and if scratched excessively, pain.  Avoiding skin contact with surfaces in damp, public places is a good way to keep from getting athlete’s foot.  Other ways include: wearing shoes that breathe, changing your socks, keeping your feet clean and dry, and never sharing shoes with others.  If you do come down with athlete’s foot, antifungal spray is widely available for sale over-the-counter.  Should this not be effective, a podiatrist can help alleviate the symptoms and cure you of this nuisance of an infection.

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 the podiatrists from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA.  Our doctors will 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 help in determining which treatment options are 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 and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common condition of the musculoskeletal system with symptoms that can be triggered by certain foods. While Rheumatoid arthritis has no current cure and is a major cause for disability those aged 55 years plus, controlling your diet can help control the condition. Foods with high levels of sugar or salt have been known to cause inflammation. The proteins casein and whey in dairy products are also a major cause of inflammation in the joints. Processed foods and meats that contain high levels of fat and calories have chemicals that induce swelling for RA sufferers. Coffee and alcoholic beverages increase levels of inflammation when consumed excessively.

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 the podiatrists of Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

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 and 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 office located in Hamilton Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.