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Tuesday, 13 September 2022 00:00

Why The Feet May Become Swollen

There are several reasons why swollen feet can occur. Many people who have sustained a foot injury can have swollen feet and this may be part of the healing process. When fluid is trapped in the body’s tissues it is known as edema. This can affect the feet and the skin may stretch or appear shiny. A limited range of motion in the ankles can also occur. Mild relief may come from frequently elevating the feet and reducing salt intake. Many pregnant women experience swollen feet, and this can be a result of the added weight the body endures due to the fetus and additional fluids. Swollen feet may be common among people who are overweight and lead a sedentary lifestyle. It is beneficial to implement a gentle exercise routine as well as wear shoes that fit well as this can help to alleviate swollen feet. If you have this condition, please confer with a podiatrist who can determine the cause of your swollen feet and provide remedies to help you.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet.

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Have I Broken My Toe?

There are several small bones in the toes of each foot. When the toes are jammed into a piece of furniture or something heavy drops on them, they may fracture. The toes play a significant role in walking and maintaining balance, and a broken toe can affect your gait or walking style. Common symptoms include pain that will not subside, bruising, swelling, and redness of the affected area. In addition to having a physical examination, an X-ray is an effective method of determining a correct diagnosis. If the fracture is mild, buddy taping can be done. This is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, as this provides stability for the healing process. In severe breaks, the bone may protrude from the skin and look deformed. This requires urgent medical attention, which may help to prevent infection, and surgery may be needed to properly align the displaced bone. If you feel you may have broken your toe, please confer with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat this condition.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

Swelling
Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
Stiffness
Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Wednesday, 07 September 2022 00:00

Get Professional Care for a Broken Foot or Ankle

Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.

Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.

Tuesday, 30 August 2022 00:00

What Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Feels Like

Certain afflictions of the foot that can hinder the health of your feet involve the nerves. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is one such condition. An individual can develop this affliction when the nerve that runs through the tarsal tunnel becomes compressed. The tarsal tunnel is found near the Achilles tendon, and the affected nerve is known as the tibial nerve. This nerve can become compressed in the tarsal tunnel for a variety of reasons. Most commonly, compression is due to an injury or stress over a prolonged period of time. Those who suffer from tarsal tunnel syndrome can experience a wide range of symptoms. For example, a patient might notice painful sensations that can reach well into the foot’s arch. Additionally, those with tarsal tunnel syndrome can experience a feeling of numbness, especially in the bottom of the feet, known as the soles. Swelling is also another common symptom of this foot condition. Pain caused by tarsal tunnel syndrome can sometimes make it more difficult to engage in physical activities such as walking and running. If you believe that you may have tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact a podiatrist for a diagnosis.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. 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 offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

What to Avoid in Foot Care

Many individuals who take their health seriously make a special effort to look after the state of their feet on a daily basis. Having some sort of everyday foot care routine can be a very helpful way to maintain healthy feet and prevent complications from arising. There is certainly no shortage of recommended things to incorporate into your foot care routine. However, equally important are things to avoid doing every day that could negatively impact the health of your feet. First, you might avoid ignoring any pain or problems in your feet. Sometimes, you might feel tempted to dismiss any discomfort that could arise in your feet. However, it can be better to have a medical professional, such as a podiatrist, examine your feet when you notice anything abnormal. Second, you usually ought not to wear the same pair of shoes and socks day after day. When an individual fails to alternate their shoes and socks, it becomes very easy for bacteria, odors, and infections to take hold. Additionally, the sweat that accumulates when one fails to alternate shoes and socks can cause complications. These are just some of the many things that most people ought to avoid as part of their everyday foot care routine. For more information, please contact your podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors 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.

We Can Treat Your Foot or Ankle Pain

Foot or ankle pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life and can occur due to several different conditions. Pain can also be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition, which is why you should seek professional help as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your feet.

Tuesday, 16 August 2022 00:00

Corns and Pain

The health of your feet can be compromised by a condition known as corns of the feet. Corns are a type of callus that can develop on the feet, and they are usually composed of dead skin cells. Corns typically occur as a result of pressure and/or friction being applied to an area of the foot. There are several different kinds of corns that may develop on your feet. For example, you may have hard corns, soft corns, or seed corns. In some cases, the corns on your feet may be causing discomfort and pain. While seed corns are not typically painful, for instance, soft corns can cause pain. If you have a corn, it is important for you to be mindful of any pain you feel. If the corn becomes especially painful, or if it is red and leaking liquid of some sort, it is a good idea to seek out medical attention as soon as possible. Podiatrists specialize in maintaining the health of the feet and are particularly equipped to help you with your corns. Therefore, if you are experiencing a significant amount of pain in your feet due to a corn, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist as soon as you can, who will help you identify and address the problem.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

Well-fitting socks
Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

Toe Arthritis Is Common

Many people have arthritis in various joints of the body, and this often includes the toes. It can happen as a result of cartilage that has been worn away causing the bones in the toes to rub together. This can produce severe pain and discomfort and generally happens to the big toe. There are various reasons why arthritis in the toes occurs including genetic history, being overweight, and increased age. Additionally, women who frequently wear high heels may be at risk to develop this type of arthritis, so it is suggested that flat shoes are alternated with high heels. The first symptom to accompany arthritis is pain. Patients often describe it as an ache that develops gradually, or it may feel like a stabbing sensation. Additional symptoms may include stiffness or swelling, and there can be a clicking noise. As arthritis develops, it may become difficult to walk and may feel better when the affected foot is elevated. If you have arthritis in your toes, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment techniques.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain. The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it. Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

Swelling
Pain
Stiffness
Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
Age – Risk increases with age
Gender –Most types are more common in women
Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

Choosing Running Shoes for Different Terrains

Going shoe shopping for runners can be incredibly difficult. With so many options to choose from, different brands, and different styles, selecting a running shoe can often feel daunting and impossible. However, there are certain guiding rules that you might consider keeping in mind when going shoe shopping. One guiding principle to bear in mind is that the type of running shoe that you select ought to be a good fit for the type of terrain that you are running on. For example, runners ought to consider whether they are primarily running on treadmills, tracks, streets/sidewalks, paths, or hills. Each type of terrain calls for different features in a running shoe. Namely, running on hard surfaces such as streets or sidewalks requires the running shoe to be heavily cushioned. You might look for a running shoe with hefty cushions and padding material around the heel. Running on tracks, however, requires the running shoe to have spikes so that you can grip the track and increase your speed. Lastly, if you are running on outside terrain such as a hill or an outdoor path, you could consider shopping for a running shoe that is weather resistant and significantly durable. If you are a runner in the market for a good pair of running shoes, contact a podiatrist who can help you in your search.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

Wednesday, 27 July 2022 00:00

Keep Your Feet Healthy So You Can Stay Active

Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.

Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.

More...

Tuesday, 26 July 2022 00:00

Preventing Plantar Fasciitis in Runners

One of the most common sources of foot pain is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. This foot affliction usually results in heel pain and affects the plantar fascia, or the band of tissue that runs between the heel and the toes. Many people who suffer from plantar fasciitis will experience sharp heel pain. Runners are one group of individuals that are at risk of developing plantar fasciitis, which can make running significantly more difficult and painful. There are several steps that runners can take to essentially decrease their risk of developing plantar fasciitis from running. First, runners can be intentional about choosing what surfaces they run on. Specifically, runners can choose to run on soft, rather than hard surfaces to ultimately reduce the impact and pressure felt on their heels. Also, to reduce the strain felt on feet, runners can be careful not to increase the distance of their runs by anything more than 10 percent each week. If a runner wants to be particularly proactive, they may choose to also perform a gait analysis with a professional. The purpose of performing this kind of analysis is to try to detect any potentially problematic qualities of the runner’s stride before it leads to issues like plantar fasciitis. If you are a runner and want to learn more about how you can reduce your risk of developing plantar fasciitis, reach out to a podiatrist.

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 one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors 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.

How Wearing an Ankle Brace Can Help

Ankle braces can help to support a weak ankle joint, as well as increase your mobility and protect the ankle from further injury. Anyone who has problems with plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, or previous ankle joint injuries may find it helpful to wear a brace. Experts believe it is best to wear an ankle brace after an injury, rather than beforehand, as a preventive measure. Constant use of an ankle brace can actually cause more harm than good, as it may prevent the surrounding muscles from gaining strength. Using a brace on occasion, say for a hike on uneven terrain or when playing a sport with a lot of lateral movement, is recommended. After an injury, a good ankle brace should provide support and stability during the healing process. In some cases, depending on the severity of the injury, a nylon boot may be recommended. As there are numerous types of ankle braces available, it’s a good idea to consult a podiatrist who can advise you on which one best suits your needs.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
Ankle sprains
Broken ankles
Achilles tendinitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Stress fractures
Bursitis
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

Finding Perfect Shoes

Choosing shoes that are the correct size and fit can prevent unwanted foot injuries and discomfort. Key tips for finding perfect shoes are discussed here. Trace your foot and put the shoe you might buy on top of that tracing to see if it is the right size and shape. Shop for shoes in the afternoon as the foot naturally expands during the day. Wear the same foot coverings to the store that you might wear with the shoes being bought. Have a salesperson measure both feet and go with the size of your larger foot (if one of your feet is larger than the other). While standing, make sure the shoes have enough room in the toe box for the toes to move freely. Walk around in the shoes to make sure they fit properly. Are they wide enough, and not too snug or loose? Choose comfortable shoes by making sure the shoe does not have tags or seams that might irritate the foot or cause friction. Finally, examine the soles of the shoes to make sure they are sturdy and provide enough cushioning. If you are having trouble finding shoes that work well for your feet or are experiencing any kind of foot pain, consult with a podiatrist who can provide insight on shoes to purchase for your feet, as well as treat any foot problems you might have.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

Heel Pain in the Morning?

Heel pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life. Simple activities like walking can become incredibly uncomfortable or painful due to heel pain.

Don’t live with heel pain and get treated.

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