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Monday, 15 August 2016 17:05

How to Prevent Blisters

blister Blisters are a fairly common foot condition that can be easily prevented with a few simple steps. The first step is to always ensure the feet or kept clean to prevent any germs or bacteria from penetrating the skin. Wearing the right pair of socks can also help support the feet and reduce friction, which can create blisters. Applying bandages or bandaids to any already existing blisters can help reduce excess heat or additional friction that can exacerbate the blister.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact our one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctorswill assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Dealing with Heel Pain

There are many things that can cause heel pain, including heel spurs. Heel spurs are bone growths that occur on the heel. Another possible source of your heel pain could be Achilles heel, which is common in runners. Achilles heel occurs when the tendons that connect to the heel become inflamed. You can treat your heel pain by icing the heel, applying a compression bandage, and keeping it elevated. However if your pain does not go away after you treat it, you should see a podiatrist.

Anyone can wind up suffering from heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Causes of Heel Pain

● Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

● Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

● Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

- Wearing ill-fitting shoes

- Wearing non-supportive shoes

- Weight change

- Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a thing of the past.

With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.

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

What is a Heel Spur?

stretching3 A heel spur is an extra growth of bone that is caused as a result of irritation where the tendon attaches to the bone. Heel spurs often occur toward the inside or front of your heel. Many people think that heel spurs are the source of their heel pain, however this isn’t always the case. It is likely that these people have had the spur long before they experienced pain in their heel. If you have pain in your heel, consult your podiatrist for treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful, and sometimes might make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be a cause from small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching it to the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot. Bone may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs. Pain sometimes intensifies with age. Heel spurs are known to cause a substantial amount of pain. One of the main associations spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often times because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to poke and affect other boners and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain there are several methods for healing. Medicines, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

For more information about Heel Spurs, follow the link below.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices inNew Jersey. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Take Care of Your Feet in the Summer

barefoot You should give your feet as much care and attention as you do your face. There are a few tips that you can use to maintain healthy feet. One tip is to trim your nails short to avoid having dirt trapped under your nails. When trimming, you should always cut straight across instead of in a rounded shape. Another tip for healthy foot care is to wash your feet with a medicated soap and apply a foot cream immediately after. Drinking water and eating fruits and vegetables can also have a positive impact on the appearance of your feet.

Every day foot care is very important, especially for those that are lacking the proper foot care resources. For more information about everyday foot care, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

Every Day 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. After all, 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 example.

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.

Also, 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 one of our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

C.J. Sapong Sprains Ankle

ankle sprain 2 Philadelphia Union’s C.J. Sapong recently suffered a sprain in his right ankle. Nevertheless, he has made significant progress and is expected to make a smooth recovery. Although Coach Jim Curtin is happy with the progress Sapong has made, he has not set a timetable for his return.

Ankle sprains are common, but need immediate attention. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What are the Symptoms?

Mild to moderate bruising
Limited mobility
Swelling
Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
Stretching before exercises and sports
Knowing your limits can aid in prevention

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Hammertoe can form from wearing High Heels

black feet4 Hammertoe is a deformity which results in the toe bending unnaturally. This condition usually affects the second toe, although it can happen to any of the toes. Hammertoe affects women more often than men because women tend to wear shoes that are too narrow for their feet. Hammertoe only requires treatment if it becomes painful. In order to prevent the condition from happening to you, it is important to make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear for your feet.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

Pain in the affected toes
Development of corns or calluses due to friction
Inflammation
Redness
Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – people who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
Arthritis – because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
Trauma – direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
Ill-fitting shoes – undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
Medications – oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
Surgery – in more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Choosing Walking as an Exercise Routine

foot exercise4 Walking is one of the most popular ways to stay in shape because it does not require any equipment and can be done anywhere. Although keeping up with a walking regimen can be difficult at times, there are a few ways to make it easier. It is important to have a backup plan in case you oversleep or if the weather isn’t safe enough to walk in. This plan may include walking indoors on a treadmill. Another way to keep up with your regimen is to walk at the same time every day. This will help remind you to complete your daily walk. Taking a new route during your walk can make walking exciting. Changing your routine will help motivate you to go outside and exercise more.

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 one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you to gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important and often we forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate not to have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure its good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rise, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, also flexing the toes and involving the shins may help too. It is best to speak with your doctor regarding how to do these fitness steps and how often is right for you. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different and it varies from individual to individual to determine what should be done for you to maintain strength in your feet.

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters Develop after Repeated Friction

blister6 Both blisters and calluses develop in response to repeated friction on the skin, however, blisters can be described as a fluid-filled bubble. As the outermost layer of skin, or the epidermis, is damaged, fluid helps to protect the bottom layers of skin from further infection. Blisters can also be caused by burns or sunburns as well as frostbite and can take up to a week to heal. Avoid popping the blister unless it has not healed on its own.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, consult with one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How do Blisters Form?

Prevention & Treatment

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Holger Badstuber Playing Again After Broken Ankle Injury in February

broken ankle4 Holger Badstuber, Bayern Munich defender, was spotted having resumed training three months after his broken ankle incident. Badstuber had fractured his ankle while training in February. Badstuber came back in early May to run laps around the training pitches, preparing to play again for Bayern’s starting XI. Badstuber had previously torn his anterior cruciate ligaments in 2012 and had to miss the rest of the 2012-2013 season in rehab.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
Swelling around the area
Bruising of the area
Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Osteoarthritis Affects 80% of North Americans by the Age of 65

Arthritis5 Osteoarthritis, a form of arthritis, occurs when the body’s immune system begins attacking healthy cartilage and tissue. “Eighty percent of North Americans have X-ray evidence of osteoarthritis by age 65, and sixty percent have significant pain.” As osteoarthritis is a progressive chronic disease, the cartilage of the joints wears down over time and there is no known cure. Symptoms of the disease include gradually increasing pain throughout the body, which are usually treated with NSAIDs, or non-steroidal pills.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment,contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your 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 our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 06 June 2016 10:41

Devin Robinson Needed Surgery for Broken Foot

ankle surgery Devin Robinson, forward for the Florida Gators, had to have foot surgery and was sidelined for up to four months in late April. Robinson had surgery for a stress fracture in his left foot. He had originally entered the NBA draft on April 4, meaning he can return to the Gators for his junior season. There is hope that he will be ready to play for the start of the next season if he chooses to return.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:

Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

Bunionectomy for painful bunions
Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar Fasciitis is Caused by the Inflammation of the Plantar Fasciia

plantar fasciitis6 If you’re waking in the mornings with pain in your feet, it may be because you have plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is described as heel pain that occurs as a result of inflammation and injury of the plantar fascia, which stretches along the bottom of our feet’s soles. Our plantar fascias are “prone to overuse injuries,” and symptoms of the condition include “morning stiffness, stiffness after working out, and pain while walking barefoot.” Treating your plantar fasciitis involves investing in custom orthotics, changing your footwear, anti-inflammatory medication, splints and physical therapy.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

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 offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Heel and Foot Ailments Become More Common As We Age

slower walking As we age, our feet wear down over time, as “our body absorbs two to three times their weight due to gravity.” According to podiatrist Dr. Joy Rowland, our feet gradually become longer and wider, our ligaments and tendons become “a little bit more lax over time,” and our feet can develop foot deformities such as hammertoe. We also begin losing the fat pad that supports our feet as we age, so it’s important to change your shoes often as your feet change too.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contactone of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

The Elderly and their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions

Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet, and can hide many life threating medical conditions.

Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.

Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:

Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe

Shoes that don’t fit properly

Pressure sores

Loss of circulation in legs & feet

Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Managing Your Bunion Condition

bunions7 Bunions are characterized as unsightly bumps that run along the side of your big toe, potentially leading to irritation and pain as we walk or run. Preventing bunions is as simple as finding footwear that gives your feet enough room to move and doesn’t push your toes together. Conditions such as “low arches, flat feet, and loose joints and tendons” make your feet more prone to bunions. Treating your bunions involves accommodating your feet by wearing comfortable shoes that are wide as well as seeing your podiatrist to find proper treatment.

Bunion surgery usually occurs after non-surgical methods have proved to be ineffective. 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 your 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 by 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 cause bunions to form

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 offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Blog

How to Prevent Blisters

Dealing with Heel Pain

What is a Heel Spur?

Take Care of Your Feet in the Summer

C.J. Sapong Sprains Ankle

Hammertoe can form from wearing High Heels

Choosing Walking as an Exercise Routine

Blisters Develop after Repeated Friction

Holger Badstuber Playing Again After Broken Ankle Injury in February

Osteoarthritis Affects 80% of North Americans by the Age of 65

More...

Devin Robinson Needed Surgery for Broken Foot

Plantar Fasciitis is Caused by the Inflammation of the Plantar Fasciia

Heel and Foot Ailments Become More Common As We Age

Managing Your Bunion Condition

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