Items filtered by date: April 2021

Diabetes can create a perfect storm of complications which sometimes leads to ulcers on the feet that go undetected and don’t heal. While the overwhelming majority of foot ulcers heal with proper foot care and treatment, a foot ulcer that does not heal may lead to infection, tissue necrosis (dead tissue), and—in severe cases—amputation. Diabetic limb salvage is a complex process involving a variety of procedures and techniques with the goal of preserving the limb as much as possible, and reducing the risks of future infections and ulcerations. If you have questions about diabetic foot conditions or would like to know more regarding limb salvage, it is highly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist. 

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, 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.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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.

Sever’s Disease may be considered by some to be a “growing pain” of sorts for several reasons. First, it occurs in growing children when the Achilles tendon that attaches to the heel repeatedly pulls at the growth plate located there—causing pain and inflammation. Second, growth spurts (when bones grow more rapidly than tendons) can exacerbate the condition. Third, it usually goes away when the child has finished growing and the growth plate has closed. Children with Sever’s Disease can experience pain in one or both heels—particularly upon waking and after physical activity such as running or jumping, or putting pressure on the heel. Parents can try to help ease their child’s heel pain by making them rest, icing the heel, having them do stretching exercises to loosen calf muscles, giving them anti-inflammatory medicine, and stopping them from going barefoot. If pain persists, a podiatrist will be able to offer additional information and pain relief therapies.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.

An ingrown toenail is a common foot condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It happens when the outer edge of the nail grows into the skin. This can occur for a variety of reasons consisting of genetic factors, wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, or possibly from toenails that are shaped abnormally. Additionally, trimming the toenails incorrectly may cause ingrown toenails to develop. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this ailment can include redness and tenderness surrounding the affected nail, and in severe cases, there may be a discharge coming from the nail. Research has indicated that diabetic patients may be prone to developing ingrown toenails, in addition to patients that have poor circulation. If you would like more information about how to treat and prevent ingrown toenails, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.

Arthritis is a painful and debilitating disease that affects many millions of people in America. Rheumatoid Arthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis and, in some cases, can begin as early as childhood. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the joint lining is attacked by the body’s own white blood cells, triggering the lining to release harmful chemicals which ravage the joint’s surrounding bone, cartilage, and supporting tissues. This can occur in various joints—often on both sides of the body. People suffering with Rheumatoid Arthritis are encouraged to do what they can on their own such as: eating a healthy diet to manage their weight and stay healthy, doing modified exercises when they can, protecting their joints, and resting during flare-ups. If you are experiencing any joint pain, stiffness, or lack of mobility in your ankles or feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for relief of symptoms through a variety of treatments, medicines, and procedures.

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 one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. 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 offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.