Items filtered by date: December 2016

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that most commonly affects those between the ages of 30 to 55, especially those who are athletes. The plantar fascia, a ligament that runs beneath the sole of the foot, supports the arch of the foot and acts as a shock absorber. Repeated stress and impact to the heel, however, can cause the fascia to tear and cause inflammation. This results in the foot condition, plantar fasciitis. While there are various specific causes behind plantar fasciitis, excessive pressure is often the case. To determine the cause of your plantar fasciitis and the most appropriate treatment, consult with your podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Quality Foot Care Center. 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 office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Taking preventative measures as a diabetic patient during the cold weather months is vital toward ensuring your general health. Feet are especially prone to infections and complications during colder weather due to poor blood circulation. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons recommends the following tips. Work toward always keeping your feet dry by ensuring that moisture does not collect in your feet. Change your socks as often as needed. Moisturize your feet to prevent them from itching, cracking and dryness. Avoid moisturizing in between the toes as that can encourage fungal infections. Avoid overheating your feet, especially if taking hot baths. Wear properly fitting footwear and make sure to see your doctor periodically for regular foot exams.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels because blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

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Although walking regularly offers many benefits for our overall health such as managing health conditions such as heart disease, it’s important to take caution as walking is not necessarily injury-proof. As we walk, we put pressure on our legs, ankles and feet. Improper walking motions can impact the amount of pressure exerted.  Avoid looking down as you walk, as this can lead to slouching. Keep your back straight and your head upright to avoid any gait problems. Proper shoes are also essential for ensuring that our leg and foot motions are correct, as they play a large role in the biomechanics of our feet. Remember to always change your shoes every 350 to 500 miles.

Every day foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked contact one of our podiatrists from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

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

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Bunions can be described as the bony deformities of our foot’s joints. There are several factors that can contribute to the forming and progression of bunions, such as genetics, arthritis, previous injuries and long-term use of improperly-fitting shoes such as high heels. Shoes can play a large role in the overall comfort of our feet, especially for those of us who are avid runners, so it’s important to find the proper shoes to prevent the development of problems such as bunions. If left untreated, bunions may require orthotics and possibly even surgery if they become too severe.

Untreated bunions can make walking uncomfortable. If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists from Quality Foot Care Center. 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 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 office located in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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