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Items filtered by date: August 2016

Monday, 29 August 2016 21:27

How to Get Rid of Bunions

bunionHallux valgus, which is more commonly known as a bunion, is a deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe. Most people who have bunions develop them from wearing uncomfortable shoes for a long period of time. Women are more likely to have bunions compared to men because they often wear high heels. Bunions are not a life threatening condition; however they can negatively impact one’s quality of life. There are a few non-surgical options for those wishing to treat their bunions. Physiotherapy and the use of devices such as bunion splints and toe spacers can work to alleviate bunion pain; however they may not be effective in the long run.

Bunion surgery usually occurs after non-surgical methods have proved to be ineffective. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.

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.

Read more about bunions.

high heels 2A study published by the Journal of Applied Physiology has determined that long-term high heel use can have detrimental effects on the legs’ muscles, such as muscle strain and muscle fatigue. According to the study’s abstract, long-term high heel use has been found to “shorten medial gastrocnemius muscle fascicles and increase Achilles tendon stiffness.” The study’s results are consistent with the reports that high heel wearers often experience discomfort, pain, and tiredness. It also suggests that “long-term high heel use may compromise muscle efficiency in walking”.

High heels have a history for causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctorscan provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because their style and societal appeal.  Despite this, they can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

What parts my body will be affected by high heels?

  • Ankle Joints
  • Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
  • Balls of the Feet
  • Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
  • Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?

  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Plantar Fasciitis

How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Read more about the effects of high heels.

foot stretch massage 2You should always make sure to put in as much effort into taking care of your feet as you do your face. Your toenails should always be trimmed at the proper length in order to avoid getting dirt trapped underneath them. Another tip to maintain healthy feet is to make sure you drink plenty of water. Dehydration can lead to dry and cracked feet. However, if you have cracked heels you should make sure you are scrubbing your feet well in order to get remove dried skin. Pumice stones are often used to exfoliate the feet and can make your heels soft and smooth.

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 of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

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 in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Everyday Foot Care

foot and ankle injury 4A thirteen-year-old boy suffered a broken ankle after jumping out of a burning house in Virginia. The boy jumped from a second story window and is still having trouble breathing on his own. People who witnessed the fire said that it spread quickly, leaving little time for those trapped inside to escape. The family who lived in the home is currently staying a nearby hotel in Lynchburg, Virginia. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but more information is expected to be released in the future.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you 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 office in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about broken ankles.

Tuesday, 02 August 2016 13:55

Jared Cook Undergoes Foot Surgery

ankle surgeryJared Cook of the Green Bay Packers recently underwent foot surgery. He claims that he is fully healthy, but he may be overly optimistic. Green Bay’s medical staff has yet to check the status of his foot, but they are expected to do so soon. The Packers training camp began in late July.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you 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 one of our offices in Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about foot surgery.

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