Items filtered by date: May 2018

There are several different reasons for why corns on the feet to develop. These may include being on your feet for long stretches of time and wearing poorly fitting shoes that may cause friction. A corn typically resembles a round area of hardened skin that develops on the toes, and generally may cause pain and discomfort. Additionally, corns may form in between the toes, and this is commonly caused by wearing non-absorbent socks that allow moisture to develop. Some patients are able to file the corn, preceded by soaking the foot in warm water. This may enable the corn to soften, making it easier to file. It may be beneficial to use corn pads that will provide a protective layer that can possibly diminish the pressure. It’s advised to consult with a podiatrist for additional information and treatment options about corns.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

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

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

A recent study conducted by Keele University has shown that gout is not related to foot fractures. This news contrasts with prior speculation that the two foot ailments were correlated. Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, and it is caused by a buildup of urate crystals in the joint. Some symptoms of gout include severe pain and swelling in the joints, and this pain is most commonly experienced in the big toe. Although the study suggests that gout itself is not related to foot fractures, there has been some evidence that suggests chronic inflammation may result in a foot fracture. Researchers at Keele University found that medications used to lower urate acid in those with gout didn't have an impact on one’s long-term risk of developing a fracture. If you have any questions regarding Gout or are experiencing any symptoms, a consultation with a podiatrist is suggested.   

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.

If you should experience a fall, it may not only produce physical distress, but can also incur extreme financial costs. Severe injuries may be the result of a fall, and this may aid in the rise of unwanted medical expenses. Unnatural feelings can be produced by falling, and research has shown there are several ways to prevent this from occurring. It’s important to wear shoes that fit correctly, and having slip-resistance soles may aid in the prevention of falls. Unsurprisingly, the environment in the home may account for the majority of falls occurring. This generally results from carpets that may have loosened from the floor or liquids that may have spill, causing the floor to become slippery. It’s important to use a railing while walking up or down the stairs, and utilizing a handrail in the shower may be beneficial in keeping your balance. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine will strengthen the body and may possibly help avoid falling.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

A bunion is typically found at the bottom of the big toe. It is comprised of a growth that appears to be of a bony texture, and severe pain is often experienced. The causes for this ailment developing may originate from a predisposed inherited gene or from an injury the foot has endured. There are several ways to determine if you have this condition, which may be noticing reddened skin, a tingling sensation, or swelling in the affected area. Treatment typically involves specific surgery that can be performed to remove the bunion or choosing a more conservative method where partial relief may be obtained. Recent research has shown that wearing shoes with a bigger toe area is helpful in accommodating the bunion, in addition to pads that are placed on the bunion which may help in relieving pressure. Seeking a consultation with a podiatrist is highly recommended if you are experiencing pain or discomfort.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.