Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Treatment for Tophi Caused by Gout

Tophi are firm deposits that develop beneath the skin when uric acid crystals build up in the joints, often as a complication of long-standing gout. In the feet, tophi may develop around the toes, ankles, or Achilles tendon, creating swollen lumps that can interfere with movement, and cause pain if inflamed. Over time, untreated tophi can damage cartilage, tendons, and other soft tissues, making it difficult to walk comfortably and leading to stiffness or deformity. In some cases, the skin may become stretched and break open, leaking chalky material made of uric acid. A podiatrist can evaluate the extent of joint involvement to determine treatment. Options include reducing the size of the tophi or removing them surgically if they impair function. Surgery may also be considered if tophi are particularly large or threaten joint health. If you have developed tophi from gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from New Jersey. our doctors 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 Neptune City, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Common Foot Problems in Children

Children’s feet grow and change quickly, and sometimes issues appear that can affect comfort and movement. Flat feet, in-toeing, out-toeing, and toe walking are a few concerns parents may notice. Other common problems include heel pain from activity, ingrown toenails, or warts on the soles of the feet. While many conditions improve as a child grows, some may cause pain, difficulty walking, or poor balance, if left untreated. Because children may not always explain what they feel, parents should watch for signs such as limping, avoiding play, or wearing out shoes unevenly. Supportive shoes, proper nail care, and encouraging healthy activity can help protect young feet. Regular foot checks are also important as part of a child’s overall health. If you notice changes in your child’s feet or walking, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and expert guidance.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of New Jersey. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy

The ABI Test

There are several screening measures that a podiatrist might use to assess the blood flow in your lower limbs. One such measure is the Ankle-Brachial Index, also known as the ABI test, Segmental Pressure Test, Toe Pressure Test, or Toe-Brachial Index (TBI). To perform this test, the podiatrist will place an inflatable cuff around your arm and calf, foot, or toes and measure your blood pressure in these areas. The doctor will then compare the numbers to each other to determine whether you are at an increased risk of having poor circulation and developing conditions such as peripheral artery disease. This test is fast, simple, noninvasive, and generally painless. To learn more about screening measures that assess the vascular health of your lower limbs, speak with a podiatrist today.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from New Jersey. our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

  • Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
  • Doppler examination
  • Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

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

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Seeing a Podiatrist for Heel Pain

Heel pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit a podiatrist. Common causes of heel pain include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, bursitis, heel spurs, or a stress fracture. While all of these injuries are different, there are a few signs to look for to determine whether or not consulting with a podiatrist is necessary. Immediate treatment will be needed if there is severe pain or swelling, loss of mobility in the foot, inability to bear weight, or redness. Other symptoms that will require care from a podiatrist include pain that lasts more than two weeks, pain that is getting worse, and heel pain that persists even when you are not walking or standing. If you have any of the above heel pain symptoms, it is suggested that you make an appointment with podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of New Jersey. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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 condition of the past.

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

Read more about Heel Pain

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