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December 2020

Monday, 28 December 2020 00:00

Measuring Children’s Feet

It is beneficial for children who have not begun walking yet to crawl while barefoot. As your child gets older, it is important to have their feet measured. This can be helpful in determining what size shoes your child should wear. The basic rules for choosing the correct shoes include ensuring that there is adequate room for the toes to move freely in, and for the shoes to be made with breathable materials. Many children are born with flat feet, and certain foot ailments may develop over time. It is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can properly assess any foot conditions that may be present.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact the podiatrists of The Foot & Ankle Center of New Jersey. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

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Monday, 21 December 2020 00:00

Understanding the Causes of Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs due to a buildup of uric acid, which is a waste product usually found in the blood. This uric acid can build up because the kidneys do not excrete it fast enough, or because too much is made. The excess uric acid can then crystallize in the joints and lead to inflammation. While gout usually affects the big toe, it can affect any other joint in the body as well. Severe pain or swelling in the joints, redness of the skin around the joint, and limited movement of the joint can all be indicators of gout. Reducing alcohol intake, losing weight, having a balanced diet, and drinking enough water can reduce the risk of developing gout. If you believe that you are suffering from gout, consult with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact the podiatrists from The Foot & Ankle Center of 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 Paramus, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Gout
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Monday, 14 December 2020 00:00

Mild Relief of Ankle Sprains

An ankle sprain is a common cause of ankle pain. It generally occurs as a result of turning or rolling the ankle beyond its normal range of motion. This can happen from stepping off of a curb unexpectedly, which may cause the ligaments of the ankle to become overstretched or torn. The grades of ankle sprains can vary and each grade plays a role in the length of recovery time. Relief may be found when simple stretches are performed, and this may accelerate the process of healing the ankle joints. Additionally, it may help to strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected area in order to help avoid re-injury. Other ways to find relief may include manual therapy or staying off of the affected ankle as often as possible. If you are experiencing any type of ankle pain it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact the podiatrists from The Foot & Ankle Center of New Jersey. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

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The feet are the foundation of the body, and pregnancy can cause specific foot conditions to occur. This may be a result of additional weight gain and possible changes in the shape of the feet. Fluid build-up, which is referred to as edema, can be caused by hormonal changes, and may be reduced by carefully monitoring your sodium intake. The feet may change size, and it is beneficial to regularly have your feet measured. When purchasing shoes, it is helpful to buy a pair that have adequate cushioning. It is also suggested that you avoid wearing high heels. When specific foot stretches are routinely performed, existing pain may be reduced. If you are pregnant and would like additional information about proper foot care during pregnancy, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist. 

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with the podiatrists from The Foot & Ankle Center of New Jersey. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Read more about Foot Care for Pregnant Women
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