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Elevation May Bring Relief to Stress Fractures in the Feet

Monday, 29 March 2021

The bones that are located in the feet can be affected by stress fractures. Stress fractures are hairline fractures that can gradually develop from overuse. They can form as a result of a sudden change in footwear, running on uneven surfaces, or suddenly increasing the intensity in running and jumping activities. Common symptoms that many patients experience can include tenderness surrounding the injured area, in addition to severe pain when the activity is completed. Mild relief can be found when the affected foot is elevated, and this may help to increase circulation to the heart. If you feel you have endured a stress fracture in your foot, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat stress fractures.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

Runners
People affected with Osteoporosis
Tennis or basketball players
Gymnasts
High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Sunday, 28 March 2021

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Keeping Senior Feet Healthy

Monday, 22 March 2021

Throughout our lives, our feet support and carry the weight of our entire bodies. Therefore, it is no surprise that we may experience foot pain, or that foot problems can become increasingly more common as we age. Senior feet require special attention, as the feet are affected by years of wear and tear, and seniors are at an increased risk of developing other health conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, which can affect the health of the feet. Seniors should regularly check their feet for any changes or abnormalities, including any cuts, scrapes, sores, or discoloration. If an irregularity is noticed, seeing a podiatrist as soon as possible is strongly suggested. A podiatrist can diagnose and treat the issue before it worsens and provide recommendations on how to avoid foot problems in the future.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions

Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
Shoes that don’t fit properly
Pressure sores
Loss of circulation in legs & feet
Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Tips to Prevent Fungal Toenail Infections

Monday, 15 March 2021

Fungal nail infections often form when fungi gets into small cracks on the toenails. These infections cause the nail to turn brown or yellow and become thick and crumbly. The fungi that leads to nail infections often thrive in warm and moist environments such as locker rooms, showers, and pool areas. Because of this, it is important to always wear some form of footwear in these environments. Other common ways to prevent toenail infections include frequently washing the feet, not sharing clippers or nail files, wearing a fresh pair of socks daily, wearing breathable footwear, and not sharing footwear with others. When fungal nail infections are left untreated, they can become painful and foul smelling. Therefore, if you do believe that you may have a fungal nail infection, it is important to consult with a podiatrist for treatment options.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Janet Leicht of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

Warped or oddly shaped nails
Yellowish nails
Loose/separated nail
Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.

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

Who Is at Risk for Getting an Achilles Tendon Rupture?

Monday, 08 March 2021

The large tendon on the back of the ankle connecting the calf muscle and the heel bone is known as the Achilles tendon. When this tendon tears, an Achilles tendon rupture may occur. A rupture is often common in sporting activities that involve pushing off the feet and sprinting, such as basketball and tennis. While Achilles tendon ruptures tend to happen more to males and people between the ages of 30 and 40, they can happen to anyone. Those who have poor flexibility, an inactive lifestyle, or are taking steroid medications may be at a higher risk for an Achilles tendon rupture as well. Signs of a rupture can include abrupt pain in the affected area, the feeling of getting kicked in the back of the leg, hearing a “pop” in back of the leg, weakness, and bruising or swelling in the area. If you believe that you have ruptured your Achilles tendon, or you would like to learn more about preventing a rupture, please consult with a podiatrist.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Janet Leicht of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

Inflammation
Dull to severe pain
Increased blood flow to the tendon
Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

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