(908) 381-8160Berkeley Heights

Blog

What May Be Causing Your Foot Pain

Foot pain can be a hassle, and it is important to get to the root of the problem so you can be aware of how to treat it effectively. The arches in your feet can be a source of your pain, especially if you are flat footed. If you have flat feet, you should try to wear supportive footwear or shoe inserts to help provide an arch in your foot. Ingrown toenails are caused by wearing shoes that are too small or narrow, and they can cause a great deal of pain. If your toenail becomes infected, swollen, or changes color, you should seek help for it immediately. Another source of your foot pain could be bunions. Bunions, which are bone protrusions near the big toe, can make walking and standing on your feet very uncomfortable. If your feet are constantly hurting due to your bunions, you should consult with a podiatrist to look into a form of treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday 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. 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 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. 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 located in Berkeley Heights, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Every Day Foot Care

Caring for Diabetic Feet

People with diabetes should be very careful when dealing with their feet. Although issues such as foot sores may seem miniscule, they can easily lead to an ulcer for diabetics. Diabetes can cause a lot of complications within the feet. Diabetic foot ulcers can occur anywhere on the foot, but they typically are found on the ball or on the base of the big toe. These ulcers may be caused by wearing shoes that rub against the skin or they can be caused by injury. If you want to prevent getting ulcers on your feet, you should wash your feet on a daily basis with mild soap in warm water. Moisturization is crucial, but be sure not to put lotion between your toes. Daily foot inspections may also be helpful, and it is recommended that you do so twice a day.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Read more about How to Care for Diabetic Foot

The Importance of Podiatrists

Podiatrists are known for treating and diagnosing conditions in the foot and ankle. In order to become a podiatrist, one has to complete four years of training in podiatry school and three years of hospital training. Some podiatrists specialize in certain areas such as pediatrics, sports injuries, wound care, and diabetic care. It is possible for podiatrists to earn board certification by undergoing advanced training and taking an exam. The two boards that are able to certify podiatrists are the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

Read more about What is a Podiatrist?

How Your Diet May Lead to Gout

Studies have shown that gout can be triggered by having a diet that is high in purines, so it is important that you avoid foods that contain them in order to keep from developing the condition. Some of these high-purine foods include sardines, anchovies, and scallops. Foods that are high in vitamin-C have been found to lower uric acid levels in the bloodstream, so be sure to include them in your diet if you want to lower your risk of developing gout. You should also try to avoid medications such as aspirin, which can increase your uric acid levels.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Gout

The Effects of Running Injuries

While many people love to exercise in order to become healthier, there are a lot of injuries that can occur as a result of it. Some of the most common injuries people may endure while running are plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and sprains. Plantar fasciitis and stress fractures are usually the result of a sudden increase in workout activity. It is best to ease your way into a strenuous workout routine instead of rushing into it and putting yourself at risk for injury. Sprains occur when there is an injury to a ligament that is supposed to help maintain stability. They are best treated by the RICE method which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Janet Leicht of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.

Read more about How to Prevent Running Injuries
Connect with us

Janet Leicht Podiatry Blog