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What You Should Know About Varicose Veins

Monday, 27 August 2018

Varicose veins are a common problem for women across the world. The biggest risk factor for developing this condition is heredity. Surprisingly, over 80% of people who have varicose veins have them because of genetics. If you are looking for ways to reduce your risk of getting varicose veins, you should start by making lifestyle modifications. Maintaining an optimal weight, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, and avoiding wearing tight clothes and heels are all ways you can reduce your risk of developing the disease. Although people consider this condition to be a cosmetic problem, it can also cause you to feel symptoms such as heaviness, pain, itching, swelling, burning, numbness, and cramps. If you have varicose veins in your lower extremities, such as the foot, you should consult with your podiatrist.

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 Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor 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 Berkeley Heights, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Possible Causes of Poor Circulation in the Feet

Monday, 20 August 2018

If you have poor circulation in your feet, it may be indicative of unnoticed health issues. The circulatory system may be negatively affected if you sit for extended periods of time, are obese, or if moderate exercise and stretching is not part of your daily routine. Recent research has shown that a condition, which is referred to as atherosclerosis, may be a common cause of poor circulation in the feet. This may be a result of the arteries becoming narrow, which may lead to blockages in the legs. A common symptom of this ailment may be a loss of feeling in the toes or some patients may experience a tingling sensation. Some preventative measures may include a healthy dietary change added to a routine exercise regime. If you have symptoms of poor circulation in the feet, please consult with a podiatrist for additional information.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Janet Leicht of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

Numbness
Tingling
Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
Pain
Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.

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.

Effective Ways to Prevent Falling

Tuesday, 14 August 2018

Recent research has shown that approximately 30 to 40 percent of seniors fall at least once per year. Many injuries may occur from the unnatural act of falling, including breaking a foot or spraining an ankle, in addition to possibly affecting the overall health of the body. There are simple steps that may be implemented to avoid falling, and as a result, the chances of a serious fall from occurring may be diminished. It’s important to choose shoes that fit correctly and it is beneficial if they have a non-slip sole. For those seniors who exercise regularly, their strong muscles and tendons may aid in providing the necessary strength to prevent a fall from occurring. Additionally, living in a clean and uncluttered environment may help older people to walk without tripping. It may be helpful to obtain regular medical checkups, which may include an eye exam and a reevaluation of any medications that are taken.

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 Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. 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 Berkeley Heights, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

What is the Cuboid Bone?

Monday, 06 August 2018

One of the seven tarsal bones that are located in the foot is known as the cuboid bone. If you incur an injury to the surrounding joints and ligaments, you may have what is referred to as cuboid syndrome. A common symptom of this condition may often be pain that is experienced in the middle of the foot or at the base of the toes. An injury that occurs suddenly may cause the bones in the center of the foot to dislocate, cuboid syndrome develops when these bones are out of alignment. Common symptoms may include swelling, increased pain in the foot while walking, and tenderness and sensitivity on the sole of the foot. Research has shown that many athletes may tend to suffer from this ailment and the condition may worsen as the pain is often ignored. Patients who walk inward may be more susceptible in developing cuboid syndrome, which may often be a result of the cuboid bone gradually shifting out of place. If you suffer from this condition, it’s advised to seek counsel with a podiatrist to obtain the proper treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

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