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Peripheral edema is another name for swollen feet. It is a gathering of fluid in the tissue of the feet. Swollen feet might be a sign that something is happening in your body that requires attention. Because feet are so important to our mobility and functioning, taking care of them is crucial. Swollen feet might be caused by prolonged inactivity, walking for too long, being in hot or humid weather, hormone fluctuations, pregnancy, a foot injury (sprain, fracture, torn ligament, or tendon), or a serious underlying medical condition. Arthritis, lymphedema, congestive heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, a bacterial infection, or kidney disease are all serious health conditions that can result in edema. If your feet are swollen and you do not know why, if you are in pain, or if you have a medical condition that can cause swollen feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can help you get to the root of the problem, and provide proper treatment.
Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:
Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet.
Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
People who have pain in the joint of the big toe may have a condition known as gout. It is defined as an inflammation of the joints in the big toe and is considered to be a form of arthritis. It can produce debilitating pain and discomfort, and many patients find it difficult to walk. It can develop if there is a family history of gout or from eating foods that have high levels of purines. These types of foods include red meat, shellfish, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. A gout attack can last a few days or several weeks and may improve gradually. The majority of people may have difficulty completing daily activities when gout is present and medical treatment may be needed. Effective prevention techniques can include reducing the amount of alcohol, red meat, and fatty foods in daily food intake. Additionally, it can help to drink plenty of fresh water frequently and begin a gentle exercise regime. If you are afflicted by gout, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can prescribe the appropriate medication for this condition.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors 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 North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Many people enjoy getting foot massages. There are several benefits that patients can receive with regular foot massages including improved blood circulation, reduced blood pressure, and the ability to sleep better. Additionally, it may help existing foot injuries to heal faster due to increased flexibility in the foot and ankle. Patients can report a feeling of overall well-being and anxiety may be significantly reduced. Pregnant women can experience edema, which is excess fluid that builds up in the ankles. Having frequent foot massages may help to relieve some of the discomforts that accompany edema. Research has indicated that the activity of white blood cells may increase and this can help boost the immune system. When the feet are being massaged, the therapist may notice certain foot conditions that have developed, including corns, ingrown toenails, or cracked skin. These are conditions that are treated by a podiatrist. It is suggested that you schedule a consultation to discuss effective treatment options and to learn about other types of foot therapies.
Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Most Common Injuries
People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track.
What to Do When Injured
Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.
During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:
Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
A variety of conditions may be responsible for causing pain in the top of your foot. You may have damaged soft tissue structures or even injured a bone. Symptoms may provide some clues as to the root of your foot pain. Severe, sudden pain may be due to a stress fracture of one or more of the bones of the foot, such as the metatarsals. If the pain worsens with activity, you may have extensor tendonitis. This occurs when the tendons on top of the foot that help you lift the toes become inflamed, due to wearing tight shoes, standing for a prolonged period or running on rugged terrain. Sinus tarsi syndrome is another type of severe top-of-foot pain that occurs in the tiny channel located between the ankle and the heel. It can occur after an ankle sprain or may result from chronic instability. If the pain in the top of your foot is burning or shooting, and is accompanied by a pins-and-needles or numbness, it may be due to a compressed nerve. Even though you experience symptoms in the foot, the actual damaged nerve may be pinched in the foot, legs, or lower back. If you notice a nodule under the skin on the top of the foot near a joint or tendon, it may be a ganglion cyst. These are just a few possible causes for pain on the top of the foot. To have your condition properly diagnosed and treated, visit a podiatrist, who is a physician specializing in foot and ankle care.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be a debilitating disease where a joint's lining (synovium) is attacked by the body’s immune system. This causes the synovium to become inflamed, which damages the surrounding tissues and ligaments. In time, this may dislocate toe joints and cause deformities such as bunions and hammertoes. Along with toe joints, rheumatoid arthritis can also occur in the ankle joint, the tarsometatarsal joints in the midfoot, and the hindfoot (heel area). While rheumatoid arthritis has no cure, a podiatrist can help treat its symptoms which, if left untreated, may inhibit a person’s ability to lead a normal life. Your podiatrist may prescribe special shoes, braces, and/or create custom orthotics to help restore functionality to the feet and ankles and relieve pain. Icing, gentle exercises, and physical therapy may also help relieve symptoms, as can corticosteroid injections. Make an appointment with a podiatrist today to begin treatment for your painful rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
A type of injury that affects the lower inside of the leg, ankle, and arch is known as posterior tibialis tendonitis. Because injury to this tendon can easily be overlooked, it may cause ongoing problems with stability and arch support. Further, it can cause flat feet. Symptoms include painful inflammation to the inside of the ankle, difficulty bearing weight, tightness when flexing the foot, and tenderness in the arch. The most common causes of posterior tibialis tendonitis are a change in gait to compensate for pain from another injury or swelling in the ankle joint. One way to detect posterior tibialis tendonitis is to stand on tiptoe on the affected leg. Pain in this position may indicate injury. If so, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for a thorough exam and treatment options.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Women are more prone to developing bunions than men. This may be a result of wearing high heels or shoes that do not have adequate room in the toe area. A bunion appears as a bony lump on the side of the big toe and is considered to be a foot deformity. This protrusion causes the bone in the big toe to gradually move toward the other toes and can produce pain and discomfort. People who develop bunions may eventually get osteoarthritis in the big toe, which can be the source of chronic pain. Additionally, the risk of getting a bunion may increase in patients who have short calf muscles or a shortened Achilles tendon, and medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and flat feet. Bunions may be prevented by wearing shoes that are comfortable and flat. It may help to frequently walk barefoot, which may be beneficial in strengthening the muscles in the overall foot. If you have developed a bunion, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can provide you with correct treatment options, which may include surgery for permanent removal.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Symptoms
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The two small bones in the ball of the foot under the joint of the big toe are referred to as the sesamoid bones. One is located on the outside of the foot, and the other is located closer to the center of the foot. Sesamoiditis occurs when the tissue that surrounds the sesamoid bones becomes inflamed and irritated. Sesamoiditis is considered to be a form of tendonitis, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. This generally happens from overuse and repeated pressure that is placed on the forefoot. The sesamoid bones absorb impact, and are responsible for helping the big toe move up and down during activity. Some of the symptoms that are associated with sesamoiditis can include foot pain that does not diminish, and the big toe may become stiff. People with increased chances of developing sesamoiditis include dancers, runners, and women who wear high heels. Effective treatment can begin with stopping the activity that caused this condition, resting the affected foot as often as possible, and possibly taping the big toe. If you have this ailment, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with treatment options that are right for you.
Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.
Causes of Sesamoiditis
Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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.
Tinea is the name of the fungus that causes athlete’s foot. It is a condition that affects the feet and is considered to be contagious. The symptoms that accompany athlete’s foot include itchiness, dry skin, and in severe cases, small blisters. This virus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, including public swimming pools, locker rooms, and shower room floors. It is suggested that appropriate shoes are worn while in these areas, and it is beneficial to refrain from sharing towels. Additionally, washing and drying the feet thoroughly, and wearing clean socks daily, may help to prevent athlete's foot. There are many treatments for athlete’s foot, and it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best one is for you.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
It is healthy to strike a good balance between sitting and standing at work throughout the day without having to do either excessively. However, certain professions require that a person be on their feet continually while at work which can cause a variety of foot and leg problems to develop. Heel pain, plantar fasciitis in particular, is a common foot condition for many people who stand at work all day. Having to absorb the body’s weight all day can overload and even tear the plantar fascia tissue on the sole of the feet. This can cause pain and inflammation in the heel, known as plantar fasciitis. Standing all day at work can also cause veins close to the skin’s surface to become enlarged, twisted, unsightly, and sometimes painful. This is known as varicose veins. These are just two common issues you may experience if you need to stand while working. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in your feet or legs on the job, make an appointment with a podiatrist. They can treat your condition and offer professional advice on how to lessen the negative impact you are putting on your feet while standing all day at work.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
During the propulsion (toe off) stage of walking, toes bear the weight of the body as your heels rise. During this process, the toes are supported by the long, fibrous plantar fascia ligament on the bottom of the foot that connects the toes with the heel. The plantar fascia also absorbs weight and support the toes and arch when running, jumping, and dancing. Repeated stress due to overuse, obesity, improper footwear, structural anomalies in the feet, and other factors can cause the plantar fascia to become irritated, torn, and inflamed. This is a painful condition known as plantar fasciitis. The pain felt with plantar fasciitis is typically at its worst in the morning when you first wake up and begin to take your first steps. Because it is the most common form of heel pain, podiatrists see plantar fasciitis patients regularly and have a variety of options to treat it. If you are having heel pain, make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam to get properly diagnosed and treated.
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.
Prevention
There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you experience unusually cold feet, you may have a condition known as Raynaud’s phenomenon. This condition may simply be caused by over-sensitive blood vessels that constrict abnormally in colder temperatures. It occurs because the small blood vessels spasm and keep the blood from circulating properly. Symptoms may be triggered by a drop in the temperature, as well as anxiety or stress. In many cases no actual cause for Raynaud’s can be found, aside from a disruption in how the nervous system controls the blood vessels. In other cases, it can be linked to underlying causes. Among them are autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus; infections, such as hepatitis; cancer; and certain migraine, blood pressure and heart medications. Injury and overuse has been linked to Raynaud’s phenomenon, as has smoking. Please see a podiatrist for an examination to determine the cause of excessive cold feet.
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 one of our podiatrists of Livingston Footcare. Our doctors 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:
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 North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
