June 2015

Results from a study by the University of Queensland show that the scientist created vaccine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is safe and effective. Professor Ranjeny Thomas states that the vaccination is meant to treat the underlying causes of the disease, whereas most therapies only work in reducing symptoms and in slowing the development. The vaccination therapy or immunotherapy is meant for those with potential high risk RA gene known as CCP-positive. With the help of this new therapy, patients can reduce the amount of CCP causing inflammation by teaching the immune system how to properly handle the gene.  

Rheumatoid arthritis can be a very painful disease to deal with. If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, contact Dr. Genine Befumo and Dr. Mark J. Berger of University Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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. Severe pain and immobility are caused by an inflammation of the lining of your joints, and in worse cases the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone can occur.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, many cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area. Pain will often initially present in the toes before the condition worsens and spreads throughout the entire foot.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of the feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that your podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor may ask you about your medical history and lifestyle to help determine possible causes of your RA.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no cure for RA, so treatment options are designed to specifically target the symptoms of it, most notably the pain it causes. Two types of anti-inflammatory drugs – non-steroidal or NSAIDs and corticosteroids – may be prescribed by your doctor. In some severe cases where the joints are too badly damaged, surgery may be an option. As always, speak with your podiatrist to help determine the appropriate treatment options available to you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Sizers, an Irish and London based company is making proper fitting shoes trendy. The company has created little inserts for different parts of a shoe to make any shoe a better fit. The product has been know to shorten shoes by one whole shoe size and although Sizers are great for making shoes smaller, the inserts cannot be worn with sandals or open toed footwear.

Finding a proper fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information contact one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center NJ. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are come factors to consider when it comes to investing in properly fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improperly fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, keeping properly fit shoes is vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies for your foot and ankle needs.

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According to Russell Pressler of TriHealth, swimming is a great way to relieve foot pain while staying physically active this summer. Although the average person can experience foot pain any time of year, it is more common for podiatrists to have visitors in the summer due the increased activity the warmer weather brings. For those experiencing a foot injury this summer, it is still possible to remain active this summer with swimming. The activity allows those injured to remain physically fit without adding pressure or overusing the foot.   

Swimming is a great way to exercise the feet. If you have any questions regarding the benefits of swimming on the feet, consider contacting one of our podiatrists from University Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors will explain the unique health advantages this activity has and recommend some simple exercises.

Benefits of Swimming and Foot care

Our feet receive the most stress on a daily basis. Walking, running, and long standing contribute to pain and stress on the feet. Swimming helps promote circulation and keep the body feeling great and healthy.

Benefits of swimming:

Improve blood circulation

• Swimming is a good, safe way to get in extra physical activity and improve circulation, without causing further trauma to the feet

Relieve aches or pains

• It takes all the pressure off of them, allowing the feet to relax and recover, and improves blood flow to them.

Circulation overall for diabetics

• Swimming contributes to blood flow, and increase oxygen levels within the body.

Reduce foot inflammation

• Swimming in warm water can increase blood flow and make it easier to move and stretch the afflicted foot. The feet are also exposed in water, giving them much needed air.

Swimming the helpful alternative:

Many people like the elderly and diabetics suffer from weakened muscles and joints. A water sport like swimming will support the body, thus allowing him or her to move freely. Blood flow circulation is a main trigger to tired inflamed feet.

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

Read more about the Benefits of Swimming and Foot Care

Margaret Dabbs has stated that the key to keeping older feet looking young and healthy is to just give the lower extremities some care. Dabbs states that with age the sweat glands in the feet stop working, making them drier than normal. Elderly individuals should moisturize and file dry skin at least once a week to maintain the hydration levels of the feet. Dabbs also recommends wearing shoes that are wider and more supportive with age.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. For more information, consult with one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

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 threating 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 offices in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Running is an important daily routine for many people; however, runners should keep in mind the biomechanics of the foot to prevent running injuries. The metatarsal bones are often regularly injured during the foot to ground impact when running with metatarsalgia, inflammation on the bottom of the foot. The metatarsal bones are located in the forefoot and there are five, connecting to the mid-foot to the toes. The heaviness of the body and the impact on the foot result in symptoms such as sharp, stabbing, burning pain. Injury to the metatarsals can be reduced with smart training practices, proper fitting shoes, orthotics, and using recovery days to rest the feet.

Biomechanics of the feet can help you understand how to prevent injury and help doctors treat your foot and ankle ailments. If you have any concerns contact one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center of New Jersey. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body causing an interference with the biological structure and focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974 biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination to the area.

Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, moments and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured.

Advances in materials and more awareness of biomechanics have developed enhanced corrective methods, offering further options for foot-related injuries. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about biomechanics of the feet.