March 2015

According to a new study published in a the journal Arthritis and Rheumatology, recovery workers that aided in clearing Ground Zero in New York City are more susceptible to arthritis and other autoimmune disorders.

The most common form of arthritis found was rheumatoid arthritis, where workers experience period flare ups and stiff joints. Psoriatic arthritis is also common, specifically where ligaments more muscles attach to bone in the heel of the foot. Although the study found many suffering from arthritic pain, there is free health monitoring programs in place for those suffering from Ground Zero related problems.

Arthritis can be a different condition to live with. If you are suffering from arthritic foot pain, contact one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. Our podiatrists can treat your foot and ankle needs.

Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions about arthritic foot care, please feel free to contact our offices located in University Foot and Ankle Center. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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According to Dr. Pfenninger of the Midland Daily News, it is estimated that ten percent of the adult population already has some type of nail fungus. At times, individuals can have toenail fungus and not even be aware that it is there. Some signs of nail fungus include thickening, discoloration, weak nails, appearance of debris under the nail, foul smells when nails are wet, and the occasional lifting up of the nail into a tent-shape. Older individuals and women are also more likely to have fungus in their toenails. Many people may have toenail fungus but initially confuse it for an ingrown toenail. Although there are topical and oral antifungal medications available, prevention is important. To avoid nail fungus, allow your feet to fully dry after showering and keep the nails groomed.

While toenail fungus is troublesome to eradicate, it is not impossible. For more information about treatment, consult with one of our podiatrists from University Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors will attend to all of your podiatric needs.

Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a problem which affects many people and is hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating toenail fungus.

Antibiotics & Treatments 
Lamisil – is the most commonly effective treatment for toenail fungus. It is available as an antibiotic Terbinafine tablet and cream. Terbinafine is a chemical component which kills fungal growth on the body.  Applying regular doses will gradually kill the fungal growth. It is important to keep the area clean and air free. 

Talcum powder – applying powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well

Alternative Treatments
There are always surgical procedures that are available for toenail fungus. Some people would like immediate quick removal of toenail fungus. Surgeons will be able to cut through and remove the growth using laser surgery. It is important not to try and remove it yourself. Once removed, your old shoes will need to be replaced to avoid reinfection.  

For more information about Toenail Fungus, follow the link below.

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 care needs.

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A loss of blood circulation in the feet and legs is often caused by peripheral artery disease. Come the winter season, many people suffer from numb fingers and toes as a result of losing blood circulation to their extremities due to colder temperatures. Raynaud’s disease, a condition in which the blood vessels in the fingers and toes contract in response to drops in temperature, is behind an estimated ten million people’s loss of blood supply. The ceasing of blood flow to the fingers and toes often causes them to turn icy wait. Raynaud attacks can last from a few minutes to an hour. When blood flow returns, the fingers or toes will turn blue and eventually red, accompanied with a burning sensation. Due to winter’s drop in temperature, attacks often peak during the cold months.

Diseases that cause poor circulation in the feet can be extremely dangerous. If you are having difficulties with reduced circulation, see one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors will identify the cause of your decreased blood flow and help you get the care you need.  

Poor Circulation in the Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. It usually restricts the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes
Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development.
It can also cause:

• muscle pain  
• numbness in legs
• cramps          
• skin discoloration
• weakness
• slower nail & hair growth
• stiffness
• erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes and or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, or who are over 50.

If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD, and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions

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

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Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is often caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is usually the result of a build up of plaque in the arteries. Plaque build up, or atherosclerosis, can be the result of excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream, which restricts how much blood can flow through arteries. Reduced blood flow to a certain area of the body severely limits the amount of oxygen and nutrients that part of the body receives, causing degeneration in the muscles and other tissues. Sometimes, poor blood circulation in the feet and legs can be caused by other conditions, such as damage to or inflammation of blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

The lack of oxygen and nutrients caused by poor blood circulation can restrict muscle growth and development, as well as cause muscle pain and cramps, weakness, and stiffness. Other common symptoms include numbness in the legs and feet, skin discoloration in the affected limbs, slower nail and hair growth, and erectile dysfunction in men. In more severe cases of PAD, pain can be present even when a person isn't exercising, and may range from mildly uncomfortable to completely debilitating.

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is more common in those who are overweight or obese, have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, who smoke, or who have a family history of PAD or related conditions (heart attack, stroke, etc.). Diabetes and smoking place a person at greatest risk for developing poor blood circulation, although advanced age (over 50) can also increase risk.

If you are experiencing poor blood circulation in the feet and legs caused by PAD, it is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce your risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke caused by this condition. If you smoke, quit completely -- this will increase the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream. Exercising and reducing the saturated fats in your diet (which come from fatty meats, fried foods, whole milk, etc.) can make a difference in improving blood circulation in feet. It is also important to avoid developing influenza and to carefully control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.

Your doctor may recommend combining lifestyle changes with a prescription medication regimen to improve blood circulation. The most commonly-used medications for PAD are called statins and work by blocking the amount of enzymes in your body that produce cholesterol. They are known by the brand names Zocor, Lipitor, Crestor, and others.

In an article by Centre Daily, Dr. Christina L. Rowe believes if someone is affected by neuropathy, there may be a loss of sensation to the feet. As a result, neuropathic patients might miss something as small as a nail technician’s cut or burn.

This could be serious, as even a minor injury or burn could develop into an infection which could form down the line. Dr. Rowe believes it is best for patients with neuropathy to avoid pedicures altogether as there are natural products which can help and be classified as a safe alternative, essentially saving the patient’s foot in the long run.

The American Diabetes Association describes symptoms of peripheral neuropathy as including a tingling sensation, pain, numbness or weakness in the hands and feet.

Being diabetic makes you especially susceptible to foot problems like ulcers and nerve damage. For instructions about diabetic foot care, talk to one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. Our doctors can help you manage your foot and ankle conditions.

Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including 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 because 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.

For more information about Diabetic Foot Care, follow the link below.

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

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