November 2022

Sesamoiditis is a particular kind of foot affliction that primarily affects the sesamoid bones near the big toe. The sesamoid bones are two small bones located beneath the big toe joint, and when they become inflamed, a condition known as sesamoiditis can develop. There are several ways in which one with sesamoiditis might go about treating this condition. For example, someone with sesamoiditis might try making adjustments to the kind of footwear that they are wearing. Taking this step might help alleviate pain. Opting to wear shoes that have more cushioning in the affected area might be beneficial. Additionally, wearing custom orthotics in the shoes can help further reduce pain and mitigate the condition. Besides making adjustments to the shoes that one wears, one might also consider adjusting their daily physical activities, excluding those that put extra strain on the affected sesamoid bones. Contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Genine Befumo, DPM of University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctor 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

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

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 Monroe Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that results in swelling and severe pain in joints. It often shows itself in the big toe joint first. This condition comes on from having high uric acid levels in the blood and the formation of crystals in the joints. Uric acid is produced when purines, a naturally occurring substance in the body, are broken down and excess acid is not eliminated. Purines can also be found in certain foods, particularly red meats, seafood, high-sugar beverages, alcohol, and beer. It is important to limit the consumption of these foods if one is prone to gout. If you have pain in the joint of your big toe and you think it might be gout or have no idea what it could be from, see a podiatrist who can make an accurate diagnosis and provide treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Genine Befumo, DPM from University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Looking after the feet is crucial for diabetic patients because a minor cut on the bottom of the foot can pose very serious health threats. This can be prevented when the feet are checked every day which can be accomplished by using a mirror. If a family member or caregiver is available, they may be able to help with this task. Additionally, washing and drying the feet is important in maintaining proper foot hygiene, and doing this may stop an infection from entering the body. Diabetes can increase the chances of having poor circulation, foot ulcers, and infections, and there are methods that can be implemented which may help to control this condition. The overall body can be helped by checking blood glucose levels often, in addition to quitting tobacco products for diabetic patients who smoke. Trimming the toenails weekly is important in practicing foot care, and this is often done by a podiatrist. If you have diabetes, it is strongly advised that you visit a podiatrist often, who can help you to manage this condition.

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 Genine Befumo, DPM from University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. 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 Monroe Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Kohler disease is a rare bone disorder that causes a child’s foot to hurt and swell. This disease usually impacts children between the ages of 3 to 7. Boys are much more likely to be afflicted with Kohler disease than girls. The flow of blood to the navicular bone in the foot is interrupted and there is a progressive degeneration of the bone. Some experts believe it may be related to an injury near the navicular bone and delayed bone formation leading to structural weakness. It can be caused by genetic factors, or it may develop from stress-related compression during a child’s growth period. A child will often limp or walk on the side of their foot because it might hurt them to put weight on it. There may be tenderness along the length of the arch and the affected area may redden. Those with this disorder most often outgrow it and the affected bone regains size, density, and structure. It often resolves itself within three months to two years. Since other disorders can have symptoms similar to those of Kohler disease, treatment can be helpful. If your child is complaining of foot pain or you notice a gait change, contact a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and offer remedies.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Genine Befumo, DPM of University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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