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Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious concern for people with diabetes, as they can lead to severe complications. These ulcers form due to a combination of poor circulation, nerve damage, and impaired wound-healing capabilities, all common in diabetics. To lower the risk of complications, it's important to manage blood sugar levels diligently, as high glucose can further impair healing. Regular inspections of the feet for any cuts, bruises, or changes are essential to catch problems early. Making regular appointments with a podiatrist, or foot doctor, can help with this process. Wearing properly fitting shoes and avoiding walking barefoot can also prevent injuries. If an ulcer does develop, it is important to seek immediate medical attention to treat the wound and any infections. Maintaining cleanliness, applying appropriate dressings, and possibly using antibiotics are typical steps in managing foot ulcers. If you are diabetic and at risk for developing foot ulcers, it is suggested that you add a podiatrist to your care team. 

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.

Cracked heels can be both painful and unsightly, but with proper foot care they are largely preventable. Begin by keeping your feet clean and moisturized. Regularly washing your feet with mild soap and drying them thoroughly helps prevent bacterial and fungal infections that can worsen heel cracks. Moisturize your feet daily, focusing on the heels, with a rich foot cream or moisturizer containing ingredients like urea or glycerin to hydrate and soften the skin. Exfoliating your heels weekly with a pumice stone or foot scrub helps remove dead skin cells and prevents the buildup of thick, dry patches. Wear properly fitting shoes with adequate support to reduce friction and pressure on the heels, and avoid walking barefoot, especially on hard surfaces. Finally, stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to promote overall skin health. Cracked heels can be an uncomfortable foot condition, and if you have developed this ailment, it is suggested that you seek the help of a podiatrist. This type of doctor can effectively treat cracked heels and offer additional prevention techniques.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

Foot pain at night can disrupt your sleep and affect your overall quality of life, leaving you restless and uncomfortable. Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for finding relief and improving your well-being. One common culprit is plantar fasciitis, characterized by inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel to the toes. This condition often leads to sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or arch, particularly when getting out of bed in the morning or after long periods of rest. Another potential cause is neuropathy, a nerve disorder that can result from conditions like diabetes or vitamin deficiencies. Neuropathic pain may present as burning, tingling, or shooting sensations in the feet, worsening at night when lying down. Additionally, arthritis, stress fractures, and overuse injuries can contribute to nocturnal foot pain. Identifying the specific cause through proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is essential for implementing targeted treatment strategies and finding relief from nighttime foot discomfort. If you have foot pain at night, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for care.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Genine Befumo, DPM from University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctor 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:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

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

Gout, a form of arthritis, presents unique challenges for elderly individuals, necessitating a deeper understanding of its intricacies. Characterized by sudden and severe joint pain, typically in the big toe, gout occurs due to the accumulation of urate crystals in the joints. While gout can affect anyone, its prevalence increases with age, making it a prevalent concern among the elderly population. Various factors contribute to gout development in older adults, including age-related changes in metabolism, chronic health conditions like hypertension and kidney disease, and certain medications commonly prescribed to manage age-related ailments. Dietary habits, particularly rich diets high in purine-containing foods like red meat and seafood, also play a significant role in gout onset and exacerbation. Proper management of gout in the elderly involves a varied approach, encompassing lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and close monitoring to alleviate symptoms. If you are an elderly person who has had one or more gout attacks, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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.