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Monday, 12 December 2016 00:00

Different Types of Flat Feet

flat-feet9A study conducted by King George’s Medical University’s orthopedics department concluded that “over 90% of overweight or obese kids develop flat foot.” Flat-footed people can be characterized as having a lack of arch in the soles of our feet. There are three types of flat feet grades, with grade 1 flat feet described as having little arch, grade 2 lacking an arch and grade 3 developed into a convex arch. The research published indicated that “45% kids had grade 2 flat feet while 43% had grade 1 flat feet. The remaining 12% belonged to grade 3.” Flat feet can affect our everyday lifestyle, so it is best to have it managed at an early age.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Manger can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What are Flat Feet?

Flat feet are a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. Standing about 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arch never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – if you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms:

Pain around the heel or arch area

Trouble standing on the tip toe.

Swelling around the inside of the ankle.

Flat look to one or both feet.

Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment:

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.

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

Read more about Flat Feet

Monday, 05 December 2016 00:00

How to Tell If You Have Plantar Fasciitis

toenail-fungus7If you’re experiencing stiffness and pain in the soles of your feet that typically becomes more prominent during the mornings, you may have plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can be described as a foot condition that results from overuse of the plantar fascia, the tissue that runs along the soles of your feet. Excessive stress on this area can lead to inflammation. Being overweight, having flat feet or high arches, pregnancy and improper footwear such as flip flops are also factors in the development of plantar fasciitis. Treat your condition by icing your feet, stretching your muscles and having proper rest by avoiding any strenuous activity.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Manger can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

·     Excessive running

·     Non-supportive shoes

·     Overpronation

·     Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

·     Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices

·     Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis

·     Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

Monday, 28 November 2016 00:00

Shoes play a Role in Preventing Bunions

bunions7Bunions can be described as the bony deformities of our foot’s joints. There are several factors that can contribute to the forming and progression of bunions, such as genetics, arthritis, previous injuries and long-term use of improperly-fitting shoes such as high heels. Shoes can play a large role in the overall comfort of our feet, especially for those of us who are avid runners, so it’s important to find the proper shoes to prevent the development of problems such as bunions. If left untreated, bunions may require orthotics and possibly even surgery if they become too severe.

Untreated bunions can make walking uncomfortable. If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Manger will attend to all your foot and ankle concerns.  

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs by the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why do Bunions Form?

  • Genetics – susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
  • Stress on the feet – poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can cause bunions to form

How are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • Surgery

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

Read more about Bunions

Monday, 21 November 2016 00:00

How Wearing Heels May Damage Your Feet

high-heel16Although high heels may be a popular fashion staple, if worn for long periods of time, heels can damage the feet as pressure is increased on the balls of the feet and the toes are squeezed together. Long-term issues can also result from wearing high heels, such as bunions, hammertoe, nerve pain, corns and blisters. Thicker and lower heels are safer as the foot loses less balance and puts less pressure on the balls of our feet.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Manger can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because their style and societal appeal. Despite this, they can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

What parts my body will be affected by high heels?

  • Ankle Joints
  • Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
  • Balls of the Feet
  • Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
  • Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?

  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Plantar Fasciitis

How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available.

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

Read more about the effects of high heels.

Arthritis5There is a growing body of research that shows a possible link between wheat products and rheumatoid arthritis.  Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can affect the joints and bones in many parts of the body, including ankles and feet.  Certain proteins, ATI’s (amylase-trypsin inhibitors), may be causing inflammation in certain non-celiac patients.  This means that wheat products could be contributing to symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.  Early detection of the disease is crucial as the prognosis in these cases has greatly improved as medical science has advanced.

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 Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Manger can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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

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

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

Read more on Rheumatoid Arthritis

runners20If leg or foot misalignment exists, it may interfere with spinal function. Feet are described as “the foundation of the body.” At birth, most people tend to have perfect feet. By age 20, 80 percent of those with “perfect feet” have developed some type of foot problem, and by the age of 40, nearly everyone has some sort of foot condition. The use of external supports such as heel lifts may significantly reduce biomechanical forces on the lumbar spine. The use of these lifts has been found to help ease structural strains on the body. Be sure to see your podiatrist if you suspect your feet are misaligned.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Manger can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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 structures. It 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 technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Read more about Biomechanics

running-shoe9About 79 percent of runners experience some type of foot injury each year. It requires a bit of extra work to keep your feet in top running order, however it is necessary in order to prevent injury. If you want to make your feet less susceptible to injury, you should focus on strengthening your soles. According to Bongiorno,"When your feet are stronger, you'll have better propulsion, which can help you run faster and more efficiently.” You should also be more selective when it comes to buying a new pair of running shoes. Recent studies have shown that minimalist sneakers may be more effective in preventing injury compared to running sneakers with high arches.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Manger can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber, this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Read more about How to Prevent Running Injuries

Monday, 24 October 2016 00:00

Diabetes Can Affect Foot Health

elderly-feet 3Diabetic neuropathy is one of the leading causes of morbidity among diabetics. It occurs when the distal nerves of the extremities become nonfunctional. As a result, the patient may feel pain or numbness that can only be cured with medications and glucose control. Diabetics with the condition may also have foot deformities, foot ulcers, and foot injuries as a result of it. Unfortunately, many people with diabetes are unaware that they have diabetic neuropathy. It is important for diabetics to have routine foot exams in order to catch any foot related complications early on.

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 Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Manger will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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.

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

Read more about Diabetic Foot Care

athletes-foot8If you find yourself walking through communal wet areas such as bathrooms or lockers, your feet may be prone to contagious fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. If you contract athlete’s foot, good hygiene is essential to ensure that the infection does not spread. Symptoms typically include irritated, itchy, red, flaking skin. Over-the-counter treatments can help treat the symptoms of fungal infections, but seeing your doctor is the most effective option if the infection requires further diagnosis.

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 Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Manger 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

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

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 helping you figure out which treatment options are best for you.

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

Read more about athlete’s foot.

Monday, 10 October 2016 00:00

How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

plantar-fasciitis6Ingrown toenails occur when “the nail plate edge digs into the adjacent nail fold (soft tissue around the border of a nail),” leading to symptoms of inflammation and even infection. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight that can put pressure on the nails, and avoid trimming your nails improperly. If your toenails are prone to curving or becoming brittle, this can also lead to an ingrown toenail. Treating your ingrown toenails involves gently filing the nail edge away from your skin after soaking your toe in warm water.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Donald Manger from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Dr. Manger will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Read more about Ingrown Toenails

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