Items filtered by date: September 2018

If you enjoy walking and exercising, the pain of a bunion may cause considerable interference in your enjoyment of these activities. They most commonly form at the base and side of the big toe, and could become worse by wearing shoes that do not fit properly. These types of shoes include those that have a narrow toe area, which does not have adequate room for the toes to move about in. When the bunion begins to form, the majority of shoes do not have ample room to accommodate the bony protrusion, and this may result in pain and stiffness emanating from the joint and surrounding areas. There are several ways to properly treat a bunion, and it typically begins with wearing the correct shoes that may eliminate painful pressure on the toe. If you feel you have developed a bunion, it’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist so the correct course of treatment can commence.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Donald Manger, DPM of Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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 due to 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 worsen existing bunions

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.

A condition that is known as flat feet, which can also be referred to as fallen arches, affects most babies when they are born. When walking commences, the arches will typically develop as the foot endures pressure from body weight. The purpose of the arch aids in maintaining balance in the body, and provides a spring to the step. Arches are generally strong, and this may help the feet to adjust to a variety of surfaces that are walked on. Some people never develop arches, and this condition may prove to be uncomfortable and painful. This may often cause tension in the muscles, ligaments and tendons the feet are comprised of as a result of not being supported while walking or running. There may be several reasons for this condition to occur, including a genetic trait, injuries to the foot and ankle, or a medical condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. If you are afflicted with flat feet, it’s advised to schedule a consultation with a podiatrist to learn about correct treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Donald Manger, DPM from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is 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. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches 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 and ankle needs.

When specific foods are ingested on a frequent basis, a flare-up of a condition known as gout may occur. There are several symptoms that accompany this ailment, including severe pain and discomfort surrounding the big toe, redness, and extreme tenderness when the area is touched. Certain foods have elevated levels of purines, which is known to raise uric acid levels in the blood. This causes crystals to form, and may lodge in the joints of the feet, most commonly the big toe. Research has shown that certain foods should be limited or avoided, which are high in purine levels. These may include alcohol, shellfish, and meat. For patients who experience gout, it may be advised to drink plenty of fresh water frequently, increase the amount of fruits and vegetables that are eaten on a daily basis, and to lose weight slowly if obesity is a factor. Please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist if you are afflicted with gout for immediate treatment options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Donald Manger, DPM from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

If you have feet that produce excessive sweat, you may have a condition that is referred to as plantar hyperhidrosis. It typically affects a relatively small percentage of the population, and may generally commence in childhood or adolescence. It is known to be an uncomfortable foot condition and may lead to additional foot issues such as fungal infections. Most patients that are afflicted with this ailment experience dry feet while sleeping, despite the fact that both feet may sweat profusely during the day. Treatment options for mild cases of plantar hyperhidrosis may include wearing inner soles that can absorb the excess sweat, in addition to wearing cotton socks, which may reduce the onset of infections. For severe cases of this condition, it’s suggested to speak with a podiatrist who can discuss proper treatment options for you.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Donald Manger, DPM of Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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.