Items filtered by date: November 2021

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that is caused by high blood sugar levels. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy most frequently affect the lower limbs and can include pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and loss of sensation. People with diabetic neuropathy are also at an increased risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers, open wounds on the feet that are difficult to detect (due to a loss of sensation) and that heal slowly and poorly. Other than managing your blood sugar levels, the best way to prevent complications from diabetic neuropathy is to perform daily foot checks. Inspect your feet for any changes, such as cuts, scrapes, sores, wounds, discoloration, pain, or altered sensations. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Donald Manger, DPM from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Doctors who focus on treating foot and ankle conditions are known as podiatrists, or doctors of podiatric medicine (labeled DPM for short). Conditions that podiatrists commonly diagnose and treat include skin conditions, such as blisters, warts, and corns; nail conditions, like ingrown toenails and fungal infections; and injuries, such as sprains or breaks. Many podiatrists focus on specific areas in foot medicine with specialties that include biomechanics, wound care, and sports medicine. Patients who have underlying health conditions, like obesity, diabetes, arthritis, and poor blood circulation, should also be under the care of a podiatrist. If you have foot pain, swelling, numbness, or a possible infection in your feet or ankles, visiting a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment method is suggested.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Donald Manger, DPM from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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 or someone you take care of has diabetes, there are a number of preventative practices that should be implemented to help keep your feet healthy and to avoid serious complications down the road. Shoes and socks should be worn during waking hours, even around the house. Check to make sure shoes fit properly and that there are no rough edges that will scrape against or cause a disturbance in the skin. Examine the feet daily. Early detection of any break in the skin will help avoid the injury from developing into a wound. Keep the feet clean and dry and the toenails trimmed straight across. Toenail length should be level with the tips of the toes, but not too short in order to prevent the nail from growing into the skin. Finally, any diabetic should be under the care of a podiatrist who can help them maintain proper foot health and manage any complications should they arise.

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 Donald Manger, DPM from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. 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 Hamilton Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the toes to the heel bone, is a common cause of heel pain. When the plantar fascia is injured through repetitive strain, excessive exercise, prolonged standing, wearing uncomfortable shoes, or obesity, it may lead to stabbing heel pain that is typically at its worst when taking the first few steps after a long rest. Other possible causes of plantar fasciitis include structural abnormalities in the foot, such as having flat feet, high arches, overpronation, or leg length differences. Foot changes associated with aging or pregnancy may also be to blame in some cases. If you are suffering from heel pain, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Donald Manger, DPM  from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctor 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 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 your active child is suddenly complaining of foot pain, walking on their tippy toes, or limping, they may have Sever’s disease. Though the name can sound frightening, Sever’s disease is actually an injury. It occurs when the growth plate in your child’s heel bone is damaged due to repetitive strain from running, jumping, and other athletic activities. At home, you can help your child find relief by resting and icing the affected foot (it often affects both feet at once) and encouraging them to wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Seeing a podiatrist, who can prescribe orthotics, suggest exercises to help relieve symptoms, and rule out any other potential causes for your child’s pain, can also be very beneficial. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Donald Manger, DPM from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.