Items filtered by date: January 2017

Looking at a person’s feet can help determine how healthy their overall body is. Some important factors to look for include: sudden or chronic pain in the feet, skin discoloration which can indicate a more serious problem, and numbness or peripheral neuropathy which is typically associated with diabetes. Other symptoms of potential health problems are: swelling or edema which can be caused by insufficient veins or lymphatic ducts, cold feet which is most commonly associated with arterial disease, itchy feet which is associated with fungal infections, and changes in your foot structure, such as flatfoot. Overall, any noticeable changes should be looked at by your podiatrist, as our feet are the bedrock of our bodies.

Every day foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked contact Dr. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Every Day Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. After all, without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks. It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before, for example.

For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops.

Also, wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Arthritis is a very common disease that can affect joints in areas all over the body. Arthritis of the feet can be especially painful and debilitating due to the constant weight put on that section of the body. For someone with arthritic feet, every step taken can be excruciating. There are many different types of arthritis, though inflammatory arthritis can be one of the most devastating. Rheumatoid arthritis is one such type, where the cartilage of the joints is being destroyed. Though there is really no set diet to cure this illness, there are some recommended foods that may prove effective in helping mitigate some of the arthritic symptoms. The key is to reduce inflammation. Certain foods that help do just that are nuts, fish, and, dark vegetables.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition that often affects middle-aged women, especially those who wear narrow shoes. While benign, the condition can be very painful; pain typically affects the front of the foot and extends to the toes. Pain flare-ups tend to occur in response to irritation, trauma, or excessive pressure. Morton’s neuroma pain can be made worse by continual walking, especially while wearing narrow shoes. Morton’s neuroma can be diagnosed through a number of methods including clinical examinations, MRIs, or ultrasound. If you suspect you have Morton’s neuroma, be sure to contact your podiatrist.

Morton’s Neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Diabetic foot care is something that should be taken very seriously, because numbness and loss of feeling is very common, due to the lack of circulation in the legs and feet. Treating these symptoms with haste could prevent the detection of problems such as ulcers. Ulcers, coupled with inordinately slow healing, can cause infections to persist, spread, and even lead to amputation. It is vital to make sure to look out for these symptoms, and you should see a doctor immediately if signs of sores, numbness, and loss of feeling occurs.

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. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. 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. 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 one of our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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The use of technology has drastically transformed the way we do lots of things, particularly in the world of medicine. With a combination of virtual reality and treadmill training, an Israeli study shows that this may be an effective way to prevent dangerous falls associated with aging. Currently, this collaboration of virtual reality and treadmill techniques focuses on improving muscle strength, balance, and gait. The Israeli research team, in cooperation with partners across Europe, has found that physical mobility and cognition are important for safe walking. Participants reduced their risk of falling for at least six months post-training.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions

Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet, and can hide many life threating medical conditions.

Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.

Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:

Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe

Shoes that don’t fit properly

Pressure sores

Loss of circulation in legs & feet

Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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