Items filtered by date: October 2022

Although they may seem small and insignificant to some, the toenails are absolutely critical to the functioning of the foot. The toenails essentially act as a kind of protective plate to guard against injuries. This can help prevent the toes from getting injured during daily activities. The toenails can also act as claws of some sort, improving the extent to which the toes can grip and dig into the floor during motion. The nail is made up of several different parts: the nail root, the nail bed, the nail plate, the eponychium, the paronychium, and lastly the hyponychium. These six components of the nail are each important in their own unique ways. Importantly, the disruption of one component of the nail can fundamentally disrupt the overall toenail. For more information about toenails, consult with a podiatrist today.

If you have any 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.

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 in 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 one of our offices located in Warren, Livingston, and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be particularly bothersome to runners. This condition occurs in an individual when a nerve called the posterior tibial nerve becomes compressed. As a result of this compression, an individual might feel pain or tingling sensations. Runners exert a lot of pressure on their feet; therefore, this condition can be quite bothersome to these athletes. Although recommended treatment options will vary from runner to runner, sometimes wearing orthotics may help.  Another potential remedy might be strengthening and improving the flexibility of the feet. Sometimes, overpronation might be the culprit for a case of tarsal tunnel syndrome, so carefully monitoring one’s running style might also be of use. Contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr. Kenneth Donovan of Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Swollen feet or edema can often accompany the serious condition known as diabetes. Poor circulation may lead to excess fluid in the legs and feet, causing swelling. Gravity plays a significant role in having swollen feet and improving circulation can help to reduce existing swelling. Patients who are diabetic may have damaged veins as a result of poor circulation and may experience kidney issues from having elevated glucose levels. Additionally, the heart may be affected and can become less efficient at pumping blood. All these factors may lead to swollen feet and may be helped by consuming a diet that is low in sodium. It also may help to drink plenty of water, monitor and control the sugar levels in the blood, and partake in a gentle exercise program. If your feet are swollen, please consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose the cause and offer effective treatment options. 

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Kenneth Donovan of Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Warren, Livingston, and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The abbreviation for peripheral artery disease is PAD, which is defined as restricted blood supply to the feet and legs. It is a common condition, and the symptoms that are generally experienced include foot pain while walking, hair loss on the legs, and the skin may change color or appear shiny. The majority of people with PAD have symptoms that develop gradually and may ultimately need medical attention. Diabetic patients often have this condition, as a result of elevated blood glucose levels. This serious condition may be improved, and relief can be found when lifestyle changes are implemented. These include eating healthy foods, reducing alcohol consumption, and losing weight, if needed. There may be existing medical reasons that can lead to developing PAD, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. One of the symptoms of PAD is the inability to feel cuts or scrapes on the feet. These may go undetected and can lead to infection, which in turn may lead to ulcers, gangrene or amputation. If you have symptoms of PAD, it is strongly suggested that you are under the regular care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Dr. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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