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1648 US Highway 130
North Brunswick, NJ 08902

January 2022

Tuesday, 25 January 2022 00:00

Lateral Foot Pain

Does the side of your foot ache, throb, or make it difficult to walk or stand? If so, you may have a problem elsewhere in your foot or ankle. Pain on the side of the foot, also known as lateral foot pain, is often the result of a foot or ankle injury. Overuse injuries, which occur when excess pressure is placed repetitively on the foot, are a common reason for lateral foot pain. Activities such as running, jogging, and even standing for prolonged periods of time can all lead to an overuse injury. Another reason that the side of your foot may be hurting is because of a stress fracture, a tiny crack in one or more bones in the foot. You may also have aching feet if you have flat feet or fallen arches. Ankle problems, such as sprains, are frequently accompanied by referred pain to the side of the foot as well. If you are suffering from any type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Robert Fink from Brunswick Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Read more about Foot Pain
Tuesday, 18 January 2022 00:00

Why Are My Toes Turning Blue?

If you notice that your toes look bluish in color, you may have a condition known as peripheral cyanosis. The main causes are a lack of blood reaching the toes, and lack of oxygen in the blood that does reach the toes. Normally, when blood is properly oxygenated it turns bright red. When oxygen levels are low, the blood turns a burgundy, or more bluish, color. However, if the toes are not receiving enough blood, even though it is fully oxygenated, the result is still a bluish color in the toes, and other body parts as well. The main causes of decreased oxygen are a blockage that prevents blood from reaching the extremities, or lack of pressure sufficient to allow the blood to reach the extremities. A fatty buildup in the blood vessels, known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common factor in such blockages. If you notice that your toes appear to be bluish, it is suggested that you make an appointment with your podiatrist, who can offer a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Robert Fink of Brunswick Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

  • Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
  • Numbness or cramping in the legs 
  • Skin discoloration
  • Slower nail & hair growth
  • Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Poor Blood Circulation in the Feet
Saturday, 15 January 2022 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Tuesday, 11 January 2022 00:00

What Is Juvenile Arthritis?

Many people associate arthritis with aging and the elderly. While it is true that certain types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, are most often seen in older adults, arthritis is not exclusively a disease of aging. Nearly 300,000 children and teens in the United States alone have juvenile arthritis (JA). Rather than being just one disease, JA is an umbrella term for any type of arthritis that affects someone under the age of 16. The most common type of JA is idiopathic arthritis. This can cause symptoms such as pain, stiffness, redness, warmth, and swelling around the joints. The small joints of the feet are often affected. It is suggested that children with JA visit a podiatrist regularly to monitor and maintain the health of their foot and ankle joints. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Robert Fink from Brunswick Foot & Ankle Group. 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 the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to 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 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 our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Arthritic Foot Care
Tuesday, 04 January 2022 00:00

What to Look For in a Good Walking Shoe

Walking is a great low-impact form of exercise. The best part is, you don’t need much more than an even surface and a good walking shoe. Walking shoes should — above all else — be comfortable. Look for a feeling of stability and flexibility, particularly in the toes. Toe boxes should have enough room to freely wiggle and bend the toes, but not so much room that your foot shifts around. Check for padding to provide shock absorption without weighing the shoe down. Contouring should hug the heels, midfoot and sole. The heel counter, which hugs the back of the heel, should cup the heel and support it without being too tight. For professional advice on walking shoes, and the specific features to complement your particular foot and gait, please consult with a podiatrist.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Dr. Robert Fink from Brunswick Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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

Read more about Walking Shoes vs. Running Shoes
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