Items filtered by date: March 2023

As an individual ages and becomes a senior citizen, they could be at risk of experiencing a stroke of some sort. Suffering from a stroke can have many different effects to be aware of. For example, one common symptom of having a stroke involves foot drop. Stroke survivors with foot drop essentially have a difficult time raising their foot because of the weakness in the muscles that are normally responsible for lifting it. As a result of living with foot drop, a senior might experience slowness when walking or even potentially pain. After walking a short distance, an individual with foot drop can also experience fatigue. If you are someone who has endured a stroke, then it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This foot specialist can help you address any issues you might be having with your feet. You can schedule an appointment with a trusted podiatrist today to address your foot problems.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors 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-threatening 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 our office located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Severely cracked heels are called fissures. Dry skin causes cracked heels, and fissures can bleed and become infected. There are many reasons to have dry skin on the heels. These can include wearing shoes that are backless, or from medical conditions such as a thyroid disorder or diabetes. The skin on the heels can crack as the aging process occurs, or from damaged nerves that are unable to sweat. Fissures can be painful, and medical treatment is often sought that may help to stop any infection. Many people enjoy soaking their feet in warm water for several minutes, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. This process can be completed by wearing clean cotton socks, which can protect the heel. If you have heel fissures, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can prescribe medicated cream that can effectively treat cracked heels and fissures.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Children have very resilient bodies; however, children can also be particularly susceptible to developing certain foot conditions. Specifically, young children are prone to developing a condition known as Sever’s disease. This condition is an overuse injury caused by pulling on a child’s growing heel bone. Young athletes are at a higher risk of developing Sever’s disease. Symptoms of Sever’s disease can vary widely, but there are several relatively common symptoms of Sever’s disease. For example, children with this condition often have heel pain. Young patients may also experience tenderness in the foot when squeezed at the back. As a result of this condition, a patient could even potentially experience some warmth and swelling in the affected foot. If your child struggles with heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 Egg Harbor Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

The feet are considered to be one of the most complex structures in the body. There are 26 bones, many ligaments, tendons, and muscles in each foot, and their main function is to provide mobility. The feet are needed to maintain balance in different positions, in addition to absorbing shock while walking and running. Research has shown there are various foot postures among different species. The plantigrade posture signifies contact between the foot and ground while walking and is the method humans and bears have. Dogs and cats have the digitigrade posture, which represents only the toes making contact with the ground. Animals including horses have the unguligrade posture, where the tips of their feet touch the ground. The human foot consists of several areas, including the hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot. All of these components work together for smooth mobility, and it is important that proper foot care is maintained so they can continue to do this. If you have a problem with any part of the feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 our office located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.