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Obesity is a common problem in American society. Approximately one third of the U.S. population is obese. Obesity is defined as a body mass index greater than 30. Obesity has the power to affect different aspects of the body, and one of the most common problems it causes is foot pain. There have been many studies that found a connection between an increased BMI and foot problems. A simple activity such as walking up a flight of stairs can increase pressure on the ankle by four to six times.
Being overweight causes the body to compensate for the extra weight by changing the way it moves. Consequently, people who struggle with obesity commonly have arch problems in their feet. Obesity causes the arch to break by stretching the ligaments and tendons that hold the bones in the foot together. When the arch lowers, the foot may eventually fall flat. Collapsed foot arches fail to provide adequate shock absorption which eventually leads to foot pain. Other conditions that may be caused by flat feet are pronation, plantar fasciitis, weak ankles, and shin splints.
Foot problems that are caused by obesity may be treated by wearing proper footwear. Proper shoes will allow your feet to have better circulation around the arch and ankle. Additionally, those with obesity often discover that typical heel pain remedies are not effective for them. They will find that their plantar fascia is easily injured, and it is often inflamed. The best way to treat this problem is to implement lifestyle changes. A few good ways to improve your diet are to reduce calories, fill up on fruits and veggies, and to limit sugars.
Custom foot orthotics can prevent foot problems if you’re carrying excess weight or are trying to lose weight. The purpose of orthotics is to provide shock absorption to decrease the amount of stress on the joints to prevent arthritis.
Like other important parts of the human body, the feet are exceedingly intricate and have many different bones that each serve critical purposes. The talus bone is one example. The talus is situated near the top area of the foot, comprising an important part of the ankle. Technically, it is one of the seven different tarsal bones. Not only does this bone help hold the body’s weight, but it is also made up of four different main parts. First, the talus has a head, a dome, a posterior facet, and an anterior facet. It is imperative that one takes extra special care of the talus, as this essential bone can become fractured if twisted near the ankle. If you have foot pain and to learn more about this important bone, contact a podiatrist.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & 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
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 offices located in Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The feet are the foundation of our bodies and overall health. If you help an elderly person care for their feet, some steps can be implemented to help achieve this goal. These steps include washing, drying, and moisturizing their feet daily, followed by a thorough examination. It is also important to trim the toenails properly, straight across, and not too short. If something does not look, feel, or smell properly, it is best to consult a podiatrist. Of particular significance is if the senior has a cut or wound that does appear to be healing. This can even be more serious if the person is diabetic. It is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who is an expert in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of any issues involving the feet.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & 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
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 offices located in Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Many foot diseases and conditions become more serious and common among the elderly. Some of these conditions include diabetic ulcers, ingrown toenails, fungus, arthritis, corns, and calluses. Unfortunately, it may be harder for older adults to take care of their own feet, but there are some precautions they can take in order to avoid any serious conditions.
Dry, cracked heels tend to be a common problem for older people. In order to avoid this, you should always keep your feet clean and well moisturized. Special feet moisturizers should be used as average lotions might not provide enough moisture for dry and cracked heels. Daily foot inspections are crucial for the elderly to detect any irregularities in their earliest stages. During the aging process, blood circulation tends to slow down causing older people to not feel their feet as well as they used to. This often results in foot problems going unnoticed.
Fungal and bacterial conditions thrive on elderly feet because older adults are less likely to keep their feet clean and dry; this makes it easier for bacteria to take hold in their dry, cracked skin. Elderly people should be sure to thoroughly dry their feet, especially in between the toes, after bathing. This will help them avoid developing any fungal infections. Additionally, clean cotton socks should be worn after the feet are dried.
Cutting toenails straight across will help prevent ingrown toenails. When toenails are cut too lose, the nail might break through the skin resulting in an ingrown nail. Clippers should be used to cut the nails in order to make the cut even.
Elderly people who have diabetes are at risk of developing serious foot problems that may lead to amputation. Ulcers that are left untreated can lead to gangrene. Dry and cracked feet, fungus, and untended cuts under the nails may also lead to infections.
Fortunately, Medicare covers many different types of services for foot care. Elderly people with any of these foot conditions should seek the help of a podiatrist and perform daily foot inspections in order to ensure that they have healthy feet.
Recognizing an ingrown toenail can be tricky. One symptom many people ignore is the redness surrounding the big toe, which is often the first indication that an ingrown toenail has developed. Severe pain often follows, and the ingrown toenail can become infected. At this point, a podiatrist who can effectively treat this foot condition should be consulted. An ingrown toenail is defined as a nail that grows into the skin instead of over it. It may result from improperly trimming the toenails, sustaining a toe injury, or wearing shoes that are too tight. For mild cases, the foot may feel better when it is soaked in warm water. This may temporarily provide relief, but it may become worse if medical attention is not sought. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly advised that you consult a podiatrist who can treat this condition.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Charles Marchese of Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Many people are surprised by the amount of pain that a corn can cause because they are so small. When they develop on the outside of the pinky toe, it can alter the gait or walking style, and can be quite uncomfortable. This type of corn generally occurs from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, and the pain may gradually subside when a protective covering is worn over it. If it is severe, and causes difficulty in completing daily activities, it may have to be surgically removed. Corns can fit into three categories. A corn on the pinky toe is considered to be a hard corn. This type of corn is the most common, and can also develop on the tops of the toes, or on the balls of the feet. Having dry skin may produce seed corns, and these are often found in clusters. Soft corns are rubbery in texture, and can be found between the toes, which can be a result of the moisture from sweat that can accumulate there. It is beneficial to wear shoes that are larger, which may help to accommodate the corn, and relief may be found when the shoes provide adequate shock absorption. If you have developed corns of any type on your feet, please confer with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this foot condition.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Charles Marchese of Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Corns and Calluses are both hardened layers of thickened skin that develop because of friction. Both ailments are typically found on the feet and may be unsightly. Although they have similarities, corns and calluses are different from each other.
Some causes of corns and calluses may be wearing ill-fitting shoes and not wearing socks. If you wear tight shoes, your feet will constantly be forced to rub against the shoes, causing friction. If you fail to wear socks, you are also causing your feet to endure excess friction.
There are some signs that may help you determine whether you have one of these two conditions. The first symptom is a thick, rough area of skin. Another common symptom is a hardened, raised bump on the foot. You may also experience tenderness or pain under the skin in addition to flaky, dry, or waxy skin.
There are also risk factors that may make someone more prone to developing corns and calluses. If you are already dealing with bunions or hammertoe, you may be more vulnerable to having corns and calluses as well. Other risk factors are foot deformities such as bone spurs, which can cause constant rubbing inside the shoe.
Corns tend to be smaller than calluses and they usually have a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin. They also tend to develop on the parts of the body that don’t bear as much weight such as the tops and sides of toes. Corns may also be painful for those who have them. On the other hand, calluses are rarely painful. These tend to develop on the bottom of the feet and may vary in size and shape.
Fortunately, most people only need treatment for corns and calluses if they are experiencing discomfort. At home treatments for corns and calluses should be avoided, because they will likely lead to infection. If you have either of these ailments it is advised that you consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for you.
Viral infections caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) that enter the skin of the feet through cuts or breaks can lead to the development of a plantar wart. These are thickened, rough growths of a lighter color than skin that are typically flat, and may have a ridged pattern. They usually develop in high pressure areas, such as the heel and ball of the foot. A small, clotted blood vessel can sometimes be visible, looking like a dark dot in the center of the wart. Sometimes plantar warts grow individually, or they may form in clusters, called mosaics. Because plantar warts grow on the bottom of the feet, they can be painful as the weight of the body bears down on them while standing or walking. Plantar warts are highly contagious, with the HPV spreading through direct contact with another person’s skin, or by sharing personal hygiene items, footwear, or towels that are infected with the virus. Plantar warts are hearty, making them difficult to treat, and have a high rate of recurrence if not completely eradicated. Therefore, plantar warts usually require professional care from a podiatrist who can use a variety of effective treatments to quickly and permanently treat them.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
Treatment
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The foot condition known as plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. This is the band of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. It also creates the arch in the foot. One of the first symptoms of plantar fasciitis is heel pain and it may be worse upon arising in the morning. It can develop as a result of repetitive stress that is common among runners, or it may happen from overstretching. People who have flat feet or high arches may be prone to developing this condition, in addition to being obese or pregnant. It may also happen from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. The symptoms that many people have can consist of severe pain, swelling, and redness in the heel area, and it may be difficult to walk. If the condition is mild, relief may be found when specific stretches are performed. Additionally, custom-made orthotics may be worn so daily activities can be completed with little or no pain. For severe cases, surgery may be necessary for permanent relief. If you have heel pain, it is advised that you seek counsel from a podiatrist who can properly diagnose plantar fasciitis and offer you the correct treatment options.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. 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?
How Can It Be Treated?
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 offices located in Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Custom orthotics can often provide much needed relief from foot pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Custom orthotics can help distribute the body’s weight more evenly across the feet and reduce pressure and stress placed on joints that are swollen and otherwise compromised by these arthritic conditions. Custom orthotics can also help correct certain alignment and gait issues through improved biomechanics. Oftentimes, custom orthotics can help a person with arthritis reduce the amount of pain medication they take. Some even believe custom orthotics may contribute to a slowing down of the progression of arthritis in certain cases. If you suffer from arthritis in the joints of your feet or ankles, speak with a podiatrist about custom orthotics. If your podiatrist believes custom orthotics can help you (after examining you and diagnosing your condition), they will prescribe a set based on your foot structure and specific needs. They will then create a custom imprint of your feet either digitally or with a plaster cast, and your custom orthotics will be created to offer you the relief you seek.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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