Wednesday, 13 March 2024 00:00

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Tuesday, 12 March 2024 00:00

As any seasoned runner knows, the journey on the road, track, or trail often comes with its fair share of foot problems. From painful blisters caused by excessive friction to toenail damage due to ill-fitting shoes or forward foot sliding, runners face a myriad of challenges. One of those is stiffness and discomfort in the big toe, termed hallux rigidus, which can make each step agony. Plantar fasciitis is often felt most strongly in the heel. This condition is caused by inflammation in the tissue that runs along the foot's bottom and is particularly common in flat-footed or high-arched runners. Stress fractures, metatarsalgia, and Morton's neuroma are additional ailments that runners may encounter, stemming from overuse, improper footwear, or biomechanical issues. Seeking help from a podiatrist is suggested for proper diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. This foot doctor can provide tailored advice on footwear, running technique adjustments, and offer treatment options to alleviate foot pain and prevent future injury. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. John Branwell of Kearny, New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

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Tuesday, 05 March 2024 00:00

Ankle pain can be debilitating, impacting daily activities and mobility. Incorporating targeted exercises into your routine can help alleviate discomfort and strengthen the ankle joint. Start with ankle circles, gently rotating the ankle clockwise and then counterclockwise to improve flexibility and range of motion. Calf raises are another beneficial exercise, where you rise onto your toes and lower back down, strengthening the calf muscles and stabilizing the ankle. Towel scrunches involve placing a towel on the floor and using your toes to scrunch it toward you, enhancing toe and foot strength. These simple yet effective exercises can be performed regularly to promote ankle stability, reduce pain, and enhance overall function. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you additional treatment and relief options.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. John Branwell from Kearny, New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

 

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Tuesday, 27 February 2024 00:00

As individuals age, the importance of proper foot care becomes increasingly evident. However, older people often face unique challenges in maintaining good foot health. Reduced mobility and flexibility can make it difficult for seniors to attend to their feet regularly. Conditions such as arthritis can further impede their ability to perform basic foot care tasks like trimming nails or inspecting for cuts and sores. Additionally, age-related changes in skin and circulation increase the risk of developing foot problems such as corns, calluses, and infections. Furthermore, chronic health conditions like diabetes can exacerbate these issues, as diabetic neuropathy may diminish sensation in the feet, making it harder to feel injuries or wounds. Lack of awareness about the importance of foot care and its relationship to overall health also contributes to neglect in this area. If you or a loved one is elderly, it is suggested that an appointment with a podiatrist is scheduled who can provide you with effective foot care tips and treatment.

If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. John Branwell of Kearny, New Jersey. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Kearny, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Geriatrics and Podiatry

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