Items filtered by date: August 2023

Gout, a complex form of arthritis, is often accompanied by intense pain and inflammation that targets the joints, including the feet. This condition results from the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and excruciating attacks of pain. The underlying cause is often an overproduction or inefficient excretion of uric acid, which is a waste product. Dietary factors, such as high purine foods and excessive alcohol consumption, can exacerbate gout. Managing gout involves implementing various treatment methods. Medications may help to reduce pain and inflammation during attacks, while long term strategies focus on lowering uric acid levels. This can be accomplished through lifestyle adjustments and prescribed medications. Consulting a podiatrist is paramount in tailoring an effective treatment plan. If you are afflicted with gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of this type of doctor who can effectively help you to manage this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. John Branwell from Kearny, New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.

Neuropathy, a complex, and often perplexing condition can cast a shadow over the quality of one’s life. This ailment stems from damage to the peripheral nerves, which can result in a range of uncomfortable sensations, including numbness, tingling, and pain. Symptoms are often noticed in the feet, possibly causing difficulty in walking. Various underlying factors contribute to neuropathy's onset. Diabetes, a common cause, can expose nerves to prolonged high blood sugar levels, triggering damage. Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to nutritional deficiencies, impacting nerve health. Autoimmune diseases, infections such as Lyme disease, and certain medications can also contribute to developing neuropathy.  Additionally, genetics play a role in predisposition to neuropathy. Understanding these triggers is essential for effective management and treatment. By addressing the root causes, individuals can take strides toward alleviating symptoms and improving their overall well-being. If your feet begin to tingle or become numb, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and offer you the correct treatment techniques for neuropathy.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. John Branwell from Kearny, New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Foot corns are hard, raised bumps that form due to excessive pressure or friction on the foot, leading to the deposit of keratin in the skin layers. Corns on the feet typically develop on or between the toes, below the toenail bed, or on the sole of the foot. Common causes include wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, walking or running barefoot, and prolonged standing. The symptoms of foot corns include discomfort while walking or standing, pain, and in some cases, a burning sensation. To treat foot corns, it is essential to soften the skin and remove the thickened layers. This can be achieved through soaking the feet in warm water or using a pumice stone. Addressing the underlying cause is crucial to prevent recurrence, and this may involve changing shoe type or size. Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing foot corns, such as diabetes, foot deformities, poor blood circulation, and overpronation or oversupination while walking. If over-the-counter remedies don't provide relief, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist, which is especially important for anyone with diabetes or foot deformities. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. John Branwell of Kearny, New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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 and ankle needs.

Morton's neuroma is a condition characterized by an enlarged nerve in the space between the third and fourth metatarsal bones of the foot. While the exact cause remains unknown, it is believed to arise from the compression of the nerve, especially in individuals with flat feet and women who often wear tight-fitting footwear, including high heels. The increased pressure on the nerve can lead to irritation and pain. Symptoms of Morton's neuroma often include pain between the third and fourth toes, which may worsen during walking or when wearing shoes. Other signs may include swelling, gait problems, weakness, and stiffness in the affected area. Many people describe it as walking on a pebble or feeling that their sock is bunched up under the foot in the shoe. Treatment aims at reducing nerve irritation and redistributing pressure. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is suggested that you seek an appointment with a podiatrist who can help alleviate pain and provide relief.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. John Branwell of Kearny, New Jersey. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

One of the main causes of poor foot posture is overpronation. This condition occurs when your gait, or how you walk or run, causes the arch of the foot to flatten. This can cause the ankle to roll inward, instead of remaining straight, and puts stress on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the foot arches. The result is a flattening of the feet. However, flat feet are a different matter entirely. Flat feet, or pes planus, are the collapse or absence of the arch. This condition is common among women over 40, pregnant women, in addition to people who are overweight or have certain medical conditions. Pregnant women are also at risk of overpronation, as the result of gait changes due to a redistribution of their weight. Obesity or walking for long periods of time can also contribute to overpronation. Furthermore, patients whose feet are already slightly flattened are more apt to develop overpronation. If you believe that you may be suffering the effects of overpronation or flat feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a gait analysis and an examination of the arches. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. John Branwell from Kearny, New Jersey. 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 our office located in Kearny, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.