Items filtered by date: June 2023

People who have swollen feet are often aware of the discomfort this condition can cause. It is common among pregnant women and generally begins in the second trimester. The medical term for swollen feet is edema, which is defined as fluid that becomes trapped in the body’s tissues. The feet and ankles are common areas for this to occur, and the fluids can pool in these areas as a result of gravity. Patients who have poor circulation may experience swollen feet, or it may happen to people who have endured a foot injury. Relief may be found when the feet are frequently elevated and compression stockings are worn. It is beneficial to reduce sodium intake, in addition to drinking plenty of water daily. If you have swollen feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer correct treatment options.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact the foot specialists of Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Working out on a stationary bike can provide good cardiovascular fitness and burn calories, without incurring joint pain other forms of exercise can cause. However, while riding on a stationary bike, people can suffer from foot tingling, numbness, and pain. This can be brought on by constriction of nerves or a lack of blood supply to the feet. Causes of this sensation can be as simple as shoelaces being tied too tight, or the pressure from the bike pedals pressing on the small nerves between the toes. Additionally, it may happen from an electrolyte imbalance, or a vitamin deficiency.  More serious health conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or Raynaud’s phenomenon can also cause tingling of the feet. Things to check for can include the fit of shoes, and making sure there is plenty of room for the toes to move freely in. The shoelaces may also need to be loosened, in addition to the adjustments of the seat and pedal distance. Pressure from the seat should be on the sit bones, and the pedal distance should allow for a small amount of bend in the knee when the foot is extended. Rest may help if the tingling is from overuse and it may be beneficial to wear orthotics if it is from nerve pressure. If you are experiencing tingling or pain in your feet while riding a stationary bike, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who determine the underlying cause, and obtain treatment for relief.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact the foot specialists of Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

If you have ever broken your ankle, you know how it can interfere with daily function and put a halt to many activities. It is crucial to promptly see a podiatrist who can evaluate the severity of the break and provide a treatment plan for recovery. Included in the recovery, at some point, will likely be movements that are designed to improve the strength, flexibility, and stability of the ankle. Once your cast or brace is removed, you may benefit from practicing several range of motion exercises. Simple movements, such as pointing the toes up and down and inward and outward, improve the ankle joint's motion. Flexibility exercises are for helping improve the muscular flexibility of the ankle. They include towel calf stretches and standing runner stretches. Strengthening exercises are for increasing the strength in an ankle that is weak from the fracture and immobilization. Resistance bands can be used to help perform these movements more comfortably. If you have a broken ankle, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can provide a plan for proper healing that will get you back to your normal functioning as quickly as possible and help future problems from the break down the road.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact the foot specialists from Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

The feet are responsible for multiple functions of the body. These include balancing the body’s weight, and allowing mobility by walking and running. Many people do not pay attention to their feet unless they develop foot pain. There are various reasons why foot pain can happen, ranging from a broken bone to arthritis. Each foot has 26 bones, numerous ligaments, muscles, and tendons, and an injury or medical condition can cause foot pain.  For example, one common painful foot deformity is a bunion. This is a hard lump that forms on the side of the big toe may cause the other toes to shift together. If you have foot pain for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can pinpoint the cause, and treat it accordingly.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with the foot specialists from Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors 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 Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.