Items filtered by date: February 2019

Monday, 25 February 2019 00:00

What Causes Athlete’s Foot?

The medical term for athlete’s foot is referred to tinea pedis. This is a fungus that typically lives and thrives in warm and moist places, and is considered to be contagious. These environments may include public showers, pools, locker rooms, and surrounding areas. Patients who have athlete’s foot may be familiar with the severe itchiness that often accompanies this condition. The skin between the toes may become cracked, and blisters may begin to form. There may be measures that can be implemented which may prevent athlete’s foot. These may include washing and drying your feet daily, followed by wearing a clean pair of socks. Additionally, if you frequent public pools and locker rooms, it may be helpful to wear appropriate shoes while swimming or showering. There are many treatment options available, and it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist if you feel you have athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Ronald Sheppard from Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

 

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Monday, 18 February 2019 00:00

Yoga and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes severe pain in joints and can be debilitating. There is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but there are methods to lessen symptoms, such as pain and swelling. Depression is common in those who suffer from this condition, because of how physically challenging it can be. Recently, scientists have looked into the mental health benefits that yoga can have on those who suffer from this ailment. They found that a regular yoga routine was good both physically and mentally for those with rheumatoid arthritis. This is important, because depression can oftentimes lead to negative outcomes for those who are suffering physically. If you think you may have rheumatoid arthritis, then it is highly recommended you speak with a podiatrist, so you can receive treatment to alleviate symptoms.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard of Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

  • Swelling and pain in the feet
  • Stiffness in the feet
  • Pain on the ball or sole of feet
  • Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

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Monday, 11 February 2019 00:00

Exercise May Help Arthritic Feet

Arthritis is considered to be a degenerative joint disease. The cartilage that protects the ends of numerous bones in the feet may disintegrate, often producing severe pain and discomfort. One type of this condition is referred to as osteoarthritis, and symptoms of this may include swelling in the area near the affected joint. Additionally, it may be difficult to walk, and bony growths may develop throughout the foot. Some of the reason why arthritis may develop may be due to abnormal foot structure, or a painful injury that may have occurred to the ankle. This condition is generally diagnosed by having a physical examination and X-ray or an MRI performed, and then treatment options can be discussed. These may include wearing custom-made insoles which may help to achieve a moderate level of relief, or practicing a regular exercise regimen that may promote stability and possibly improve range of motion. If you feel you may have arthritis in the feet, it is advised to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this condition.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard from Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

  • Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
  • Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
  • Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
  • Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
  • Age – Risk increases with age
  • Gender –Most types are more common in women
  • Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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

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Monday, 04 February 2019 00:00

What Is a Heel Spur?

If you are suffering from a sharp pain stemming from your heel, then you may have a heel spur. A heel spur is a calcium deposit that causes a hard protrusion underneath your heel bone. Oftentimes, they are linked to plantar fasciitis, which causes inflammation along the connective tissue between the heel bone and the ball of the foot. In an attempt to protect the heel’s surrounding tissues, cells migrate to the area and start depositing calcium. This build-up of calcium usually takes many months to fully form and is only visible by an X-ray. The heel spur only becomes painful, when it spreads into the surrounding tissues. For the most part, heel spurs do not exhibit any symptoms and do not cause any pain. This is due to the fact that the deposits of calcium are put there by the body’s bone-forming mechanisms, so they are smooth and flat. If you think you may have a heel spur or would like any additional information about them, then it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard from Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices located in Marlboro and Watchung, NJ . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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