Items filtered by date: July 2015
Study Finds that Low Vitamin D Can Contribute to Neuropathy Pain
According to a study presented at the American Diabetes Association 2015 Scientific Sessions, low levels of vitamin D can contribute to painful diabetic neuropathy. The study included 45 patients with type 2 diabetes some with painful neuropathy, painless neuropathy, and no neuropathy. After completing questionnaires to asses sunlight exposure and symptoms, the patients went through clinical, neurophysiological, lower-limb skin intra-epidermal nerve fiber density tests. The end results showed that the painful neuropathy group had the lowest levels of vitamin D.
Neuropathy is a common and pain condition for diabetic patients. If you have any concerns about your diabetic feet, contact Dr. Christine Quinn, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
- Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels because blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Increase in Morton’s Neuroma May be Due to High Heels
Since 2004, the number of cases of Morton’s neuroma has risen by over 100%. These figures come from the UK’s Health and Social Care Information Centre. Compared to men, women are up to ten times more likely to suffer from the condition. This is speculated to be due to years of wearing high heeled or improper-fitting shoes. Andrew Craig of Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation trust stated, “We have known for a long time that the condition seems to predominantly affect females of a middling age, with speculation that high heels and other such tightly fitting and unnatural footwear—despite looking fabulous, I’m sure—may play a role.”
Morton’s Neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma contact Dr. Christine Quinn, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
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 Basking Ridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and treatments to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-Flops can be Harmful to the Feet and Body After Prolonged Usage
Dr. Braxton Littles appeared on Good Morning America to discuss the negative impacts flip-flops have on the feet. In addition to causing many trips and falls among the shoe wears Dr. Little states that flops are the cause of many heel and arch problems due to their lack of support. Without providing the foot with the support that it needs problems such as plantar fasciitis, muscle fatigue, and problems to the rest of the body may arise. Littles states that if you must wear flip-flops, it is best not to wear them regularly to avoid foot pain.
Flip-flops can cause a lot of damage to the feet and rest of the body. If you have any concerns about your foot and ankle needs contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-Flops and Feet
Flip-flops are not only very popular, but very convenient, especially in the warmer weather. They allow your feet to breathe and let you move your toes freely. They also go with most attire and can be worn with many different clothing styles. Unfortunately, these type of shoes also have a disadvantage, as they can cause harm to your feet in more ways than you think. These symptoms include:
- Ball and arch problems in the foot
- Changes to the body’s natural gait
- Blisters
- Ankle Sprains
- Higher risk of infection
- Higher risk of scrapes and cuts to the feet
- Issues in the lower back, legs and ankles
To avoid these symptoms (and minimize your risks), select a pair of flip-flops made of high quality materials that can offer protection. Purchase flip-flops from a reliable manufacturer and be sure to replace them every three to four months. Be sure the soles are firm and not ‘floppy’, or that they don’t bend or wiggle a lot when lifted from the floor.
You can still wear your favorite pair of flip-flops if you so choose, just don’t wear them for extended periods of time, and especially not every day. However, it would be far wiser to purchase a more expensive pair of flip-flops or to refrain from wearing the shoe at all for the sake of your foot health. While these shoes are comfortable, the risks included with wearing them are not.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Start Up Aims to Make Orthotics Trendy
Sols, a New York based startup, is trying to make orthotics cool for the younger generations. The company labels themselves as a “lifestyle brand” with advertisements portraying how great anyone and everyone wearing orthotics are. With the use of 3D printing and an iPhone app, anyone can soon have trendy orthotics for hundreds less than a standard pair of inserts. Although some foot doctors believe that orthotics should be worn only if you are having an issue, Sols still generated over $19 million dollars from investors.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
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 over arched 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 issue, 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 more severe 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 on 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 feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
