pregAccording to a study conducted by the University of Iowa, pregnancy can permanently change the size and shape of women’s feet. Typically pregnant women experience a range of different foot problems: flattened arches, swollen feet, and because of the weight gain, these changes can become long term effects.

The study included 49 pregnant women that had their arches measured during their first trimester of pregnancy and five months after birth. Nearly 60 – 70% of women showed signs of longer and wider feet. Women who were experiencing their first pregnancy also showed the greatest amount of foot change. “It is possible that these foot changes that occur during pregnancy may help explain why, in comparison with men, women are at higher risk for pain or arthritis in their feet,” stated Neil Segal, researcher of the University of Iowa.

Pregnancy can put a significant strain on women’s feet. If you have any concerns on pregnancy and the feet contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What foot problems can arise during pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is over-pronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy, but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How can I keep my feet healthy during pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Read more about pregnancy and the feet.

flatfeetAccording to the Wichita Eagle, babies have many bones in their body that need to close and grow to become a proper joint later in life. Many of these bones are in the feet and make up the arch that usually starts out as flexible flat feet. For 80-90% of children, those flat feet will eventually turn into arches, but for the rest pediatric flat feet occurs.

Children with pediatric flat feet may experience pain, tenderness, cramping in the feet and legs and should seek treatment especially if they have difficulty walking. Treatment for flat feet includes activity modifications, such as cutting down on sports, orthotic inserts, physical therapy, and surgery.

Certain sports and physical activities may become difficult for children with flat feet. If you suspect that your child has the condition, speak to Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Dr. Quinn will answer any of your foot and ankle related questions and attend to all of your podiatric needs.

What are Flat Feet?
Flat feet are a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. Standing about 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arch never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – if you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms:
Pain around the heel or arch area
Trouble standing on the tip toe.
Swelling around the inside of the ankle.
Flat look to one or both feet.
Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment:
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Read more about Flat Feet

brokenewAnkle injuries are very prevalent in fast-paced sports such as basketball, where repetitive lateral movement allows plenty of room for injury.

Alex Len and Brandon Knight of the Phoenix Suns have both sprained their ankles and consequently missed games. Sprains are typically treated initially with RICE therapy, or rest, ice, compression and elevation.

Players returning to the court should tape the ankle or wear an ankle brace to provide additional support to weakened ligaments. Physical therapy will often follow, with an emphasis on balance training to help strengthen muscles.

Ankle sprains are very pain and inconvenient. If you have any concerns about your foot and ankle needs contact podiatrist Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits can aid in prevention

Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.

Read more about ankle sprains.

anklesprains2Michigan State’s Denzel Valentine suffered an ankle injury in the first half against North Carolina’s Duke University. Valentine returned to the second half of the game after receiving treatment from the medical staff when the opposing team took the lead 36-25.

Valentine’s injury was something to watch during the second half of the game being that he is the second most important player on the offensive line. According to CBS the junior guard gutted it out and continued to play without limitation through the second half.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries need proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact podiatrist Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Sport 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 Basking Ridge, NJ. We offer the newest technologies and diagnostic tools for your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about sports related injuries.

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