Items filtered by date: December 2022

A common sign of poor circulation is cold feet. Additionally, some patients feel a numbing or tingling sensation, and may have hair loss on the legs. Poor circulation can cause cracked heels, wounds to heal slower, and toenails may become weakened. This condition may be a symptom of underlying medical conditions, including diabetes, arteriosclerosis, or peripheral artery disease, and specific risk factors may precede these conditions. These can consist of smoking, having high blood pressure or cholesterol, and becoming physically inactive. Research has shown that poor circulation may be improved by having frequent massages, wearing compression socks or stockings, and practicing relaxation techniques. Poor circulation of the feet can cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you are afflicted with this ailment, please consult a podiatrist for an effective diagnosis and treatment program.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Deborah Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Foot drop is a condition that makes it difficult to lift the foot high enough to clear the ground when you take a step. As a result, people with foot drop may appear to be high-stepping or marching when they walk. It also may cause you to slap your foot down on the ground with each step. In some cases, the top of the foot or the toes may feel numb. Foot drop is not a disease, but is generally caused by a neurological, muscular, or anatomical problem. The symptoms indicate a weakness or paralysis in the muscles that lift the foot. There are a number of underlying conditions, such as muscular dystrophy, that may be at the root of the problem. Foot drop can be a temporary condition, but if it becomes permanent more advanced diagnostic methods may be recommended.  A podiatrist can conduct a number of imaging tests to determine the cause of foot drop. In addition, an ankle foot orthosis may be prescribed to hold the foot in place. Also, electrical nerve stimulation is sometimes helpful. Please consult a podiatrist for more information.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Deborah Rosenfeld from Rosenfeld Podiatry. 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 Marlton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot blisters usually happen from friction, caused when shoes that are too tight or restrictive are worn and rubbed against the foot. While one can pop a blister and disinfect the area, it is a good idea to leave it alone. In addition, it is suggested you cover blisters with a padded bandage for protection and to prevent further irritation, so the body can reabsorb it. To prevent blisters, wear shoes that fit properly and feel comfortable with socks that provide padding in common areas of blister development. If a foot blister does not heal after the irritant is removed, looks infected, or is extremely painful, it is suggested that a podiatrist be seen for proper evaluation and treatment. Individuals with diabetes should be especially cautious since a blister could turn into a foot ulcer.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Deborah Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of chronic inflammatory arthritis that can affect the feet, ankles, and toes. It can cause extreme pain, stiffness, and swelling. It is like rheumatoid arthritis in that joints may feel warm, sore, and tender and the stiffness is often worse in the morning. Dactylitis or “sausage toes” is one of the telltale signs of PsA. This often indicates the condition is getting worse. Even though there is no cure for PsA, it is treatable and when diagnosed early, relief can be found. Those with this type of foot arthritis can find it hard to walk or move. It usually comes on between the ages of 30 and 50 and typically only one foot is affected. There can be flare-ups of symptoms with PsA. If you have psoriatic arthritis and it is affecting your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible to help you find support.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Deborah Rosenfeld from Rosenfeld Podiatry. 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 our office located in Marlton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.