Items filtered by date: August 2022

People with diabetes can also suffer from peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This is a disease in which elevated blood glucose levels cause your arteries to narrow. A narrowing of the arteries can restrict the flow of blood to the extremities,  otherwise known as poor circulation. PAD symptoms include numb or cold feet, intermittent claudication (leg pain that goes away when resting), bluish colorization in the skin of the legs, loss of hair on the legs or feet, brittle toenails and more. One of the more serious symptoms of PAD is an impaired ability to heal wounds and sores, which can be potentially dangerous for the diabetic patient. As a diabetic, it is wise to be under the care of a podiatrist. They will be able to determine if you have PAD with a non-invasive test of the blood flow in your feet called a brachial pressure index test, or ABPI test. If you have been diagnosed with PAD, your podiatrist will be able to help manage your symptoms and help prevent complications from arising.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. 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

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

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 care needs.

As a person ages, the chance of falling increases along with the repercussions. Some serious dangers that may result from a fall include a broken hip, a broken wrist, or a head injury. Since the bones are thinner and more brittle, healing can take longer. A fall may also affect a senior’s ability to live alone as well as cause chronic pain and depression. A few ways that seniors can prevent falls are by keeping the body active, having their eyes checked for vision problems, and reviewing medications for side effects. In addition, safeguarding the home by removing loose rugs, installing handrails, and improving lighting in hallways or bedrooms is recommended. Other ways to prevent falls are to install grab bars in bathrooms and use a walker or cane for balance. Wearing shoes with non-skid soles can keep you from slipping or sliding on a polished floor. Foot and ankle symptoms like numbness, tingling, and swelling can contribute to a loss of balance or stability. Please visit a podiatrist for foot and ankle strengthening exercises, as well as other information on how to protect yourself from a fall.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Deborah Rosenfeld from Rosenfeld Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

Pain behind the heel is often a sign of an injury to the Achilles tendon. However, finding the exact cause of the pain may require a number of tests. To diagnose an Achilles tendon injury, a podiatrist will start by examining the injured area. A Thompson test involves squeezing the calf to determine the health of the Achilles tendon. The doctor then may ask you to perform a series of physical activities, such as hopping, jumping, or leg lifts, to determine whether the activity causes pain and where it is located. Next, a patient history will be conducted to note any past Achilles tendon injuries or inflammation, as well as a list of your activities. An MRI (magnetic resource imaging) or ultrasound test may also be used to get a detailed look at the tendon or to rule out other injuries or conditions. An X-ray may be used to identify still other factors, such as bone spurs, heel bumps, or stress fractures, that could be causing the pain. If you believe you have injured your Achilles tendon, or are experiencing pain in that area, please visit a podiatrist.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Deborah Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

There are 26 bones in each foot, accompanied by several joints, tendons, muscles, and ligaments. The feet comprise 25% of all the bones in the body, and it is important to practice everyday foot care that can benefit the entire body. The feet can be likened to a machine, and the muscles and joints can represent pulleys and levers that can move side to side and up and down. This is instrumental in walking, running, and completing everyday activities, and many people have considered the feet to be a “work of art." As the aging process occurs, the feet may start to wear and tear, and uncomfortable foot conditions may develop. Dry skin can possibly be reduced when a good moisturizer is used on them daily. Additionally, the chances of getting athlete’s foot and toenail fungus may decrease when appropriate shoes are worn in public swimming pool and locker room areas. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly, and this may help to prevent hammertoe and bunions from developing. Additionally, the feet will feel good at the end of the day when they are soaked in warm water and scented oil. For more information about everyday foot care tips, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can provide you with answers to any questions you may have.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Deborah Rosenfeld from Rosenfeld Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Pain on the outside of the foot between the ankle and the heel bone is usually caused by a condition known as sinus tarsi syndrome (STS). The sinus tarsi is an area within the hindfoot, between the talus and calcaneus bones, that contains ligaments, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, and fat. The pain felt in this area is generally caused by an injury to the ligament, such as a sprained ankle. It becomes a syndrome, however, when it is accompanied by several other factors. Among them are chronic pain felt at the front and side of the ankle, a feeling of instability, and difficulty walking on uneven surfaces (sand, gravel). Swelling, tenderness, and bruising are also present with sinus tarsi syndrome. People with flat feet are more likely to incur STS. It may also be the result of frequent ankle sprains. Ballet dancing, sitting with your feet tucked under you, and pitching baseballs or softballs can cause the syndrome because of repetitive actions. Symptoms of sinus tarsi syndrome generally develop over time. In order to determine whether you may have STS, please consult a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Deborah Rosenfeld from Rosenfeld Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.