August 2024

Foot ulcers are open sores that can range from a shallow surface wound to a deep crater that extends through skin layers, possibly reaching tendons and bones. Foot ulcers are especially common in diabetic patients or people with poor circulation, making them difficult to heal and prone to serious infections. Foot ulcers often develop due to nerve damage, or peripheral neuropathy, which causes a lack of sensation in the lower extremities. Another cause of foot ulcers is peripheral artery disease, which impedes blood flow and impairs the body’s ability to heal properly. This means that even minor injuries can go unnoticed, eventually leading to ulcers. Left untreated, foot ulcers can lead to infections, abscesses, and in extreme cases, gangrene, which might require amputation. Abnormal foot structures or wearing poorly fitting shoes can further contribute to the formation of such ulcers. If you have foot ulcers, it is suggested that you make a podiatrist a member of your healthcare team for regular monitoring and necessary treatment.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially 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, as 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 offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain can disrupt daily activities and impact overall well-being. Understanding common causes can help in managing and preventing discomfort. One frequent culprit is plantar fasciitis, which results from inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, often due to overuse or poor arch support. Another common source of foot pain is bunions, characterized by a bony bump at the base of the big toe, often made worse by tight or ill-fitting shoes. Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can also lead to pain and stiffness in the joints of the feet. Additionally, conditions like flat feet or high arches can contribute to foot pain by causing uneven weight distribution. A podiatrist can identify and help you manage these issues. Sometimes simple preventive measures like wearing well-fitting shoes, using orthotic inserts, and stretching regularly can alleviate or even prevent your discomfort. If you have foot pain, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever’s disease is a frequent cause of heel pain in children going through their growth spurt, typically between the ages of eight and 14. This condition arises when the Achilles tendon, which links the calf muscle to the heel, grows slower than the bones in the feet. As a result, the tendon pulls on the heel, causing discomfort. Symptoms can include heel pain during or after physical activity, limping, and walking on tiptoes. Though Sever’s disease often improves as growth slows, there are effective methods that can manage the pain. Adjusting activity levels, taking medications, and using orthotics can provide relief. If your child is struggling with heel pain, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer a proper diagnosis and recommend the best course of action to ensure your child’s comfort and continued activity.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Hammertoe surgery is a procedure to correct a deformity where a toe bends downward abnormally. Before surgery, expect a thorough consultation with your podiatrist, including a physical examination and imaging tests to assess the extent of the deformity. The procedure is typically outpatient, meaning you can go home the same day. During surgery, you will receive local anesthesia to numb the area. The doctor may remove a small piece of bone or realign tendons and ligaments to straighten the toe. Post-surgery, your foot will be bandaged, and you may need to wear a special shoe or boot for several weeks to protect the toe. Recovery involves rest, keeping your foot elevated, and avoiding putting weight on the affected area initially. Pain and swelling are common but manageable with prescribed medications. If you have had hammertoe surgery, follow-up appointments with a podiatrist are strongly suggested to monitor healing.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.