Laura West of theSociety of Shoe Fitters shares that there is a link between foot size and obesity. The Celtic foot, for example, is significantly broader than the rest of the United Kingdom’s feet. “Feet size is very much linked to obesity,” explains West, “and we see children wanting wider and wider footwear.” Matthew Fitzpatrick, Dean at the College of Podiatry, elaborates, “Increased weight puts more strain on the foot, especially so with the soft tissue of a child’s developing feet.”

Any additional problems in the feet of those with obesity can be detrimental to foot health. If you have any concerns about your feet contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Obesity and your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Solutions

Footwear – Specially made footwear that supports your joints, arches, and ankles, and allows room for good circulation is a great option to mitigate pressure and pain. A podiatrist will help you decide what works best for your specific needs.

Exercise – Exercise will help alleviate the pain and give your feet the strength it needs to support your body. Exercise also increases blood flow to your feet, allowing them to remain healthy and strong.

Most importantly, seek the help of a podiatrist for foot care if something is wrong or doesn’t seem to be working. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.

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.

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Australians have recently been found to reduce hyperhidrosis of the feet with the help of Botox injections. According to neurologist and clinical professor Dr. Peter Silbert of University of Western Australia, when Botox is injected near a sweat gland, it blocks communication between the gland and the nerves. This is said to prevent excessive sweating in the area, but the area must be injected every six months which comes with side effects such as weakness.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please 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.

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APMA spokesman Dr. Howard Osterman stresses the importance of regularly exercising the feet. Easy exercises such as trying to pick up a towel, washcloth, or marbles with the feet kick starts the muscles that build arch strength. Building core strength can be down by standing on one foot for 10 seconds. “(It) stimulates the nerve endings from the brain down to the small nerves in the feet,” he said. “It’s especially important to train the brain of elderly people at greater risk for falls.”

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. For more information, consult with Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

The Elderly and their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions

Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet, and can hide many life threating medical conditions.

Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.

Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:

Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe

Shoes that don’t fit properly

Pressure sores

Loss of circulation in legs & feet

Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

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According 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.