Stanford University Research Team Develops Ground Breaking Diabetic Treatment
A research team at Stanford University School of Medicine recently discovered a potential new way to quickly heal foot ulcers in diabetic patients. Dr. Geoffrey Gurthner and his colleagues developed a new drug, administered through a patch on the skin that increases a protein in diabetic patients and can reduce blockages in the blood vessels in order to allow wounds from the ulcers to heal properly.For diabetics, foot ulcers can result in more drastic problems than just foot pain such as infections or amputations. The researchers studied the patch on a human skin apparatus that eventually proved to heal the skin 14 days faster than planned and even improved the overall quality of the skin where the ulcer once appeared. Dr. Gurthner and his research team also hope that high quality healing effects of this patch will be able to prevent ulcers from re-occurring in patients.
Diabetes is a very serious condition that can result in amputation or worse if left untreated. If you are diabetic and have any concerns, visit Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Dr. Quinn can treat your diabetic feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people of all ages each year. Diabetes damages blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. When damage occurs to nerves in the feet, they may be unable to send the proper signals to the peripheral nervous system, resulting in a condition known as neuropathy. Once a diabetic patient develops neuropathy, it is imperative that the feet are well taken care of to avoid possible amputation of the feet.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
- Regularly check your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet; socks shouldn’t be tight.
- Wear properly fitting shoes that are comfortable.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their Hemoglobin A1C levels as this test lets the physician know how well the blood sugar levels have been controlled during the past 3 months. It is important to keep the blood sugar levels in a normal range (70-110mg/dl). It is advisable to visit a podiatrist if the diabetic patient is experiencing any conditions involving the feet.
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If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in in Basking Ridge, NJ. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
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Treatment for Sufferers of Plantar Fasciitis
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one million Americans are seen by doctors for symptoms of plantar fasciitis each year. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the ligament that runs from the heel bone to the base of the tones becomes inflamed; the inflammation is was usually causes the heel pain. Plantar fasciitis can occur through obesity, having too high or too low of an arch, and participation of activities where your foot or heel hits the ground repeatedly such as running. Some ways to reduce the stress placed on the ligament include: icing, taping the arch and bottom of the foot, stretching the lower extremities, wearing orthotics, and taking anti-inflammatories. If those methods do not do the trick, cortisone injections, shockwave therapy, and extracorporeal pulse activation therapy can also be used.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, visit Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Dr. Quinn can treat your heel pain as well as any other foot or ankle condition.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis refers to heel and arch pain caused by an inflammation of the connective tissues on the bottom of the foot.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
- Ill-fitting shoes
- Weight change
- Excessive running
- Non-supportive shoes
- Overpronation
How Can It Be Treated?
- Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices.
- Shockwave therapy – sends sound waves to the areas where pain is experience. Requires multiple sessions. This is used for very persistent cases of plantar fasciitis.
- Ultrasound-guided technique with steroid injections into the plantar fascia. This is from a relatively new and small study, but was shown to be effective in most cases treated.
New Studies on Treatment
According to groundbreaking treatment option studies, Luca M. Sconfienza, M.D. says that ultrasound with steroid injections was effective in over 95% of cases that involve plantar fasciitis. This process involves anesthesia and is a single process, out-patient treatment that was discovered to be highly effective. Luca M. Sconfienza M.D. presented her study at an annual meeting for the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Be sure to speak with your podiatrist about different methods that can be used, as well as finding out what treatment options they offer.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office for more information. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Blistered Feet do not deter Natalie Imbruglia’s Hike across Switzerland
Natalie Imbruglia revealed extremely swollen and blistered feet after hiking over one hundred miles across Switzerland. As a part of the Strive challenge, the Australian actress and singer embarked on a seven-day journey across Switzerland on August 23rd. The challenge was in support of non-profit organization Virgin Money Giving, which is raising funds for projects dedicated to changing the way young people think. Imbruglia had a physiologist visit and tape up her beaten feet on the sixth day of her journey. The hike spanned from Switzerland’s south-western village of Verbier all the way to Zermatt in the Swiss Alps.
Untreated blisters can worsen and make mobility extremely difficult and painful. For quality blister treatment, see Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Dr. Quinn will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and answer any of your related questions.
Blisters on the Feet
When tight or ill-fitting footwear is worn, many times a foot blister may develop. Blisters can even develop by constant rubbing from the shoe, often times leading to pain.
What is a Foot Blister?
A foot blister is a small pocket that is filled with fluid, forming on the upper most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid, and may lead to drainage of blood or pus if the area has become infected.
How do they Form?
Blisters of the feet are almost always the result of shoe rubbing and constant friction of the skin and material. Long periods of walking in shoes, sandals, or boots which don’t fit properly can result in a blister. Those who often have moisture or humidity in the feet, are prone to blister formation easily.
Prevention & Treatment
Proper care is vital to alleviate pain and prevent infection to the affected area of the foot. The best treatment is to leave them alone. New skin will develop under the blister and during the healing stages, your blister will pop.
For more information about Blisters on the Feet, follow the link below.
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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Women more likely to develop Stress Fractures
Studies have shown that women are at a greater risk of developing stress fractures than men. Reasons for this increased risk include hormonal differences, increased bone density, and higher rates of inadequate nutrition. While athletes in general are at highest risk after changes in intensity, frequency or duration of their workouts; in women, irregular menstrual cycles and weight less than 75 percent of ideal body weight are factors that make for an increased risk for stress fractures. Stress fractures are small cracks that develop in the bone after being stressed, and are most common in the foot, ankle, and lower leg but can occur on bones throughout the body.
Stress fractures can become painful if left untreated for an extended period of time. If you would like assistance in treating a stress fracture in the foot or ankle, consult with Dr. Christine Quinn. Dr. Quinn can determine the severity of your condition and provide you with quality care.
Coping with Podiatric Stress Fractures
Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken as a result of overexertion or underuse. As a result, the ankles and feet lose support when walking or running from the ground. Since these bones are not protected, they receive the full impact of each step. The stress on the feet causes the bones to form cracks.
What are Stress Fractures?
Stress Fractures are very common among those who are highly active and involved in sports or activities that make excessive use of their legs and feet. Stress fractures are especially common among:
-athletes (gymnasts, tennis players, basketball players)
-runners/joggers
-osteoporosis patients
-those who engage in high-intensity workouts
Stress Fracture Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures, and can be either constant or periodic. The pain is usually sharp or dull, accompanied by swelling and tenderness. Engagement in any kind of high impact activity will exacerbate the pain.
For more information about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office for more information. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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