Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground while bearing weight. In some cases, flat feet can be associated with genetic conditions, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, or EDS, or Marfan Syndrome. EDS is a connective tissue disorder that causes hyper mobility, leading to loose joints and flat feet. Marfan Syndrome can result in tall stature and elongated limbs, contributing to foot instability. Symptoms include foot pain, swelling, and difficulty standing for long periods of time. This condition may cause discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees, and even the lower back, making walking or exercise painful. In severe cases, it can lead to other issues like tendonitis or bunions. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity and cause of flat feet and provide custom orthotics, recommend targeted exercises, or, in some cases, perform surgery. If you have discomfort from flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Wearing properly fitting shoes is essential for maintaining foot health and preventing discomfort. Feet should be measured while standing, as weight-bearing can affect their shape and size. It is important to measure both feet and choose shoes based on the larger foot if there is a difference. Since foot size can change over time due to aging and ligament flexibility, relying on old measurements may result in wearing ill-fitting footwear. Shoe sizes vary by brand, so focusing on overall fit is recommended. Shoes should be tried on later in the day to account for natural swelling and be worn with the socks typically used with that type of footwear. There should be about half an inch of space in the toe box to prevent crowding and an eighth of an inch at the heel to avoid irritation. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot shape, recommend appropriate footwear, and address pain or conditions caused by poor shoe choices. If your shoes are causing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling in the joints, often in the big toe. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms crystals in the joints, triggering an inflammatory response. Symptoms typically include intense, throbbing pain, especially at night, and the joint may become hot and tender to the touch. The main cause of gout is high levels of uric acid due to a high purine diet, rich in red meat. Other causes are alcohol, and sugary foods, dehydration, or genetics. Over time, untreated gout can lead to the formation of nodules, or tophi, which are hard, painless lumps that develop around the joints, often in the toes, fingers, or elbows. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing gout through blood tests and joint fluid analysis. Treatment may include medications to reduce pain and inflammation, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications to manage uric acid levels. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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