Items filtered by date: June 2015
Chronic Kidney Disease factor for Gout
According to a study conducted by the Framingham Heart Study cohort, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor when it comes to obtaining gout. The study including 2,159 men and 2,558 women selected over a 54 year period from 1948 - 2002. The results showed that there were 371 cases of gout over the follow ups over the years. The study used the Cox proportional hazard models where the HR of CKD to incidental gout among men and women after adjusting age, alcohol consumption, smoking, and hypertension, diabetes, and BMI. The cross sectional and additional studies did not interfere with the results proving that CKD can be a risk factor in gout.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you have any concerns regarding gout, consult with Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and holistic treatment protocols for all your individual foot and ankle needs.
Study Finds Rebound Shoes Reduce Injury by Softening Impact on the Feet
According to a study conducted at the University of Nevada and presented in the American Society of Biomechanics, when the foot hits in the ground while wearing rebound shoes, there is a 15% increase in force compared to a 96% increase when wearing standard running shoes. Rebound shoes, or boots with springs, are being used as a new trendy exercise with claims of reducing the intensity between the foot and the ground when jumping or running. Although more studies have found that the shoes reduce injuries, they have been known to cause an increase blisters on the feet.
Exercise efficiency involves biomechanics, which incorporates the moving parts that manage the movement of your feet. To learn more about biomechanics, see Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey Our doctor can provide you with the foot and ankle information you seek.
A History of Biomechanics
- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974 biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination to the area.
Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, moments and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured.
Advances in materials and more awareness of biomechanics have developed enhanced corrective methods, offering further options for foot-related injuries. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
If you have any questions, please contact our office located in New York, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Motion, Stability, and Control are Important to Consider when Buying Running Shoes
Paul Greenwood wants to make sure runners prepare their feet with the right running shoe to prevent injuries and make the experience more comfortable overall. When purchasing a running shoe, sellers should have customers go through a walking test to figure the natural pronation of the foot and then suggest one of three styles: stability, motion, and control. The fit, color, and feel are based on the level of activity each runner is going through. Runners should also take into consideration how breathable their socks and other clothing are to keep the body cool during runs.
The right running shoe for your foot type is vital in running well and preventing injury. If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Choosing the Right Running Shoes for Your Foot Type
Running is a physical activity although fun, can put a lot of stress on the joints, bones and ligaments of the body. Injury and stress on the foot can be an important factor on which kind of shoe you’re wearing. Running shoes should be worn based on your foot type. It is important to find out what fits you based on cushioning, stability and motion.
Determining your type
Speak with a shoe specialist or retail professional to see what your foot type is. They will be able to identify and measure your arch type, stride and gait.
Running Mechanics
When you are running or walking in your shoes, every step determines how your foot is landing. Pronation is the natural rolling of your ankle from outside to inside during foot strike.
Pronation is a correct form of walking or running. It helps absorb shock and store energy from your lower extremities. Neutral runners who pronate correctly do not need specific shoes, since they have stability and control.
Over-pronators
Those people who run with excessive ankle rolling. Over-pronators tend to have ankles that angle inward, flat feet, and or bowed legs. This can cause a series of injuries: of the knees, ankles and Achilles tendons.
Under-pronation
Is less common than over-pronation. This usually happens to those who have inflexible feet and high arches. Even though there is less rotational stress on the ankles and knees, it prevents any kind of shock absorptions. Under-pronation needs shoes with increase in cushion and flexibility.
If you are unsure which shoes accommodate your feet, always speak to your foot specialist, or professional.
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.
Surgery and Treatment for Bunions Better today Compared to 15 Years ago
Compared to 15 years ago, bunion surgery has become easier in terms of recovery time and how painful the treatment is. Certain patients are even capable of participating in light sports up to six weeks after surgery. Bunion surgery is used to correct the alignment and bony forces around the toe. Although bunion surgery is very common, it is considered a last resort and is only recommended when daily routines are interrupted and tremendous amounts of pain are felt.
The pain and discomfort caused by bunions can put a halt to everyday activities. If you have any concerns contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs by the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why do Bunions Form?
- Genetics – susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
- Stress on the feet – poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can cause bunions to form
How are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How are Bunions Treated?
- Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
- Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
- Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
- Orthotics or foot inserts
- Surgery
If you have any concerns 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.
Link Between Foot Size and Obesity
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.
