Items filtered by date: February 2024

​​Systemic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can seriously affect the feet. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and joint damage, while diabetes can lead to nerve damage, poor circulation, and foot ulcers. A podiatrist can help manage these foot issues. These doctors can provide regular check-ups to monitor foot health, offer advice on proper footwear and foot care routines, and treat any foot problems that arise. Podiatrists can also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs. If you have a systemic disease that affects your feet, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist as one of your regular healthcare providers to help you achieve optimal foot health.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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.

Hammertoe is a common deformity in which the second, third, or fourth toe is bent at the middle joint. Hammertoes can either be flexible or rigid. Flexible hammertoe is a milder deformity where the affected toe can still be straightened manually, especially when not bearing weight. This type of hammertoe may cause some discomfort, but tends to be more responsive to conservative treatments, such as wearing roomier footwear or using toe cushions. Rigid hammertoe is a more severe form of the condition. This type of hammertoe is stuck in a bent position and cannot be straightened manually. Rigid hammertoe may result in chronic pain, and corns or calluses may develop due to increased pressure and friction against shoes. Podiatrists may use more aggressive treatments, like splinting or surgical intervention, to align the toe properly and alleviate symptoms of rigid hammertoe. If you have a hammertoe, or you are experiencing pain due to this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide you with treatment options that are right for you.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please 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.

High heels significantly impact walking, with notable effects on gait, biomechanics, and control. Wearing high heels can alter the way people walk in several ways, presenting valuable insights for both designers and podiatrists. The primary changes observed in high-heel walking encompass alterations in the foot's rollover function, modifications in ankle and knee joint dynamics, and shifts in lower back posture, accompanied by compromised step length and balance. The heightened heel height forces the foot into an increased plantar flexion, which, in turn, augments knee flexion and causes an increased curvature of the lower back. Understanding the biomechanical adjustments associated with high heel-wearing is vital for designing more comfortable and less detrimental footwear, in addition to addressing potential musculoskeletal issues arising from prolonged use. If you enjoy wearing high heels and want to continue wearing them while paying attention to your feet and body, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss this topic further.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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.

In today's fast-paced world, the rising concern of obesity has become a significant health issue, affecting various aspects of our well-being. One often overlooked consequence of obesity is its profound impact on foot health. The excess weight carried by obese individuals places an immense burden on the feet, leading to a myriad of problems. Feet, being the foundation of our body, bear the brunt of this added pressure, causing strain on joints, ligaments, bones, and tendons. Over time, this strain can result in conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and arthritis. The increased load also hampers circulation, contributing to swelling and discomfort. Neglecting foot health in the context of obesity can exacerbate these issues, impacting overall mobility and quality of life. Recognizing the intricate connection between obesity and foot health is vital for fostering a proactive approach to address this concern. If you are overweight and have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to see the connection and provide appropriate relief options.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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.