Items filtered by date: June 2019

The condition that is known as gout is considered to be a form of arthritis, and affects the joint under the big toe. Many people who suffer from this ailment often experience severe pain and stiffness, which will most likely begin during the night. Additional symptoms include extreme sensitivity when touched, as well as the joint appearing to be swollen and red. This condition occurs as a result of excess uric acid in the blood levels, which can cause crystals to form. These crystals can lodge into the joints of the body, and many patients notice symptoms of this in the big toe. Research has indicated the formation of these crystals can be caused by eating foods that have elevated levels of purines. These include shellfish, red meat, alcohol, and sugary beverages. If you are having gout attacks, it is advised to speak to a podiatrist who can guide you toward beginning proper treatment, in addition to learning about prevention methods.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay 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 one of our offices located in Caldwell, and Galloway, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The location of the sesamoid bones is inside a tendon in the foot. The two bones are next to each other under the big toe joint in the bottom of the foot. They help to raise and move the big toe and can push off the ground while running. They take the strain off the foot while walking and running by absorbing the weight of the foot. If these bones should become inflamed, a condition that is referred to as sesamoiditis develops. It happens as a result of pressure that is exerted on the sesamoid bones and is a common condition among runners. There may be existing circumstances that lead to this ailment, including having high arches, or feet that have minimal cushioning on the sole of the foot. The symptoms that are common with sesamoiditis will typically include achiness in the ball of the foot, and a severe, throbbing sensation. If you feel you have sesamoiditis, it is advised to consult with a podiatrist, so proper treatment can begin.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay of New Jersey . Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Caldwell, and Galloway, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The majority of people who enjoy the sport of running often choose shoes that are flexible. The flexibility is generally unnecessary in walking shoes, and these shoes are designed with materials that are stiff. There are different types of running shoes to choose from, and this will often depend on the type of running that is performed. People who run for speed may find shoes that have minimal cushioning can be beneficial in achieving their running goals. Additionally, long distance runners may prefer shoes that have maximum support. If you are pursuing running as a hobby, it is advised to counsel with a podiatrist who can guide you in determining which type of running shoe is best for you.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Dr. Douglas Mckay from New Jersey . Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Caldwell, and Galloway, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The big toe is typically affected if an ingrown toenail has developed. It is a condition that happens when the side of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. There are several symptoms that are associated with this ailment, including pain, swelling, and inflammation which can cause tenderness. Many patients develop ingrown toenails for a variety of reasons. These include wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly, trimming toenails improperly, or an injury which may have happened to the toe. Mild relief may be found when the toe is soaked in warm water, followed by using a cotton ball to to separate the nail from the skin. If you are a diabetic patient, or if an infection has formed, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay of New Jersey . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Caldwell, and Galloway, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.