Items filtered by date: April 2024

Tuesday, 30 April 2024 00:00

The Impact of Gout on Men

Gout, often characterized by sudden and intense joint pain, is a type of inflammatory arthritis that predominantly affects men. This condition occurs when uric acid levels in the blood become elevated, leading to the formation of urate crystals in the joints. Men are more susceptible to gout than women, with the risk increasing with age. Several factors contribute to this gender disparity, including hormonal differences, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle factors such as diet and alcohol consumption. The symptoms of gout typically appear in the joint of the big toe, causing swelling, redness, and extreme pain, although other joints may also be affected. Beyond the physical discomfort, gout can have a significant impact on quality of life, leading to decreased mobility, increased risk of disability, and psychological distress. Managing gout involves a combination of medication, lifestyle modifications, and dietary changes aimed at reducing uric acid levels and preventing recurrent attacks. If you have experienced one or more gout attacks, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM from Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 offices located in Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Gout
Tuesday, 23 April 2024 00:00

Tips for Elderly Fall Prevention

Preventing falls in elderly individuals is vital for maintaining health, independence, and quality of life. Falling can seriously impact the feet, which can cause difficulty in completing daily tasks. An important step is ensuring the home environment is safe and free from hazards such as loose rugs, cluttered pathways, and slippery floors. Installing handrails and grab bars in key areas like bathrooms and staircases can provide added support and stability. Encouraging regular physical activity, including balance and strength exercises, helps improve muscle tone and coordination, reducing the risk of falls. Ensuring proper footwear with nonskid soles and adequate support further enhances stability and reduces the likelihood of slips or trips. Regular vision and hearing check-ups are essential for maintaining sensory function and awareness of surroundings. Additionally, reviewing medications with healthcare providers to identify any potential side effects or interactions that may contribute to dizziness or instability can help mitigate fall risks. If you would like more information about how to keep your home safe to prevent falling in addition to protecting your feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Glenn Aufseeser, DPM from Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Read more about Falls Prevention

Women's footwear choices, whether flat, mid-heel, or high-heeled, can significantly influence foot health and overall well-being. Flat shoes, while often considered comfortable and practical, may lack proper arch support, leading to issues such as fallen arches or plantar fasciitis. Mid-heel shoes provide a compromise between style and comfort, offering a modest lift without placing excessive strain on the feet and calves. However, prolonged wear of mid-heel shoes can still contribute to foot pain and discomfort, particularly if the shoes lack adequate cushioning or support. On the other hand, high-heeled shoes, while stylish and elongating, can cause a myriad of foot problems, including bunions, hammertoes, and metatarsalgia, due to the increased pressure and instability they place on the feet and ankles. If any of the above foot conditions have developed from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective treatment strategies.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM from Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 offices located in Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Effect of High Heels on the Feet
Friday, 12 April 2024 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Tuesday, 09 April 2024 00:00

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Feet

Rheumatoid arthritis, abbreviated RA, is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily targets the joints, often causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness. When it comes to the feet, RA can manifest in various ways, affecting both the joints and surrounding tissues. A common symptom is morning stiffness, where the feet feel tender and stiff upon waking or after periods of inactivity. Swelling, redness, and warmth around the joints, particularly in the toes and ankles, are common indicators of inflammation associated with RA. As the disease progresses, deformities such as bunions or hammertoes may develop, altering the alignment and structure of the feet. Additionally, RA can lead to persistent pain and discomfort during movement, impacting mobility and overall function. If you are experiencing symptoms of RA in your feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM of Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

  • Swelling and pain in the feet
  • Stiffness in the feet
  • Pain on the ball or sole of feet
  • Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Read more about Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Feet
Tuesday, 02 April 2024 00:00

The Definition of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, though less commonly known than other foot conditions, can cause significant discomfort and impairment for those affected. Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, tarsal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through a narrow space in the ankle called the tarsal tunnel. This compression can result from various factors, including injury, inflammation, or underlying conditions like arthritis or diabetes. Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome may include burning pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the foot and ankle, often worsened by prolonged standing or walking. Left untreated, tarsal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage and functional limitations. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical examination, along with imaging studies like MRI or nerve conduction tests. Early recognition and intervention are critical for managing tarsal tunnel syndrome effectively and minimizing long-term consequences. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment solutions.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM of Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
  • Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  • At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
  • The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
  • If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Read more about Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Connect With Us