Items filtered by date: March 2024

Surgical debridement is a critical  procedure in foot wound care, involving the removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to promote healing. It is commonly used for severe wounds, ulcers, and burns where other methods may not be effective. During the procedure, a podiatrist uses surgical tools to carefully remove the affected tissue, ensuring that healthy tissue remains intact. This process helps to eliminate sources of infection and encourages the growth of new tissue. Surgical debridement can be performed in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and specialized wound care centers. Depending on the extent of the wound, anesthesia may be necessary to minimize discomfort. After debridement, the wound is typically cleaned and dressed to prevent infection and support the healing process. Proper wound care and follow-up are essential for optimal outcomes following surgical debridement. If you have problematic foot wounds, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if you can benefit from surgical debridement.

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, consult with one of our podiatrists from New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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

Foot pain can occur for many reasons, making it tough to know exactly what is wrong without the help of a medical professional. One common cause of foot pain is a fracture, which is a break in the bones of the foot. This can cause intense pain, making it difficult to walk. Heart disease can also lead to foot problems. This condition makes it harder for blood to circulate properly, leading to swelling and pain in the feet. Diabetes is another big cause of foot pain, because high sugar levels can damage nerves in the feet, causing pain and sometimes even leading to serious infections if cuts or sores do not heal properly. Plantar fasciitis is also common, especially in people who stand for extended periods of time or wear shoes without good support. It happens when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot gets inflamed, causing heel pain that is usually worse in the morning. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, who can help diagnose the source of the pain and create an effective treatment plan.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

If you are experiencing pain in the back of your heel, you may have injured your Achilles tendon. This tendon, named after the legendary Greek warrior Achilles, connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendon injuries are common among athletes, particularly in sports like basketball and soccer. Symptoms include pain in the back of the heel or up the back of the leg, ranging from mild to severe. These injuries can occur in different places along the tendon, with the most serious being Achilles tendinopathy, which involves chronic inflammation and fluid buildup. Treatment typically involves rest, gentle stretching, and strengthening exercises. Prevention strategies include paying attention to foot mechanics, adjusting running stride, and building flexibility and strength in the lower legs through targeted exercises. If you are experiencing pain in your Achilles tendon area, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot related issues are frequently encountered in older adults. Because of this, foot care is important for enhancing the overall health and well-being of this population. Various foot problems commonly seen in older individuals include bunions, corns, calluses, and issues related to toenails. These types of foot conditions can negatively impact mobility, independence, and quality of life in elderly people. Regular foot care routines in older adults include keeping the feet clean and dry, wearing properly fitting shoes, and examining the feet regularly. If you are an older adult, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team. Finding and addressing foot problems early is valuable to prevent more serious issues, in addition to enhancing overall quality of life.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.