October 2022

For diabetics, foot health care is an important part of daily life. Problems, such as diabetic neuropathy and peripheral artery disease, that stem from long-term high blood sugar levels can make a daily foot care regimen essential. If sores, wounds, and cuts are not treated, they can develop ulcers that could, over time, lead to more serious problems. One major way a diabetic can ward off potential foot problems is to carefully wash and dry the feet each day. First, use warm, not hot, water. Using mild soap, wash every part of the foot, including the bottom and between the toes. Next, gently pat the feet dry. Avoid rubbing the skin. Finally, carefully dry between each toe. If you have difficulty reaching your feet or performing this task, it is a good idea to ask a family member or health aide for help. Then apply lotion to keep the skin from cracking and to help soften calluses, but be careful to avoid putting lotion between the toes. If you have diabetes-related foot problems, it is wise to seek regular checkups from a podiatrist who is trained to deal with the effects of this disease.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

There are various reasons why patients can develop heel pain. These can include uncomfortable foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or an Achilles tendon injury. Diabetic patients may be prone to developing heel pain, and bursitis may cause this pain to become worse. Mild relief may be found from heel pain by frequently elevating the affected foot, wearing shoes that fit correctly, and performing gentle exercises and stretches. Many patients choose to wear soft insoles in their shoes, in addition to wrapping an elastic bandage around the ankle which may provide extra support. Heel pain is often indicative of an existing medical condition, and it is strongly urged that you contact a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can accurately determine the cause and provide effective treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Robert Marcus of Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A very small crack on a bone can be referred to as a hairline or stress fracture. Stress fractures often occur in the feet and can affect one or more of the twenty-six bones in each foot. These tiny cracks typically result from repetitive movement and can be common among runners or people who participate in sports like basketball, tennis, and ballet. The symptoms can develop gradually and consist of pain that may subside after resting the affected foot, and the area may be swollen or tender. Relief and treatment often begin with stopping the activity that caused the fracture, followed by having an X-ray performed which can determine the extent of the fracture. As the swelling decreases and the pain subsides, it is helpful to reintroduce weight-bearing activities gradually. Staying active helps to stimulate the recovery process but it is important to refrain from high-impact activities. Please contact a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can properly diagnose and treat stress fractures.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Ankle pain at night can be debilitating, because it interferes with sleep. The ankle allows your feet to flex and extend, so if you move your foot while sleeping it will aggravate an injured ankle and result in pain. Other symptoms include swelling, bruising, and deformity. Frequently, the pain from an injured ankle also radiates into the foot, lower leg, and knee, causing further discomfort and more opportunity to lose sleep. One cause of ankle pain is a sprain, which is a torn or ruptured ligament that results when your foot rolls inward and stretches the ligament past its normal range. Other causes of ankle pain include bursitis, tendonitis, and arthritis. Being overweight can cause and increase ankle pain. Stress fractures in the foot, along with gout and poor circulation are known to contribute to ankle pain. Treating ankle pain can be a long process, and it is wise to consult with a podiatrist early to reduce the time it will take to heal. A podiatrist can examine your ankle and address the cause of the pain, offering proper treatment options that may help you sleep better at night. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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