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April 2023

Tuesday, 25 April 2023 00:00

Treatment Options for Sweaty Feet

The foot contains approximately 250,000 sweat glands that keep the feet and blood cool when body temperature rises. The eccrine sweat glands, which are particular to the feet, release water that evaporates as a cooling method. In fact, the sweat glands in the feet can produce up to a half pint of sweat in one day. However, when these glands produce an overabundance of sweat, the resulting condition is called plantar hyperhidrosis, or sweaty feet. This can be disturbing physically, emotionally, and medically. One of the side effects of hyperhidrosis of the feet is the risk of infections from bacteria and fungi, which thrive in moist, warm conditions. The cause of hyperhidrosis of the feet is not yet known, but there are methods that can help to reduce the symptoms. Among them are keeping the feet clean and dry on a daily basis, and wearing shoes and socks that are made of breathable materials. Alternating pairs of shoes is recommended, which can allow them thoroughly dry before wearing them again. Certain antiperspirant lotions and powders also may help. It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer more advanced treatment options, if needed. 

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Robert Marcus of Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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.

Read more about Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Tuesday, 18 April 2023 00:00

The Many Facets of the Foot

There are many moving parts each foot is made of. There are 26 bones along with several joints, tendons, and muscles that work together that enable the body to walk, run, and balance. Approximately one-quarter of all the bones that are in the body are located in the feet. Each toe has three joints, and the big toe has two joints. The calcaneus is considered to be the largest bone in the foot, and it forms the heel bone. The muscles provide the ability to move the feet, and each group of muscles provides a different function. The largest ligament in the foot is known as the plantar fascia, and it connects the heel to the toes. The Achilles tendon has the ability to provide mobility to the foot, and if an injury happens to this tendon, walking is often impaired. If you would like additional information about various components of the foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can give you interesting and useful knowledge.

If you have any 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Read more about The Importance of Biomechanics in Podiatry

The feet are the main instrument in a runner’s orchestra. Because they take a pounding with every step taken, injuries are apt to occur. Two common causes of forefoot foot pain in runners, stress fractures and extensor tendonitis, can be difficult to tell apart. A stress fracture is a tiny hairline crack that often occurs in the metatarsals. Stress fractures may be caused by increasing speed and distance of a run too rapidly. Over time, the metatarsal bones weaken ever so slowly until they crack. Extensor tendonitis is an inflammation of the network of tendons that run across the top of the foot. They affect the same part of the forefoot, but can be differentiated by a simple test of moving the toes against a bit of force. If that movement causes pain, then you probably do not have a stress fracture. The most common causes of extensor tendonitis can be traced to improper footwear, tight Achilles tendons, or tight calf muscles. For an expert diagnosis of the cause of forefoot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist, who is medically trained in dealing with problems of the feet. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, 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.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Read more about Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Tuesday, 04 April 2023 00:00

Ways to Prevent Injuries When Running

Running is a popular way to exercise, but if care is not taken, it can cause several injuries to the feet and ankles. Most common among them are plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, stress fractures, and Achilles tendon tears. Experts recommend these procedures to help prevent injuries from running. First, warm up before you start by walking or light jogging and then performing stretches, such as lunges and knee raises. Next, be certain you have the proper footwear, both for your feet and for the type of running you are doing. A properly fitting shoe, with ample cushioning and arch support, is essential to warding off injury. Be sure to increase the time, distance, and intensity of your runs gradually. A rule of thumb is not to increase distance or intensity by more than 10 percent per week. If you begin to feel pain when running, it is wise to pay attention to it. Running through the pain can make the injury worse. Finally, stretch and give your feet and ankles a chance to rest after running. If you sustain a running injury that persists or worsens, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Robert Marcus of Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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.

Read more about Preventing Running Injuries
Monday, 03 April 2023 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.

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