Foot neuropathy involves the nerves in the feet that are not working correctly. This can lead to various issues, such as numbness or tingling sensations in the feet, pain or sensitivity when the feet are touched, and muscle weakness, which can affect stability and balance. Additionally, changes in the appearance of the toenails and skin might occur. Without treatment, neuropathy can even lead to sores or cuts on the feet that do not heal properly and infections may develop. The causes of foot neuropathy are diverse. One of the major factors is diabetes, which can damage the nerves over time. If diabetes is involved, it is especially important to keep blood sugar under control, as this can help reduce symptoms. Foot strengthening exercises can help enhance muscle function and stability. To ensure the safety of the feet, it is essential to inspect them regularly. If you experience unusual sensations or notice changes in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Wendy L. Grossman, DPM  from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

The risk of falling increases with age due to declining physical health, greater mobility issues, a more sedentary lifestyle, vision problems, hazards in the home, and side effects of medications. Falling can be serious for older people and is one of the leading causes of injury, disability, or even death in this age group. Stability and balance can be issues for seniors, which makes falling a risk. Because vision declines with age and older people have more eye-related diseases, seeing and judging distances becomes harder and it is easier to fall over obstacles in their environments. Issues with poor lighting, clutter, and improper maintenance in homes are more likely in this population, which also contribute to falling. Sadly, an elderly person is also more likely to fall for no obvious reason, but this can happen from a medical condition, such as a heart issue, circulation problems, or dehydration. To minimize falling and the consequences it might have, if you are a senior, it would be wise to assess and tend to home risks, get regular physical and eye exams, wear supportive and well-fitting shoes, use walking devices as needed, and try to stay as active as possible. Including a podiatrist among the health care professionals you see for routine foot exams and treatment of any current or brewing issues can increase your confidence that your mobility and independence will continue unharmed.

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 Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. 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 office located in Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running is a fantastic way to stay fit and connect with the outdoors, but it's crucial to take preventive measures to avoid injuries that are related to running. First and foremost, start with a proper warm-up before each run to prepare your muscles and joints. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your runs to allow your body to adapt. Invest in well-fitting, supportive running shoes to minimize impact on your feet and joints. Listen to your body, and if you experience any pain or discomfort, don't push through it. Cross-training can also be beneficial, as it helps to strengthen different muscle groups and prevents overuse injuries. Regularly incorporating stretching and flexibility exercises into your routine can improve overall body mobility. Lastly, It is helpful to recover and rest which can give your body ample time to heal and rejuvenate. If you would like additional information on how running injuries can affect the feet and how to prevent them, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Toenail fungus is generally not a serious foot condition despite its unsightly appearance. Toenail fungus thrives in warm and moist environments, such as public swimming pools, locker rooms, and similar areas. The fungus can enter the body through small cracks in the skin of the feet, so it is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas. People who have diabetes, immune system disorders, or nerve damage may be prone to developing toenail fungus. Symptoms can include a thickening of the nail, a change in the nail shape, and in severe cases, the nail may lift or crumble. Prevention methods can include refraining from sharing shoes, towels, and socks, and it is helpful to maintain good foot care. If you have developed toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include prescribed medication.

For more information about treatment, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

People who stand or walk for the majority of the day are generally aware of what type of shoes they wear and how well they fit. Many patients will try on multiple pairs of shoes before they find a pair that fits their feet perfectly. It is beneficial to have an accurate foot measurement before purchasing shoes. This can be done by tracing the width and length of the foot on a piece of paper, followed by using a conversion table that can pinpoint the right size. Many stores are equipped with a Brannock device, which can accurately measure the foot. Additionally, it can help to wear the socks that will be worn with the new shoes, and these can range from dress socks to athletic socks. The best time of day to purchase shoes is in the evening when the feet are at their largest. This often ensures a proper fit when the feet become swollen after a long day. If you would like more information about how to determine your right shoe size, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with the appropriate knowledge.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

Stress fractures are considered to be overuse injuries that are common among runners, as well as other athletes. Football players, basketball players, and dancers are at risk for stress fractures over time. A stress fracture is a hairline crack in the bone as a result of repetitive pounding of the feet. People with poor nutritional habits and who smoke or drink excess alcohol are also susceptible to incurring stress fractures. The most common causes of these painful stress fractures are repetitive force, overtraining, and running on hard surfaces. A stress fracture often develops as the result of a sudden change in physical activity, such as increasing running speed too quickly or starting to participate in a sport after being sedentary for a long time. Furthermore, a vitamin D deficiency can cause the bones to weaken, possibly making them more vulnerable to this type of injury. Wearing shoes that do not fit well or provide inadequate support is another common cause of stress fractures. If you believe you have developed stress fractures in the feet or ankles, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a full examination and correct treatment options.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

There are 26 bones in each foot that can easily be injured from falls, sports injuries, or repetitive pressure or force. A broken foot, or foot fracture, is usually from a direct injury to the foot and can be caused by high-impact activities, like running or jumping, auto accidents, falls, repetitive stress or overuse, or straightforward trauma. Things that might contribute to one sustaining a foot fracture include wearing shoes that do not properly support the feet, a Vitamin D deficiency, or having structural foot problems. Symptoms of a broken foot include pain, difficulty bearing weight, swelling, bruising, altered walking, and immobility of the toes, foot, and ankle. It is highly suggested that anyone who suspects they have broken their foot see a podiatrist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

When your big toe feels numb, it is a cause of concern. This phenomenon usually signals a loss of blood delivery to the extremities, largely the result of a problem with the peripheral nerves. Numbness in the big toe can be an indicator that the circulatory system, which delivers oxygenated blood to the extremities, or the peripheral nervous system, has been compromised. The sensory nerves carry signals regarding touch, temperature, and pain to the spinal cord, which then carries the message to the brain. If this signal is blocked in some way, the toe fails to receive it and numbness occurs. Causes of numbness in the big toe include nerve compression, constricted blood circulation, vitamin B12 deficiency, and gout. Other causes are diabetes and bunions. In addition, advancing age, smoking, and obesity may be factors. Treatment for numbness in the big toe varies according to the cause. For guidance, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam and treatment options. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Wendy L. Grossman, DPM  from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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