March 2022

Health experts find that getting on your feet and walking several times a week can make you feel better and help you stay better. Taking a walk is easy on the joints and doesn't pose much of a risk, although some people may wish to use walking sticks if balance is a concern. Walking is a good activity for all ages, so families can walk together. Best of all, walking is free, it can be done almost anywhere, and can be done any time of the day. The most important piece of equipment needed for walking is a good pair of walking shoes. These should fit your foot, have a roomy toe box, and have ample cushioning to reduce stress on the heels. Regular walking can reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease and strokes. It can help improve heart rate and circulation, muscle strength and bone strength. If you need more information on the best way to introduce walking as a regular exercise or help in finding the appropriate footwear, please don’t hesitate to speak to a podiatrist for guidance.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Port Richmond Family Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

If you have noticed that your feet or toes turn white, and then change to blue or red and become painful, you may have a condition known as Raynaud’s phenomenon. It is usually caused by a change in temperature, but it can also be caused by stress.  It is common in young people, and it affects more women than men. If symptoms start over the age of 40, it may indicate other underlying conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, auto-immune disease, or poor blood circulation. You may also experience symptoms such as pain, pins and needles, swelling, and stiffness in the joints that can last as little as a few minutes or as long as a few hours. Common precautions that may be taken include keeping your feet warm during cold weather, as well as avoiding smoking and caffeinated beverages, which both decrease circulation. If Raynaud's symptoms worsen enough to interfere with your daily life, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a full exam and options for other treatments.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Port Richmond Family Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

A toenail infection, also known as onychomycosis, is a common type of nail disease caused by various types of fungi. Older adults and those with diseases that compromise the strength and quality of nails—such as diabetes, circulatory conditions, and immune suppression disorders—are more at risk of contracting a toenail infection. Other risk factors include genetics, having overly sweaty feet, and going barefoot in public showers, locker rooms, swimming pools and other dark, damp places where the fungi thrive. Among the symptoms of a toenail infection are thickened and discolored nails, pain, the nail separating from the nail bed, and a foul odor. It is wise to consult a podiatrist for toenail infections because they are difficult to treat, as well as to prevent the infection from spreading to other nails and skin. To make an accurate diagnosis and determine the best form of treatment, your podiatrist will perform a physical examination and take a sample of the nail to be cultured and analyzed. Depending on their findings, treatments may include prescription oral and/or topical antifungal medications, nail debridement or even laser therapy.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctors 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 feel free to contact our office located in Lumberton, NJ, . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries to occur when playing sports. They occur when the ligaments that connect the bones to the joints become over stretched or torn because of a sudden twist or force. Signs of an ankle sprain include ankle swelling, bruising, pain, difficulty bending the ankle, or difficulty bearing weight with the ankle. Patients who are unable to walk with their injured ankle, have significant swelling, or haven’t seen any signs of progress after a few days, should consult with a podiatrist for treatment. Ultimately, differentiating between an ankle sprain and an ankle fracture can be very difficult. Therefore, patients who believe that they have sprained their ankle should consult with a podiatrist who can evaluate and diagnose the injury.  

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Port Richmond Family Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

If you are a caregiver for an aging adult, helping them take care of their feet can help keep them healthy, active and improve their quality of life. Healthy feet can also help older adults avoid falls and broken bones. Here are the top nine things you can do to promote better foot health in an elderly person. 1) Inspect their feet daily for any redness, breaks in the skin or anything unusual. 2) Help them eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, and engage in low impact exercise and stretching. 3) Trim their toenails straight across. 4) Make sure footwear fits properly, and have their feet measured for length and width every time they buy new shoes. 5) Don’t allow them to walk barefoot, even around the house. 6) Keep their feet clean, dry, and moisturized. 7) Make sure their socks are not tight to avoid cutting off circulation. 8) Never trim corns or calluses with a sharp instrument. 9) Have their feet checked regularly by a podiatrist, especially if they are diabetic.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Mount Holly Family Footcare. 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 Lumberton, NJ, . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.