Attorney Blog

Leg Pain With Exercise? Do Not Overlook It

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

So, your legs hurt when you walk, jog or climb stairs. No big deal, right? Wrong! Leg pain that is present during physical activity and goes away when you sit or lie down is the classic sign of the serious condition called peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

The pain of PAD differs from arthritis pain because it is located in the muscles, not the joints. Whereas a muscle injury continues to hurt even at rest, PAD pain goes away when you lie down.

Peripheral arterial disease occurs when arteries, generally those in the pelvis or legs, become blocked. By reducing the flow of blood to the legs and kidneys, the blockage can put the life of the patient at serious risk. The most dangerous of these risks includes:

Amputation of a limb
Heart attack
Stroke

Additionally, there are certain individuals who are more susceptible to these arterial blockages than others. Factors such as diabetes, kidney disease, tobacco use, and age over 70 increase your risk.

What to Do If You Are Concerned About PAD

If you are experiencing this type of discomfort, the experienced Wayne, NJ podiatrists at Wayne Foot & Ankle urge you to make an appointment. Our doctors are skilled in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease. When caught early enough, PAD can be successfully managed. Prompt intervention significantly reduces the likelihood of heart attack and stroke.

The longer you wait to be treated for PAD, the more risks you face. For medical care you can trust, call 973.595.8900 to make an appointment with a Wayne, NJ peripheral artery disease treatment expert. Together we can devise a treatment plan to manage your condition and improve your quality of life.

Who Would Win in a Fight: Coffee or Type 2 Diabetes?

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

If you put your money on coffee, you may have made a good bet. A new study has shown that coffee, even decaf, may play a role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Stats on the Fighters

Coffee contains three compounds that researchers believe could explain its diabetes-fighting super powers. These compounds—caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and caffeine—have the potential to inhibit abnormal protein deposits found in people with type 2 diabetes. If a cup or two of joe has the power to deliver a blow to the deposits, it just may have the chops to bring type 2 diabetes to its knees.

But don’t place all your money on coffee prematurely. The recent study was conducted with cell cultures, not on real people or even animals. Prior research does point to a connection between coffee intake and risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, there still has not been enough conclusive evidence to prove or disprove the theory.

Coffee Not a Prize Fighter- Yet

Although having a cup of coffee a day isn't guaranteed to keep type 2 diabetes at bay, it may just give you a fighting chance. Of course, our Wayne, NJ diabetic foot experts know many proven methods to help lower your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Staying active, eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water can not only lower your risk, it can keep you at your fighting weight.

If you have diabetes and are concerned about the health of your feet, do not hesitate to call the Wayne, NJ podiatrists at Wayne Foot & Ankle to make an appointment. We have the skills needed to get your feet healthy and keep them that way. Together we can fight the impact diabetes has on your feet.

Emerging Heel Pain Treatments May Offer Relief

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Have you heard of platelet-rich plasma therapy as a way to treat chronic heel pain? Probably not. A new study was recently conducted by doctors and researchers at Nantucket Cottage Hospital. It is so new, in fact, that it has not yet been published in peer-reviewed medical journals. The findings, while preliminary, were impressive.

"For most, after just one shot, we saw dramatic improvements. We're talking about the restoration of well over 90 percent of normal function lasting at least a year after treatment," said Dr. Raymond Monto, study author.

Will Plasma Therapy Cure Chronic Plantar Fasciitis?

Our Wayne, NJ foot specialists are excited about the possibility of a new therapy for plantar fasciitis. The vast majority of heel pain cases can be managed with current treatments. However, there are times when chronic plantar fasciitis does not respond to traditionally effective therapies. In these rare situations, finding an effective pain relief option pain can be extremely challenging. The cortisone shots that are commonly used for plantar fasciitis can be damaging when used over an extended period of time.

Like Dr. Monto, we hope that this study prompts researchers to begin a larger investigation into the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma therapy. If the therapy proves effective and safe, it could change the lives of thousands living with the painful condition.

At the Wayne, NJ podiatry office of Wayne Foot & Ankle, we are hopeful that this therapy and others like it become viable options for our patients. If you are suffering from heel pain, please do not hesitate to call 973.595.8900 to make an appointment.

What is a high ankle sprain?

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

It happened to the New England Patriot tight end, Rob Gronkowski, and to Miami Heat guard, Dwyane Wade, but what is a high ankle sprain and why does it plague athletes?

The injury begins as an ankle sprain, which commonly occurs in athletes involved in high intensity sports such as football and basketball. With a high ankle sprain, however, the injury progresses above the ankle. To provide better understanding, one must know that the lower leg is composed of two bones, the fibula and tibia. These bones are connected from the knee to the ankle by a sheet of fibrous tissue called tibiofibular syndesmosis. At the ankle, there are also ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula to provide extra stability. When one “rolls” their ankle, the ligaments holding the tibia and fibula together at the ankle are injured and, occasionally, are ruptured. When this happens, the sheet of fibrous tissue that connect the two bones from the knee to the ankle is also injured. This is considered a syndesmotic injury or “high ankle sprain.”

To diagnose a high ankle sprain both a physical examination and radiographic imaging should be completed. One physical examination test, called the distal compression test, may elicit pain by squeezing the leg bones together. On an x-ray, an increase in space between the tibia and fibula and boney avulsions may or may not be noted.

Treatment for high ankle sprains include everything from the well-known “rice” treatment, which stands for rest, ice, compression, elevation, to immobilization and/or surgical procedures. It is also important to discuss physical therapy options with your doctor to prevent chronic ankle pain and instability.

Amputation Risk for Diabetics Drops Dramatically

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

There is very good news for diabetics in New Jersey and across the nation. The number of diabetes-related amputations has dropped significantly over the past 12 years. From 1996 to 2008, the number of foot and leg amputations among diabetic adults decreased by some 65%.

Too Many Diabetics Still at Risk

The recently released study showed that overall rates of diabetes-related amputations have declined. Nonetheless, certain groups of people still remain at a higher than average risk of amputations. The study, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, found that the following groups were still at a significant risk of amputation:

The rates of male amputation is three times that of females (6 per 1,000 vs. 2 per 1,000)
African American amputation rates were higher than Caucasian (5 per 1,000 vs. 3 per 1,000)
Diabetics over the age of 75 had the highest amputation rate

No matter which category you fall into, there is one rule you must remember. As a diabetic you have the most impact in determining the health of your feet.

Our Wayne, NJ podiatrists urge you to take care of your overall health as well as the health of your feet. Keep regular check-ups with your primary care physician and podiatrist to ensure that your feet are as healthy as possible. Do not let minor problems such as corns or cuts on your feet threaten your health and impair your mobility.

For care you can trust, call 973.595.8900 to make an appointment with an expert New Jersey podiatrist at Wayne Foot & Ankle.

Why Heel Pain in Children Should Not Be Ignored

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Parents never want to see their child in pain, but for many school aged athletes pain is accepted as "part of the game". Our Wayne, NJ podiatrists don't agree with this.

Your child is still growing. He has growth plates that are still forming bone. When there is too much strain or impact put on these growth plates, damage can occur. If this damage is not treated it can permanently affect the growth in that area.

Growth Plate Trauma in the Heel

One of these growth plates is located in the heel. Trauma or strain on this growth plate can cause pain in the heel as the cartilage there becomes inflamed. Heel pain in very young athletes, those under 15 years of age, can come from this injury, called growth plate trauma.

If your child is complaining of pain in his heels, is limping or walking on his toes to avoid walking on the heel, you should see an experienced Wayne, NJ podiatrist as soon as possible. The sooner we evaluate your child, the sooner we can get him back on his feet and back on the field. In addition, prompt treatment can stop further damage. Left untreated, growth plate trauma in the heel can cause a fracture and cause lifelong pain and impairment.

Treatment Options for Growth Plate Trauma

The type of treatment depends on the severity of the heel pain. Treatment options for growth plate trauma in the heel include:

Stretching exercises
Physical therapy
Resting the affected foot
Adding a heel cup or custom orthotic to the shoe
Immobilization with a cast
Surgery

Please do not hesitate to bring your child in for a thorough examination. Call 973.595.8900 to make an appointment with the Wayne, NJ foot experts at Wayne Foot & Ankle.

What Your Ankle and a Rubber Band Have in Common

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Imagine a rubber band that gets stretched all the time. Back and forth, stretch and release, stretch and release. Then, suddenly, someone yanks hard on one end of the band, causing a few minor tears. While the rubber band may still stretch and rebound, the tear begins to worsen; the band loses some of its strength. The next time it is yanked, the tear grows larger until it rips entirely, losing all elasticity.

Don't Allow the Rubber Band to Break

Untreated sprained ankles are a lot like the rubber band. The ligaments in the ankle can only be stretched so much, damaged so much, until they finally give out. By leaving even a minor sprain untreated you run the risk of not allowing the ligaments in your ankle to fully heal. While your ankle may feel better, the injury can leave the ligaments looser than they should be. You have a high risk of twisting your ankle again.

Unlike a Rubber Band, Your Ankle Can Get Better

A torn rubber band will never be the same; it loses all function and is of no use. However your body, when given the treatment and rest it needs, has the power to heal itself. By getting help from a Wayne, NJ podiatrist the first time you sprain your ankle (link to ankle sprain PA), no matter the severity, you can prevent further damage. Left untreated, multiple injuries to the same ankle can weaken and tear the ligaments in the ankle enough to warrant surgery.

If you or your child has sprained an ankle, seek treatment from an experienced Wayne, NJ ankle specialist. We can help you heal faster and prevent further injury. Call 973.595.8900 today to make your appointment.

There's a Fungus Among Us- But There Doesn't Have to Be!

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Nail fungus is not just bothersome; it can be embarrassing and may even have an impact on your overall health. In social situations you are preoccupied with your yellowing, thickened nails and worried that someone will notice them. If you are a woman, you may try and cover up the discoloration with polish, but this only makes the problem worse. It's time that you put your foot down and get rid of your unwanted guest once and for all.

Effective Treatments for Ditching Nail Fungus

There are many treatments available to get rid of nail fungus, but not all treatments are created equal. Our New Jersey Podiatrists (link to nail fungus PA) urge you not to buy into over-the-counter antifungal creams and ointments. Their effectiveness is limited and, more than likely, all they will do is waste your money. The treatments that we do recommend vary depending on the fungal infection and include:

Oral antifungal medications
Antifungal lacquer (applied daily to the affected nails)
Topical creams (often used in conjunction with oral medications)
Surgery (to remove the nail and allow a new, uninfected nail to grow)
Laser treatment

Your podiatrist will show you which treatment is right to eliminate your toe or finger nail fungus.

Just say no to fungus! Call an experienced foot specialist at the Wayne, NJ podiatry office of Wayne Foot & Ankle today to schedule your appointment. 973.595.8900

Free Information From Wayne, NJ Foot and Ankle Surgeons

To meet all of your foot and ankle needs, our expert Wayne, NJ podiatrists have created a free book, Got Feet? A User's Guide to Foot and Ankle Heath. Request this book to read the best foot and ankle health tips our experienced podiatrists have to offer.

Getting the Right Wayne, NJ Podiatrist to Perform Your Bunion Surgery

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

After examining thousands of feet and performing hundreds of surgeries, the podiatrists at Wayne Foot & Ankle can say without hesitation: No two feet are alike. There is no “one size fits all” treatment or surgery that relieves all bunion pain in all patients. The reality is that each patient has a unique situation that must be thoroughly investigated before tailoring a specific treatment plan.

Your Feet Are Unique and Deserve a Custom Surgery

Bunions do not grow on their own. They are actually a symptom of a deeper problem. Bunions result from structural abnormalities within your feet. Too many times surgeons offer a quick fix of removing the bunion itself, but fail to correct the underlying cause of the bunion. While this quick fix may diminish the size of the bunion, chances are the bunion will grow back.

In order to diminish the likelihood that your bunion will re-grow, your surgeon must determine which structural issues within the foot are causing the bunion. Our Wayne, NJ bunion experts take our time with each patient. We ensure that when we do choose to perform surgery, we create a custom plan that will provide the best possible outcome.

There Is No Need to Suffer With Bunion Pain

You and your Wayne, NJ foot surgeon have numerous treatment options to choose from. You might benefit from conservative treatment, or you might require surgery. Whatever course you pursue, one thing is certain—there is no need to suffer from bunion pain. At Wayne Foot & Ankle we are not satisfied until you are pain free. Please call 973.595.8900 to schedule an appointment.

Do You Have Regular Visits With a Wayne, NJ Diabetic Foot Specialist?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

If not, then you may be putting yourself in danger. As a diabetic, you can significantly reduce your risk of suffering a diabetes-related amputation through regular visits with your podiatrist.
The benefit of being examined every four months is that your Wayne, NJ diabetic foot specialist will be able to note any changes to the health of your feet. At Wayne Foot & Ankle, our podiatrists take the time to carefully examine your feet, comparing their current condition to that of the previous visit.
In this way, we will be better able to help you stop foot problems before they make a serious impact on your life. Please help us help you by performing daily at-home monitoring of the condition of your feet, reporting immediately any new issues to your podiatrist.
Know When to Be Seen Sooner, Rather Than Later
If there are no new changes with your feet, then it is fine to be seen three times a year. However, if you notice any of the following issues or have other concerns, please call immediately for an appointment:

One or more blisters
One or more sores
One or more ulcers
Corns that are irritated or appear infected
An ingrown toenail or redness around the nail
Deep cracks in the foot
A change of color in the feet
A burning or tingling sensation
Inability to feel touch, heat or cold in your feet
A change in the temperature of your feet
Fungus or fungal infection between the toes

Getting Diabetic Foot Treatment From an Experienced New Jersey Podiatrist
Not all diabetic foot care is created equally. For comprehensive, compassionate care of even the most serious diabetic foot problems, contact a Wayne, NJ podiatrist who cares at 973.595.8900. Take charge of your health—call today.

Leg Pain During Activity: More Serious Than You Might Think

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Do you ever feel pain or discomfort in your legs when you walk or jog? Does the pain go away when you rest, only to start again when you resume activity? If so, the Wayne, NJ podiatrists at Wayne Foot & Ankle urge you to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Discomfort in the Legs Can Signal Danger

Pain or discomfort in the legs during physical activity is the classic symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The disease occurs when the arteries outside of the heart—generally in the pelvis and legs— become partially or totally blocked.

Painful blocked arteries in the legs are a worrisome sign. When a person has arterial disease in one location of the body, they frequently have issues in other places too. The most serious of these possible other locations are the heart and the brain. Patients with PAD carry a significant risk of heart attack or stroke. According to vascular medicine specialist Dr. Mehrdad Farid, half of those diagnosed with PAD will be subject to serious complications of the disorder.

"This is very worrisome because 50 percent of individuals who have been diagnosed with PAD will suffer a cardiovascular event or stroke in the next five years, of which 30 percent will be fatal," stated Dr. Farid.

Are You at Risk for PAD?

PAD can be sneaky; only 40 percent of those with PAD actually experience pain in their legs.

If many people with PAD do not notice any symptoms, how can you know if you have the disorder? One way is to determine if you are in a high-risk category for PAD. Factors that put you risk include:

Age 70 or over
Diabetes
Obesity
Kidney disease
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Tobacco use (past or present)
Heart problems (in family history or self)

If any of these risk factors apply to you, it is advisable to see a Wayne, NJ foot doctor who specializes in peripheral arterial disease. The podiatrists at Wayne Foot & Ankle have the experience to diagnose and treat patients with PAD. If you are concerned, please do not hesitate to call 973.595.8900 to make an appointment.

Study Finds High Heels Permanently Damage Calf Muscles

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

A recent study on the effects of high heels showed that frequent use of high heels can permanently damage calf muscles. Study participants ranged in age from their late teens to early 30's. The women reported wearing high heels at least 40 hours per week for the previous two years.

Using sophisticated ultrasound probes, electrodes and motion-capturing technology, researchers observed the women as they walked down a 26-foot walkway. The women completed the walk in heels and without, researchers tracking their every step.

Heels Damage More Than Feet

It has long been known that wearing high heels negatively affects the feet. What researchers were surprised to learn is that the calves are impacted as well. The study found that the frequent wearers of high heels had an altered gait that actively engaged their calf muscles instead of the tendons.

In a normal walking pattern, the tendons lengthen to supply the elastic energy that pushes the foot off the ground. With high heels, it is the calf muscles that provide the mechanics of walking. These muscles become over-used, leading to muscle fatigue and higher rates of injury. If heel wearers are not careful, they will soon be left with legs, feet and ankles that require serious medical attention.

Conditions common in high heel wearers include:

Corns
Bunions
Flat Feet
Osteoarthritis
Hammertoes
Back pain

Moderation Is Key

The Wayne, NJ foot doctors at Wayne Foot & Ankle understand the price women pay for beauty. We know that you may not want to give up your high heels entirely. However, we do ask that you wear them only a few times a week.

If you wearing heels at work, consider wearing supportive shoes during your commute and changing into heels when you arrive. In addition, it is a good idea to take your heels off throughout the day; during your lunch break or while seated at your desk.

Our Wayne, NJ podiatrists hope that you, as a high heel wearer, rethink the way you view high heels. If you are experiencing pain in your feet, ankles, legs or back, with or without high heel use, we can help. Please call 973.595.8900 for an evaluation with an experienced podiatrist.

Is Plasma Therapy the Future of Plantar Fasciitis Treatment?

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

For those who suffer from pain associated with plantar fasciitis, there may be good news. Researchers recently tested the effects of injecting platelet-rich plasma into the feet of people suffering from the painful disorder. Dr. Raymond Monto is an orthopedic surgeon with Nantucket Cottage Hospital. As the author of the study, he was pleased with the results of the plasma therapy study.

"For most, after just one shot, we saw dramatic improvements. We're talking about restoration of well over 90 percent of normal function lasting at least a year after treatment."

While the initial test group was small, many are hopeful that platelet-rich plasma could be the answer to ending chronic heel pain. As Dr. Monto points out, the therapy is intended to help the 10 percent of people who do not respond to traditional plantar fasciitis treatments. Those who suffer with chronic plantar fasciitis are faced with frequent steroid injections and, possibly, surgery.

Plasma Therapy vs. Cortisone Injections

Cortisone injections work by reducing swelling and irritation in the heel. While the effects can last up to a year, most patients will feel pain returning closer to six months. In addition, cortisone shots, over a period of time, can damage tissue.

Plasma therapy, on the other hand, works by restoring the health of the tissue in the foot. If further research shows the same results as this initial study, it is possible that platelet therapy could help those who suffer from seemingly untreatable plantar fasciitis.

At the Wayne, NJ podiatry office of Wayne Foot & Ankle our podiatrists are hopeful that this new therapy will bring relief those with chronic plantar fasciitis. If you have questions about the best way to treat your heel pain, please do not hesitate to call the Wayne, NJ heel pain experts at 973.595.8900 to make an appointment.

Can Drinking Coffee Really Keep Diabetes at Bay?

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

A new study, performed by researchers in China, indicates that daily coffee intake may help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. The study asserts a 7 percent drop in the risk for type 2 diabetes for each cup of coffee consumed a day. While this news may have many reaching for a second cup of Joe, not everyone is convinced that coffee is the silver bullet for type 2 diabetes.

Limits to the Study

Researchers and doctors are not quite ready to prescribe coffee to their patients. The study was not conducted on actual people with diabetes. Instead, the study looked at the effects of the components of coffee—caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and caffeine—on individual cells.

Dr. Vivian Fonseca is the president of medicine and science at the American Diabetes Association. Dr. Fonseca is optimistic about the findings but he does have some concerns. While the research may mean that the compounds in coffee help reduce abnormal protein deposits found in those with type 2 diabetes, the study does have its limitations.

"This was done in cells, not in animals or people. We also don't know if the [abnormal deposits arising from hlAPP] are the most important thing in the development of type 2 diabetes, or if it's something that develops later."

The Wayne, NJ podiatrists at Wayne Foot & Ankle are hopeful that researchers will soon discover more ways prevent diabetes. In the meantime, we recommend that those with diabetes visit their podiatrist often to prevent some of the more common and damaging effects of diabetes on the feet.

Number of Diabetic Amputations Drops Dramatically

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

In 1996, 11 out of every 1,000 diabetics required foot or leg amputations due to complications of their disorder. This number, though seemingly low, represented the major struggle too many people were having controlling their diabetes. Fortunately, today these numbers have improved dramatically.

The Centers for Disease Control recently announced a decrease in the diabetic amputation rate. In 2008, only 4 out of every 1,000 diabetic adults experienced a diabetes-related amputation. This rate represents a 65% drop in the number of amputations in diabetics in the United States over a 12-year period.

Why Fewer Diabetics Are Suffering From Amputations

Experts agree that the major factor in the decline in foot amputations among diabetics is better foot care and better management of the condition. Those with diabetes are, in general, more informed about the best ways to manage factors such as:

Blood sugar
Blood pressure
Cholesterol
Level of exercise
Eating habits
Foot care

Preventing Diabetic Foot Issues Starts With You

The CDC has launched their National Diabetes Education Program to provide up-to-date information on the very best ways to prevent diabetes related foot issues. Their recommendations include:

Wash feet each day, keeping skin soft with lotion and gently smoothing corns and calluses.
Trim nails often and check for ingrown or fungus affected toenails.
Wear socks and comfortable shoes while awake to prevent foot injuries.
Wear socks to bed if your feet feel at all cold.
Cover feet to protect them from hot and cold temperatures.
Keep your level of activity up to promote proper blood flow to the feet.
Discuss foot care with your doctor and have regular check-ups.

The Wayne, NJ podiatrists at Wayne Foot & Ankle are encouraged to hear about the drop in diabetes-related amputations. We hope that you, as a diabetic, will continue to take the best possible care of your feet and health.

If you would like to be seen by one of our expert podiatrists, please call 973.595.8900 to make an appointment.

Heel Pain in Young Athletes Should Not Be Ignored

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

For quite some time, heel pain in young athletes was not seen as a concern. Many believed that the pain in the heel of these youngest players was par for the course and would not have any long term effects. However, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons is recommending that child athletes be seen for their heel pain as soon as possible.

Heel Pain Can Signal a More Serious Foot Problem

The pain in the heels of school aged children is most often caused by growth plate trauma. Trauma or injury to the growth plate can cause the following signs and symptoms:

Pain in bottom or back of the heel
Limping
Walking on the toes
Difficulty playing due to pain in the heel

If ignored or misdiagnosed, this common injury in youth athletes can cause permanent damage to the growth plate. The condition can be hard to diagnose and is often confused with bursitis, tendonitis or a fracture. Your Wayne, NJ foot and ankle surgeon (link to heel pain PA) will not only examine the foot and leg but also will possibly order imaging tests to ensure that the correct diagnosis is given.

Treatment Options for Heel Pain in Young Athletes

Most children successfully respond to non-invasive treatments such as shoe inserts, stretching exercises, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. However, there are times when a cast may be needed to immobilize the painful area. In the most serious cases, surgery may be required.

If your child is complaining of foot or ankle pain, please do not hesitate. Contact an experienced pediatric foot specialist in Wayne, NJ at 973.595.8900 to make an appointment.

Ladies of Wayne, NJ Face a Hard Choice: Pain or Fashion

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

You wear your heels, and you love your heels. Your feet look beautiful, yet on the inside they may be anything but. Podiatrists in Wayne, NJ and across the nation have been begging women for years to stop wearing high heels. Even one day, one day in painful high heels can damage your feet.

How Heels Damage Feet

In high heeled shoes, the entire weight of the body presses on the toes and the balls of the feet. In addition, the toe box on most heels is very narrow, causing the toes to compress into one another. This combination of weight on the toes, particularly the big toe, and the squeezing action of the toe box can cause bunions to form or worsen.

Approximately 25 percent of women over the age of 40 have severe foot problems directly related to their footwear. Bunions are not the only issue. Years of wearing stylish, yet uncomfortable, shoes cause changes in the structure of the foot. Examples of this are shifting of the bones of the foot and shortening of the muscles in the calf.

Fixing the Problems High Heels Cause

After decades in heels, Catherine Ange had done enough damage to her feet to necessitate four surgeries in three years. Now, Ange doesn’t wear heels, instead wearing custom orthotics in her boots or tennis shoes. Do they look as chic as her four inch Chanel pumps? No, but she is not longer in pain, and realizes that her shoe choices had serious repercussions.

The New Jersey bunion experts at Wayne Foot & Ankle want you to know that if you are in pain, no matter your choice of footwear, we can help. Please call 973.595.8900 today to make an appointment. Put an end to your pain; call today.

New Research Gives Hope to Those With Painful Flat Feet

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Adult acquired flat feet, also known as dropped arches, plague many of the patients we see in our Wayne, NJ podiatry office. While dropped arches can affect any adult, the people most likely to suffer from the condition are women over the age of 40.

The Most Common Causes of Flat Feet

Flat feet in babies and small children are not an issue. However, as a person gets older and their arches start to drop, the pain from the change can be excruciating. Adult acquired flat feet are caused by the stretching out of the tendon responsible for stabilizing the arch. Located near the ankle bone, the tendon, when stretched, can cause the arch to drop and the ankle to sag or turn inward.

This stretching can be aggravated by a person's tendency toward obesity, hypertension or diabetes. Some experts believe that wearing high heels often or walking for long periods of time on already weakened tendons can worsen the tension on the tendon. This wear-and-tear, among other factors, causes the arch to drop.

Study Points to Surprising Cause of Flat Feet, Possible Treatment

A team of researchers at England’s prestigious University of East Anglia recently conducted a study on flat feet. This study has uncovered a new possible cause. Researchers found that a particular enzyme was responsible for breaking down the cells of the tendon itself. The damage caused by this enzyme changed the tendon structure and composition.

Researchers are hopeful that new, emerging drug therapies can target the altered enzyme activity. When developed, these drugs could potentially stop, and even reverse, the damage done to the tendon.

While the discovery is great news, it may be many years until scientists are able to specifically tailor a successful drug therapy to treat flat feet. The New Jersey flat feet experts at Wayne Foot & Ankle are excited by the study’s findings. We hope that sooner, rather than later, we will be able to offer our patients a new, noninvasive way to treat their painful flat feet.

NJ Diabetics: Put Your Feet up- Just not on a Subway!

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A recent outbreak has been reported on New York subways. This outbreak is not a viral infection or other contagious illness. Surprisingly, it is an outbreak of police officers arresting any passenger found resting their feet on another seat. While the law does in fact state that subway passengers may take up no more than one seat, some feel that the police are going overboard. The officers have no regard for how empty or full the subway car is. Most of the arrests have taken place in the early morning hours. The passengers at that time are commuting to and from jobs that require either overnight work or a very early start time.
Diabetic Man Arrested on New York Subway
One such arrest particularly troubled our Wayne, NJ podiatrists. A diabetic man, Juan Castillo, placed his feet on a subway seat after injecting himself with insulin. Police witnessed Castillo briefly resting his foot on the seat and arrested him. Mr. Castillo was put in jail and denied access to his insulin for 30 hours. Because of the lack of insulin, Mr. Castillo subsequently required a two-day hospitalization.
As New Jersey podiatrists that specialize in diabetic foot care, we know how important it is that our patients always have access to their medications. It is crucial for diabetics to care for their feet, no matter the time or place. Improper insulin levels can contribute to circulation issues that have a disastrous effect on the health of the feet of a diabetic individual.
We hope that Mr. Castillo suffered no long-term effects and that police will think twice about limiting access to insulin and other medications for those who need them.

Steelers Quarterback Roethlisberger Plagued by Ankle Sprain

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

As an athlete in his prime, Ben Roethlisberger doesn't have the time to wait around while his sprained ankle heals. Yet time heals all wounds, and time is what will have the biggest impact on his recovery.
Roethlisberger was sacked by two defensive tackles in a December, 2011 game. The resulting high ankle sprain has been plaguing him ever since. Immediately after the tackle, the quarterback was given an x-ray and treated for a Grade I High Ankle Sprain.
While Roethlisberger managed to return to the field to help win the game, he was limping and the ankle was heavily taped. Roethlisberger played again the next week, his performance was negatively affected by the sprain. He was not able to play the following week's game.
A Sprained Ankle Affects Roethlisberger's Mobility and His Effectiveness
For Roethlisberger, his ability to move within the pocket is the one of the keys to his success as a quarterback. With his mobility seriously affected by the ankle injury, Roethlisberger has found himself having to alter his game, throwing lots of short passes; not always an effective game time strategy.

With the season now over for the Steelers, Roethlisberger should have the time he needs to recuperate from his ankle injury. As our Wayne, NJ foot and ankle surgeons know, time is often the key to fully healing a sprained ankle.

Too much strain on the injured ankle, too soon, can do more harm than good. Quick medical treatment from an experienced New Jersey podiatrist as soon as possible after the sprain is crucial. The specialists at Wayne Foot & Ankle provide treatment to prevent further ankle injuries and lingering pain.