Items filtered by date: February 2019

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for a condition that causes excessive sweating all over the body. Plantar hyperhidrosis is a form of this condition that specifically affects the feet. This ailment usually begins in childhood or adolescence, and in severe cases can cause some physical limitations. The extra moisture can make the feet more prone to bacterial or fungal infections and blisters. Tinea pedis and pitted keratolysis are two examples of possible infections that can result from excess moisture. These two infections can easily be treated with antifungal cream, antibiotic cream, or medication. Plantar hyperhidrosis is symmetric, so it affects both feet equally. The sweating can range from mild excessive sweating to severe constant sweating. If you think you may have plantar hyperhidrosis, then it is recommended you consult with a podiatrist to learn new methods to help living with this condition.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists of Princeton Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Princeton and West Windsor, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

It is relatively simple to detect the condition that is known as hammertoe. The middle toes are bent in a downward position, which may often be the result of wearing shoes that are too tight. This type of shoe may not provide adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, this may create an imbalance in the muscles of the toes and may cause difficulty in straightening the toe. The symptoms that are associated with hammertoe may include pain and discomfort, corns or calluses, or difficulty in walking. Treatment may include using appropriate cushioning on the affected toe or toes, and treating any corns or calluses that may be present. If you feel you have hammertoe, it is advised to consult with a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis, followed by beginning the treatment that is right for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Princeton Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Princeton and West Windsor, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The elder population may experience foot conditions as the aging process occurs. It is common for the feet to lose cushioning, and the skin and nails may become brittle and dry. Any foot sores that may be present may heal slowly as a result of poor circulation. Many patients experience corns and calluses, and research has indicated that if proper shoes are worn, these conditions may be avoided. Elderly people may suffer from ingrown toenails, which may often be caused by trimming the toenails improperly. If diabetes is a concern, proper care must be taken to ensure the feet are kept clean and dry. If there are sores or cuts present, it is suggested to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition, and offer guidance on how to properly take care of elderly feet.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Princeton Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Princeton and West Windsor, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The symptoms which are often experienced if you have poor circulation may be a tingling sensation in the hands and feet, in addition to feeling cold frequently throughout the day. Research has indicated it may be a symptom of a serious health issue which may include a heart attack or stroke. Poor circulation may develop as a result of a compromised blood flow, and this may prevent the body’s organs from receiving nutrients and oxygen. Some patients may notice muscle cramps in their feet, a general feeling of fatigue, or possibly pain and discomfort in the affected limbs. There may be measures that can be implemented which may help the symptoms of this condition, and these may include incorporating a gentle exercise program into your daily routine, and ingesting foods which can lead to a healthy lifestyle. If you are noticing any symptoms of poor circulation, it is advised to seek a consultation with a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis this condition.

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 Princeton Foot & Ankle Associates. 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 one of our offices located in Princeton and West Windsor, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.