If you need a more accessible version of this website, click this button on the right.Switch to Accessible Site
We are Open and Following CDC Guidelines
Leave Google Review for Burlington County Podiatry Associates
 

January 2024

Tuesday, 30 January 2024 00:00

Understanding Numb Feet During Pregnancy

The phenomenon of numb feet during pregnancy is a common yet often perplexing experience for expectant mothers. The increased pressure on blood vessels and nerves, primarily in the lower extremities, is a key factor contributing to this sensation. As the uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby, it can exert pressure on the pelvic blood vessels, hindering optimal circulation. This reduced blood flow to the feet can result in numbness and tingling sensations. Furthermore, hormonal changes during pregnancy can impact nerve function, amplifying the likelihood of experiencing numbness. While this occurrence is generally harmless, pregnant women must prioritize proper footwear, avoid prolonged periods of standing, and incorporate gentle exercises to promote circulation. If you are experiencing foot pain or numbing sensations during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can provide you with additional relief methods.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Harris L. Klear from Burlington County Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Read more about Pregnancy and Foot Health

Neuropathy, a condition that affects the peripheral nerves, can result in various symptoms, and often has a pronounced impact on the feet. Individuals experiencing neuropathy may encounter sensations of tingling, burning, or numbness in their lower extremities. These discomforting sensations can progress to sharp, stabbing pain, hindering mobility and diminishing overall quality of life. Loss of coordination and balance may also occur, elevating the risk of falls and injuries. Changes in skin texture and temperature, coupled with muscle weakness, are additional indicators of neuropathy. As the condition advances, individuals may develop foot deformities. Seeking medical attention when these signs arise is imperative to identify the underlying causes, which may include diabetes, infections, or autoimmune disorders. If you are experiencing symptoms of neuropathy in your feet, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose this condition and offer treatment methods. 

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 Dr. Harris L. Klear from Burlington County Podiatry Associates. 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 one of our offices located in Marlton and Delran, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Neuropathy
Tuesday, 16 January 2024 00:00

Stretches for the Toes

You can enhance your foot health with simple toe stretches that promote flexibility and reduce the risk of injuries. These exercises are designed to increase blood flow, helping to relieve pain and swelling. Whether you are targeting general foot health or addressing a specific condition, like bunions, these stretches are a valuable addition to your daily foot health routine. Start with the toe lift stretch, where you sit with your feet flat on the floor, lifting your toes to the same height for five seconds before lowering. Repeat 10 times on each foot, gradually increasing repetitions. Next, the toe lift and spread can be done seated, lifting your toes and spreading them apart for added resistance. Use a rubber band for increased difficulty and repeat 10 times on each foot. For the toe flex stretch, stand with feet shoulder-width apart, using a wall for support. Flex the toes of one foot against the wall for five seconds, repeating 10 times on each foot while using your hands for stability. Finally, the big toe pull stretch involves sitting with feet flat on the floor, wrapping a towel or belt around your big toe. Pull the towel toward you while resisting with your foot for five seconds. Repeat 10 times on each foot to promote mobility and flexibility. If you are experiencing toe pain that worsens, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam. 

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 Dr. Harris L. Klear from Burlington County Podiatry Associates. Our doctor 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 doctor 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 one of our offices located in Marlton and Delran, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Exercise for Your Feet
Saturday, 13 January 2024 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

As young athletes embark on their journey in sports, the health of their feet and ankles becomes paramount to their overall well-being and performance. The developing musculoskeletal system of young individuals is more susceptible to various conditions that can impact their mobility and athletic prowess. Common issues include Sever's disease, an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, and Osgood-Schlatter disease, which affects the growth plate at the top of the shinbone. Sprained ankles, often incurred during high-impact activities, require prompt attention to prevent lingering complications. Additionally, stress fractures, a result of repetitive strain on the bones, can affect young athletes pushing their physical limits. It is vital for parents, coaches, and young athletes alike to be aware of these conditions, emphasizing the significance of wearing proper footwear and getting adequate rest. If your active child has developed a foot or ankle condition, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer the appropriate treatment methods.

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. Harris L. Klear from Burlington County Podiatry Associates. 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 one of our offices located in Marlton and Delran, 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, 02 January 2024 00:00

Definition and Causes of Flat Feet

Flat feet, medically known as pes planus, refers to a condition where the arches of the feet are significantly flattened, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This deviation from the typical arch structure can result from various factors. Weak arch development during childhood, often due to genetics, is a common cause of flat feet. Additionally, injuries or inflammation in the tendons and ligaments that support the arch can contribute to this condition. Arthritis and certain neurological conditions may also affect the arches, leading to the collapse of the foot's natural curve. Pregnancy and obesity can exert extra stress on the feet, potentially causing the arches to flatten over time. Understanding the definition and causes of flat feet is important for individuals experiencing discomfort or seeking preventive measures. If you have flat feet, and have difficulty in completing daily activities, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Harris L. Klear from Burlington County Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Read more about Flat Feet
Connect with us