Neuropathy is a general term used to describe dysfunction or disease of the nerves. Peripheral neuropathy is nerve dysfunction that occurs in one or more peripheral nerves (nerves that are not part of the brain or spinal cord). Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by diabetes, genetic disorders, infections, autoimmune diseases, alcoholism, toxins, medications, and tumors, or there may be no known cause. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include pain, sensitivity to touch, numbness, tingling, or decreased feeling in the feet, which may make it difficult or impossible to detect developing wounds. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment with a podiatrist. They will examine you and conduct various imaging tests to determine the cause and severity of your condition and the most effective treatment options available to you.
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 Jeannette Velazquez, DPM from Bare Foot Care Specialist. 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:
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 Flowery Branch, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Many individuals throughout the American workforce spend a significant amount of the workday on their feet. For example, cooks, construction workers, and hairstylists spend most of their time on the clock standing on their feet. There are a few things to be mindful of, however, for pregnant women who hold jobs that require them to stand all day. Standing for prolonged periods while pregnant can not only be dangerous, but it can also be difficult or painful. It is recommended that pregnant women stand for no more than four or five hours while taking frequent breaks throughout the workday. Since pregnant women’s feet are prone to swelling, it is more important to listen to your body and give your feet the rest that they need. As the pregnancy progresses, a woman might notice standing becomes increasingly difficult throughout the workday. Pregnant women might choose to lie down during breaks as well as stay hydrated and elevate their feet. Working on one’s feet is certainly nothing to take lightly, particularly if you are pregnant or are planning to be. Consult with a podiatrist for the best advice on maintaining the health of your feet.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Jeannette Velazquez, DPM from Bare Foot Care Specialist. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Flowery Branch, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
It is recommended that proper foot care is maintained as a daily habit. It is important to practice everyday foot care during the aging process, as this can help in mobility and range of motion. This is needed to enjoy walking, shopping, and generally being active. Wearing comfortable shoes is important to the overall health of the body, and it can be beneficial to alternate the shoes that are worn with a second pair. Additionally, it can help to refrain from walking barefoot, as this can prevent athlete’s foot and blisters. The shoes that are worn can help to improve balance, and decrease the risk of falling. A good time to purchase shoes is at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest, and they should feel comfortable from the moment they are tried on. Some patients wear custom made orthotics with existing medical conditions that can consist of arthritis and chronic foot ailments. Trimming the toenails correctly can possibly prevent an ingrown toenail from developing, and corns may be prevented by weaning shoes that have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. If you would like more information about the importance of maintaining elderly foot care, please consult with a podiatrist.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Jeannette Velazquez, DPM from Bare Foot Care Specialist. Our doctor 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
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 our office located in Flowery Branch, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The foot is a fascinating and complicated structure. The entire body is supported by the feet, which consist of 26 bones and numerous tendons, ligaments, and muscles. There are three parts to the foot: the rear, mid, and forefoot. The arch of the foot is instrumental in absorbing the impact that comes from walking and running and acts as a lever that can move the foot. While standing normally, the body is balanced over the center of the foot and this places the greatest amount of stress on the arch. This pressure moves to the heel, which can hold approximately 50% of body weight. Many things naturally happen when walking occurs. The arch and surrounding tissues must absorb the impact as the heel strikes the ground and eventually pushes off as the step is completed. This is typically a smooth and coordinated movement, and any glitches during this process may result in foot pain. Additional stress is put on the ankles and arches with heavy patients, as the entire body works harder while walking. If you would like to know more information about foot structure, please consult with a podiatrist.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jeannette Velazquez, DPM from Bare Foot Care Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Flowery Branch, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Stress fractures of the foot, considered to be overuse injuries, are cracked bones that result from repetitive impact. They are common to runners, especially those whose footwear does not support the foot sufficiently. Women with osteoporosis are also prone to getting stress fractures. A podiatrist can diagnose stress fractures, starting with a medical history of your past injuries, along with a review of your eating habits, exercise regime, and daily activities. X-rays may not be able to detect the hairline fractures until a month or so following the injury, so other types of imaging tests may be necessary. A bone scan may be conducted, calling for a dose of radioactive material given intravenously. However, the results may not be conclusive, because many types of bone problems look alike. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test may be administered. This process uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field that create detailed images of the bones. The MRI is considered to be the best indicator of stress fractures, because it shows fractures sooner than an X-ray can, and it also differentiates between bone and soft tissue injuries. An ultrasound test or a CT scan (computed tomography) also can be used to diagnose stress fractures. If you believe the pain in your feet is being caused by a stress fracture, please consult a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Jeannette Velazquez, DPM from Bare Foot Care Specialist. 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:
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 feel free to contact our office located in Flowery Branch, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
