Peripheral Neuropathy and Its Impact on Your Feet

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often leading to weakness, numbness, and pain in the feet. It can develop from diabetes, certain cancer treatments, or an accident or injury that harms nerve function. Symptoms may include tingling, burning, loss of sensation, or difficulty walking due to reduced balance and coordination. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve health, provide protective footwear, treat related foot problems, and offer strategies to improve circulation and reduce discomfort. If you are noticing unusual sensations or changes in your feet, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose peripheral neuropathy, and offer you additional management tips.

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 one of our podiatrists  from Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 our offices located in Fort Lee, NJ and Flushing, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Wearing the Right Shoes for the Farming Industry

Wearing the right shoes while farming is essential for staying safe, dry, and comfortable during long hours of work. Proper farm footwear should offer slip resistance to prevent falls on wet surfaces, toe protection to guard against heavy objects, puncture resistance to avoid injury from sharp tools or debris, and durability to handle rough terrain. Supportive shoes also help reduce fatigue and protect the feet from long-term strain. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend the best footwear for your needs, and address any pain or injury caused by demanding farm work. If you have sustained a foot injury from wearing the wrong shoes at work, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on the correct shoes to wear.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 contact our offices located in Fort Lee, NJ and Flushing, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Get Professional Care for a Broken Foot or Ankle

Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.

Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.

Symptoms and Risk Factors for a Broken Foot

A broken foot occurs when one or more of the 26 bones in the foot fracture due to injury or stress. These bones include the metatarsals, phalanges, tarsals, and heel bone, all of which are vital to balance and mobility. A break can result from accidents, falls, sports injuries, or dropping something heavy on the foot. Symptoms vary depending on severity but often include sudden pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to bear weight. In severe cases, the bone may protrude through the skin or cause visible deformity. People with improper footwear or weakened bones are more likely to experience foot fractures. A podiatrist can help by ordering X-rays to determine the location and extent of the injury and recommend appropriate treatment, which may involve immobilization or surgery. If you have broken a bone in the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and guidance on returning to activities.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

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How Being Overweight Affects Foot Health

Carrying excess body weight places continuous pressure on the feet, which can strain bones, joints, and soft tissues with every step. The arches may gradually flatten under the increased load, altering foot posture and leading to plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or toe deformities. Extra weight can also add to plantar pressure, particularly under the ball of the foot and heel, which may result in pain and changes in walking patterns. Over time, this stress can affect balance and stability, making it more difficult for the feet and ankles to support normal movement. In some cases, the toes may curl or become misaligned due to the constant pressure on the forefoot. A podiatrist can evaluate these changes, assess how weight affects your foot structure, and recommend treatment to relieve pain and improve mobility. If you experience foot or ankle pain as a result of carrying extra weight, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

  • When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
  • Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
  • Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Fort Lee, NJ and Flushing, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Advanced Podiatric Procedures & Services in Flushing, NY 11355 and Fort Lee, NJ 07024