732-382-3470
 

Find Us

Dr. Brandon Macy
Podiatrist - Clark, NJ
1114 Raritan Road
Clark, NJ 07066

Foot Notes

Archive:

Tags

Categories:

Have a question? Find answers and other helpful topics in our digital library.

 

 

 

Foot Notes

Posts for tag: obesity

By Clark Podiatry Center
July 17, 2019
Category: Diabetic Foot Care

One of the most serious conditions a podiatrist has to contend with is diabetes. What is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition where your blood sugar or glucose levels are too high. Diabetes can cause nerve damage that in some cases, can lead to amputation. It is estimated that 100 million Americans suffer from diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes include:

  • Unusual thirst – the need for fluid
  • Unusual hunger – the constant need for food
  • Frequent urination – use of bathroom more than usual
  • Unusual weight loss – unexplained
  • Exhaustion - tiredness
  • Moodiness - depression
  • Blurred vision – lack of focus
  • Sores - take a long time to heal

There are 3 types of diabetes. They are:

  • Type 1 diabetes – Requires the use of insulin. Insulin helps break down sugar to be used by the body as energy.  The body doesn’t produce insulin
  • Type 2 diabetes – lower amounts of insulin still produced by the body
  • Gestational diabetes – often developed during pregnancy

Risk factors for diabetes include:

  • Obesity – excessive weight
  • High cholesterol – Having low levels of good – LDL -cholesterol
  • Age – the older the person, the more likely you are to develop diabetes
  • Race – more often found in blacks, Hispanics, Asian and Native Americans
  • Genetics – can be passed from family members
  • High blood pressure – Above 140/90 can develop diabetes
  • Lack of exercise – sedentary lifestyle

Ways to treat diabetes include frequent inspections of your feet for cuts and bruises and infections, a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein and exercise. Diabetes can cause something called neuropathy or damaged nerves, which can lead to infection. Other complications can include blindness, loss of a limb, kidney damage, heart disease, skin irritations, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression.

The good news about diabetes is that it is a treatable condition if you catch it early and follow the doctor’s orders. If you believe you have, are developing diabetes, or have any other concerns about your feet, schedule an appointment with Clark Podiatry Center to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon A. Macy. He can assess your feet to ensure that you keep your feet healthy. Visit us at our Clark, New Jersey office today!

0 Comment(s) Permalink
By Clark Podiatry Center
August 15, 2018
Category: Foot Conditions

Also known as Adult-Acquired Flat Foot or Tibialis Posterior Tendonitis, this condition results in a flattened arch in the foot. Those affected might experience symptoms such as pain along the inside of the ankle and foot, as well as a foot deformity with a shifted heel bone. Left untreated, it can cause chronic pain and severe deformity, making it hard to find shoes that fit comfortably.

What causes it?

  • Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) – This is one of the most common causes of painful progressive flat foot. When there is inflammation of the posterior tibial tendon, or if it is damaged or torn, it can no longer properly hold up the arches of the feet.
  • Health issues – Obesity (excess weight that the feet have to bear), Diabetes (reduced sensation can lead to weakened foot structures and eventually lead to Charcot Foot), and Hypertension (reduced blood supply to the tendon).
  • Arthritis: When joints and bones are affected by arthritis, they can become weakened and allow for a collapsed arch.
  • Injury: Blunt trauma can cause the issues that lead to a fallen arch, including inflamed or torn tendon, or structural deformity in the feet.
  • Flat foot since childhood – Some folks are born with flat feet, and they may not always cause problems until later in life when the arch collapses.

What can be done to treat it?

  • Orthotics, including custom supportive inserts, specially made shoes, immobilizing casts, or supportive braces. These assistive devices can help to correct your gait and posture. They can prevent your feet from rolling inward from having flat feet, as well as relieve pressure on the arches as you walk and stand.  
  • Physical therapy can be helpful to strengthen the soft tissue in the feet to correct gait.
  • Icing and NSAIDs can help relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation.
  • Treat health conditions like obesity (weight loss), diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis.
  • In rare cases, surgery might be an option to treat any posterior tibial tendon issues, or if there are any structural bone issues.

If you suspect that your arches have fallen and if you have pain along the inside of your feet or ankles, make an appointment today at Clark Podiatry Center. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy will assess your feet to find the best treatments or solutions for your feet. We are located in Clark, NJ and serve patients in all the surrounding Union County towns!

0 Comment(s) Permalink


Contact Us

Questions or Comments?
We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.

Call Today 732-382-3470

1114 Raritan Road
Clark, NJ 07066

Podiatrist - Clark, Dr. Brandon Macy, 1114 Raritan Road, Clark NJ, 07066 732-382-3470