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Caring for Feet Affected by Systemic Diseases
When treating foot problems in people with systemic conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, a coordinated approach is essential. These health issues can quietly affect the feet, leading to complications such as poor circulation, nerve damage, joint deformities, or slow-healing wounds. Proper management often requires collaboration between podiatrists and other health care providers. In people with diabetes, monitoring for skin changes, numbness, and ulcers is critical, as unnoticed injuries can progress quickly. For those with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation and joint damage can alter foot shape and function, increasing the risk of pain, instability, and skin problems. Regular foot exams, custom orthotics, and wearing appropriate footwear are often part of a long-term care plan. If you have diabetes or arthritis and are noticing changes in your feet, it is suggested you visit a podiatrist to prevent complications and protect your overall health.
When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.
Systemic Diseases of the Feet
Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.
Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.
Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.
Diabetes of the Feet
Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.
Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Support Starts at the Ground While Finding the Right Running Shoes
Choosing the right running shoes begins with understanding your foot type, such as flat, neutral, or high-arched, as each requires different support. Your running style, whether on roads or trails, also affects the type of shoe you need. Shoe categories include stability, cushioned, or motion control, each offering unique benefits based on foot biomechanics. Achieving the perfect fit means ensuring proper toe room, arch support, and heel grip without discomfort. A podiatrist can analyze your gait, assess foot structure, and recommend shoes or inserts tailored to your needs. If you have developed foot pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on selecting the right running shoe.
You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.
Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe
- Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
- There should be little to no slipping at the heel
- Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
- Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
- Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
How Gout Differs in Women and Men
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden pain, redness, and swelling. While it is more common in men, women can develop gout later in life, often after menopause when hormonal changes reduce the protective effect of estrogen. While gout predominantly affects the big toe in both women and men, women may also experience gout in the knees, wrists, fingers, and ankles. Symptoms can also be less intense among women at first making diagnosis harder. A podiatrist can evaluate joint pain, confirm a diagnosis, and recommend lifestyle changes and treatment. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to help you manage this painful condition.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Sever’s Disease in Children
Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, especially those who are active in sports. It occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes irritated from repetitive impact or tight calf muscles. Children may complain of pain during or after activity, and the heel may feel tender when pressed. Rest is important to allow healing, and switching to low-impact activities can reduce stress on the heel. Wearing supportive shoes with cushioning, heel lifts, or custom inserts may also help ease discomfort. Stretching exercises for the calves and Achilles tendon can improve flexibility and reduce tension. Most children improve with time and simple care, but the condition can return if stress on the heel continues. If heel pain persists or affects your child’s ability to stay active, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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