Neuropathy is a condition caused by damage to the nerves that transmit signals between the brain, spinal cord, and body. There are several types that affect the feet in different ways. Sensory neuropathy causes numbness, tingling, burning, or pain, often leading to unrecognized injuries. Autonomic neuropathy may affect sweating and skin health, causing dryness or temperature changes. Motor neuropathy results in muscle weakness, cramping, and changes in foot shape that increase pressure points. Additionally, mononeuropathy involves damage to a single nerve, causing localized pain or weakness. Causes may include diabetes, trauma, infections, poor circulation, or nutritional deficiencies. When neuropathy affects the feet, it increases the risk of wounds, balance problems, and infections. If you have symptoms of neuropathy in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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 Brandon M. Zuklie, DPM from New Jersey. 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 our offices located in Piscataway, Jamesburg, and Branchburg, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A non-diabetes-related foot ulcer is an open sore on the foot that develops from factors other than diabetes. These ulcers often form due to poor circulation, pressure, trauma, or underlying skin conditions. Common causes include arterial disease, venous insufficiency, friction from footwear, and repetitive stress. Types of non diabetes related ulcers may include arterial ulcers, venous ulcers, and pressure ulcers, each affecting the foot in different ways. Symptoms can include slow healing wounds, drainage, redness, pain, or skin breakdown. A podiatrist can identify the type and cause of the ulcer, provide proper wound care, improve pressure distribution, and help prevent infection or further tissue damage. If you notice a sore on your foot that does not heal or worsens over time, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and expert care.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Brandon M. Zuklie, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Swollen ankles and feet can develop for many reasons, ranging from simple fluid buildup after a long day to circulation problems, vein issues, medication effects, or conditions such as diabetes and arthritis. The swelling may feel tight, heavy, or warm, and shoes may suddenly feel snug. Some people notice puffiness that improves with rest, while others see persistent fullness that returns each day. Because the feet and ankles sit far from the heart, they are especially sensitive to changes in circulation and pressure. A podiatrist can evaluate the pattern of swelling, check skin and nail health, assess circulation, and identify whether the cause is mechanical, inflammatory, or related to an underlying medical condition. Treatment may include wearing supportive footwear, targeted compression, activity guidance, or wound care if the skin becomes affected. If swelling continues or begins to limit daily movement, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Brandon M. Zuklie, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Cuboid syndrome occurs when the cuboid bone becomes irritated or slightly shifted out of position, creating sharp pain along the outside of the foot. A podiatrist begins the evaluation by reviewing recent injuries, activity changes, or ankle sprains, since these often contribute to the condition. The physical exam focuses on locating tenderness, assessing joint mobility, and checking for pain during specific foot movements that stress the cuboid. Imaging may be ordered to rule out fractures, but diagnosis is mainly clinical. Treatment centers on restoring proper alignment and easing inflammation. A targeted manipulation of the cuboid can offer quick relief, and taping or padding helps keep the joint stable as it heals. Custom orthotics may also be used for long-term support. Stretching and strengthening exercises complete recovery. If the outside of your foot hurts, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for accurate diagnosis and individualized care.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Brandon M. Zuklie, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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