Overpronation occurs when the foot rolls inward excessively when walking or running, placing uneven stress on bones, ligaments, and tendons. Common causes of overpronation include flat feet, ligament laxity, obesity, pregnancy changes, ankle injury, and footwear that lacks adequate support. These mechanics can contribute to heel pain, arch strain, shin discomfort, knee symptoms, and abnormal shoe wear. A podiatrist evaluates overpronation through history, gait analysis, and examination of alignment and joint motion. Treatment focuses on restoring balanced mechanics and reducing strain on the lower extremities. Options include custom orthotics, changes in footwear, activity modification, and strengthening programs supervised by a podiatrist. Bracing or surgery may be needed when structural deformity is present and symptoms persist. If you are experiencing symptoms of overpronation, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Brandon M. Zuklie, DPM from New Jersey. 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

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

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 offices located in Piscataway, Jamesburg, and Branchburg, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop from repeated pressure or friction on the feet. They often appear as small hardened bumps and may cause pain or tenderness, especially when walking. Common symptoms include discomfort, redness, and sensitivity in the affected area. Corns are often caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, abnormal foot structure, or repetitive motion. Risk factors include high arches, toe deformities, and prolonged standing or walking. There are different types of corns, including hard corns that form on the tops or sides of toes and soft corns that develop between toes where moisture is present. If you have developed a corn, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can safely remove corns, address underlying causes, and recommend proper footwear or custom orthotics. 

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Brandon M. Zuklie, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

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.