Charcot foot is a rare but serious condition that can affect people with diabetes and nerve damage. It occurs when the bones in the foot weaken and begin to fracture or dislocate without causing much pain. As the condition progresses, the foot may change shape, often becoming swollen, warm, and visibly deformed. Without treatment, continued walking on the affected foot can lead to severe damage, ulcers, and even risk of limb loss. Early signs are often mistaken for a simple sprain or infection, so prompt evaluation is essential. Treatment usually involves immobilization with a cast or boot to allow the bones to heal, followed by wearing custom footwear to prevent recurrence. In advanced cases, surgery may be needed to correct deformities. If you have diabetes and notice sudden swelling, redness, or warmth in your foot, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Gout in the heel is a painful condition that occurs when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream, forming crystals that deposit in the joints, including the heel. This typically happens when the body is unable to eliminate excess uric acid, often due to factors like consuming purine-rich foods like red meat or shellfish. Alcohol or dehydration can also play a role. While gout is commonly felt in the big toe, it also can affect the heel. Symptoms of gout in the heel include intense, sudden pain, swelling, and redness, often worsening at night. The pain can be sharp and throbbing, making even the slightest pressure, such as walking or wearing shoes, extremely uncomfortable. The heel may also feel warm to the touch, and the skin around the area may appear inflamed. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through physical exams, blood tests, and joint fluid analysis. They can offer treatments such as medications to reduce inflammation and pain, lifestyle advice to lower uric acid levels, and guidance on proper footwear. If you are dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for care.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Brandon M. Zuklie, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.

Heel pain in children is a common complaint that can stem from several causes, often related to growth and physical activity. Sever's disease is one of the most frequent sources, involving inflammation of the growth plate in the heel due to repetitive stress or impact during sports. Plantar fasciitis can also develop when the thick tissue that supports the arch becomes irritated, causing discomfort in the heel, especially after rest. Achilles tendinitis results from overuse of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel, leading to pain and stiffness. In more serious cases, a fracture may be the cause, often from a fall or direct impact. If your child has heel pain, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.