- Blogs
- August 25, 2023
- Category: Arthritis
- Tags: arthritis, Common Injuries, custom orthotics, foot health, injury prevention, orthotics, Pain, pain management, podiatrist, Podiatry Appointment, shoe inserts, West Hartford Podiatry Associates
Living with arthritis can cause you to limit your daily activity, preventing you from enjoying some of the things you love. Even though there’s no cure for this condition, there are plenty of ways to treat and overcome arthritis with the help of your podiatrist. Here’s a simple guide for taking care of your arthritis.
Ask About Inserts
One of the best ways to manage arthritis is by considering custom orthotics and shoe inserts. Orthotics are designed to be worn inside your shoe, providing support and lessening the pain of the condition you’re dealing with. For arthritis, they can also put less pressure on your joints and increase mobility.
Steer Clear of Injuries
Minimizing any activities that further aggravate your condition is highly recommended. For those who love to go on a daily run, limit your activity to a short walk. Always pay attention to how your body responds and adjust from there. If you push yourself too far, you risk injuring yourself. Swimming and cycling are also great alternatives to high-impact sports. Staying active despite arthritis is important since maintaining a healthy weight can help put less stress on your joints.
Consider Your Pain-Management Options
There are plenty of exercises that help increase flexibility and strengthen muscles in your feet and ankles. Your podiatrist can help you develop a personalized exercise routine that fits your needs. In most cases, physical therapy is a great way to lessen pain from arthritis. But for others, exercise and movement can lead to more pain. If this is the case, let your podiatrist know.
Talk With Your Podiatrist
If your arthritis pain and discomfort impact your life daily, it might be time to talk with your podiatrist about surgery. There are numerous types of surgery, all based on where your arthritis is located and its impact on your joints.
At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Marc Lederman, DPM, and Kurt Rode, DPM, treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and neuromas. We provide the best podiatric solutions to patients of all ages in Hartford County. Contact us for your foot and ankle needs. Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.
- Blogs
- February 21, 2023
- Category: Bunion
- Tags: arthritis, Bunion Doctor, bunionette, Bunions, feet, Footwear, orthotics, Pain, podiatrist, toe joint, toe pain, toes, West Hartford Podiatry Associates
Those who have a bunion know that dealing with the everyday pain and discomfort that comes along with it can be a real drag. Things like walking, wearing shoes, or exercising grow more difficult, interfering with your daily life. The good news is you don’t have to suffer forever! There are plenty of ways you can treat your bunion, both at home and with the help of a trusted podiatrist. 
What is a Bunion?
Do you notice a bony bump on your big toe joint? Chances are it’s a bunion! When some of the bones in the front part of your foot shift and move around, usually due to foot trauma or improper footwear, it forces the tip of your big toe to get pulled toward your other toes. This makes the base of your big toe joint stick out, which is when a bunion occurs.
Is your bump along the outside of your pinky toe joint? That’s what’s known as a tailor’s bunion, or a bunionette. You may get one due to genetics, arthritis, or tight-fitting shoes.
How do you know if you have a bunion or bunionette? Let’s take a look at some of the top symptoms…
- A bony bump along the big toe or pinky toe joint
- Pain, redness, and swelling around the big toe or pinky toe.
- Calluses
- Corns
- Pain, most commonly when walking
- Difficulty moving your toe.
- Finding your shoes now fit uncomfortably.
How We Can Help
If you suspect you have a bunion, the best course of action you can take is to call your podiatrist. They’re equipped to help treat you properly and as quickly as possible. After a diagnosis, there are many treatment options available that don’t include surgery.
One of the best options available is orthotics. These shoe inserts are completely custom-made and help to relieve your pain and treat your condition at the same time. Bunion pads may help, as well.
Finding comfortable shoes that don’t aggravate your bunion and provide enough support and cushioning is a great idea. This will help prevent your bunion from getting worse. Cortisone shots may be recommended.
Using at-home treatments alongside your podiatrist’s recommendations can help you get rid of your bunion even faster. For most of your pain and discomfort, you can take an over-the-counter medication, like Aleve or Advil. This will help with any swelling and inflammation.
Rest your feet often and avoid any strenuous exercise for the time being. Physical therapy may be a great option for you. Alternatively, you can stretch your feet at home to help with any stiffness you have.
If you have a bunion, don’t wait to call! Talk to your podiatrist today.
At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Marc Lederman, DPM and Kurt Rode, DPM, treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and neuromas. We provide the best podiatric solutions to patients of all ages.
- contactus@westhartfordpodiatry.net
- March 17, 2021
- Category: National Nutrition Month
- Tags: arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, peripheral neuropathy
Have you thought about how the foods you eat can lead to inflammation or even increase your risk for osteoporosis? Inflammation can contribute to forms of arthritis, including gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoporosis can increase your risk of fractures. March is National Nutrition Month, and the doctors at West Hartford Podiatry Associates want to encourage you to think differently about your food choices.
Which foods increase the risk of inflammation?
Excess sugar, refined grains, junk foods, saturated fats found in red meat, and many others may lead to increased inflammation. Polyunsaturated fats like Omega-6, common in vegetable oils, may also increase the risk if consumed in excess.
What are some examples of anti-inflammatory foods?
Look for foods that are high in polyunsaturated fats, like Omega-3 and -6, including salmon and fish oil supplements. Balance the Omega-3 fats with the Omega-6 fats. Also, go green. Include green vegetables and fresh plant-based foods in your diet.
Which foods can improve bone health?
To boost your bone health, add more calcium and vitamin D to your diet. For additional calcium, choose dairy options like milk, cheese, and yogurt — or non-dairy options like green vegetables. For vitamin D, choose fatty fish such as tuna or salmon.
Eating the right way helps your body feel its best and function its best. Other complications associated with high-sugar diets include peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, and peripheral arterial disease.
In the spirit of National Nutrition Month, make some changes to what you eat. We’re here to help you spring forward and reduce the risk of complications.
At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Harvey Lederman, DPM, Marc Lederman, DPM, and Kurt Rode, DPM treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain and neuromas. We provide the best podiatric solutions to patients of all ages in Hartford County. Contact us for your foot and ankle needs. Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.
arthritis
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