Arthritis of the Feet

                     

                    

Arthritis of the feet is such a common condition, it is often overlooked or just ignored.  About 80% of people over 40 years of age have arthritic changes in the feet.  For serious inflammatory arthritic conditions of the feet, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, medications are needed to keep the disease under control.

                    

The vast majority suffer from degenerative or osteoarthritis.  This condition can range from non-symptomatic to disabling.  Most problems due to osteoarthritis involve stiffness or soreness of the joints, lack of motion, formation of bone spurs, hammertoes and bunions.

                    

For most, wearing well cushioned, lace-up supportive footwear can be enough to keep the feet comfortable.  If that is not adequate, stretching exercises, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections, physical therapy, and topical analgesic creams can all help.  For severe instances of osteoarthritis, such as rigid joints, painful bunions and hammertoes, surgical correction may be indicated.

                    

Many of my patients who suffer from painful foot arthritis benefit from arch supports or orthotics.  These devices relieve the pain by supporting the feet in their proper position and alleviating stress and strain to the joints.  Orthotics may provide long term relief for this chronic problem.

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f you suffer from foot pain, call us today.  Relief may be closer than you think.

Evan Kelner DPM, with offices in Ocean Township and Toms River.  We can be reached at (732) 988-0070 or (732) 286-9200

Leg Cramps at Night                                        

                                

(referenced from Yale's Podiatric Medicine)

                    

During an office visit, it's not unusual for a patient to casually ask me if there is anything they can do about legs cramps when they are in bed at night.

                    

Cramps in the legs usually occur as a result of abnormal muscle positions and impaired circulation.  It manifests as involuntary muscular contractions with pain and partial, or complete, loss of function.  Circulation is usually disrupted.  Other causes of night cramps include deformities of the feet, nutritional deficiency-especially vitamin B deficiency and potassium imbalance.  Night cramps are common in pregnancy, calcium-phosphorus imbalance and fatty metabolism.  Excessive urination is also a common cause.

                    

Unnatural anatomical positions, in certain occupations, result in cramps, aching pains, moderate shortening of the calf muscles or hamstrings.

                     

Treatments naturally depend upon the cause.  Often the control of foot strain and pull on the calfs can be relieved with orthotics, proper foot wear and stretching.  Vitamins and minerals may be helpful.  Quinine capsules, muscle relaxants, and tranquilizers may be helpful, as well as antihistamines such as Benadryl.  Large doses of aspirin also appear to help the condition.  For smokers, cessation of tobacco use may also help.  If symptoms persist, blood chemistry studies may be in order.

                    

If you or a family member is suffering from foot or leg pain, relief may be only a call away.

Evan Kelner DPM

(732) 988-0070 or (732) 286-9200