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Doctor encourages people with diabetes to explore treatment options.

White Plains, November 10, 2023—During November’s Diabetes Awareness Month, one local podiatrist is urging people with diabetes who experience nerve pain in their feet to seek medical attention and explore their options for relief.

Up to 70 percent of people with diabetes experience peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage caused by high blood sugar. Nerve damage can cause sensations of heaviness and numbness or burning and tingling that can be excruciatingly painful.

diabetic wound care yonkersPainful diabetic peripheral neuropathy can affect mobility, interrupt sleep, and contribute to depression and anxiety. And nerve damage may progress to complete loss of sensation, which puts patients at risk for wounds they can’t feel, serious infections, and even amputation and death.

 

“People with diabetes should know that foot pain is never normal,” said Afsana Qader, DPM. “You don’t have to live with pain. At the first sign of discomfort, patients should see their podiatrist for diagnosis and to discuss treatment options.”

Dr. Qader emphasized that proper diagnosis is critical. Other conditions, such as a herniated disc or a vitamin deficiency can cause similar sensations, so it’s important to get the right diagnosis to address the symptoms. Your podiatrist is an expert in the foot and ankle and can identify the source of the pain.

“If a patient does have peripheral neuropathy, it’s important to catch it early,” said Dr. Qader. “The pain typically begins in the toes, but peripheral neuropathy does progress, so come in to see your podiatrist before it spreads up your foot.”

Dr. Qader said your podiatrist can discuss options to treat your nerve pain, from pharmaceuticals to devices, and can refer you to a neurologist or pain management expert if necessary. She also emphasized that it’s important to make your primary care physician and your entire diabetes care team aware if you develop peripheral neuropathy.

Your podiatrist can also collaborate with the rest of your diabetes care team to help you manage your A1C, the best way to avoid or slow the progression of peripheral neuropathy.

To learn more about painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy and the options available to treat your pain, visit www.apma.org/diabetes.

 

Dr. Qader is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

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Did you know that May is Arthritis Awareness Month? According to the US Center for Disease Control, 24% of US adults suffer from arthritis – that over 58 million people! So today we’re sharing an informative article from NY Foot Health that illuminates and fact checks some common myths about arthritis.

Arthritis in your feet is not only painful, but it can also be quite debilitating, making it difficult to stand, walk and perform basic daily tasks. There are countless myths surrounding this condition. For starters, many people think arthritis describes a single disease, but it is an umbrella term that describes over 100 disorders that cause joint damage and pain. 

In honor of Arthritis Awareness Month, we thought we’d debunk five other myths about arthritis. 

 

Arthritis is a condition that is inevitable for older adults. 

Osteoarthritis – the “wear and tear” arthritis that results from a breakdown of cartilage in the joints over time – is the most prevalent form of arthritis. However, it is not a foregone conclusion that all older people will develop arthritis. In fact, there are several ways to reduce your risk and even prevent arthritis. These include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and not smoking. Talk to us about your risk factors and a strategy for keeping your joints healthy. 

 

Arthritis makes it too painful to exercise. 

Exercise is an important therapy in treating arthritis. Regular movement helps prevent joint stiffness and increases range of motion. There are exercises that can be done without putting strain on painful areas. Check out the National Arthritis Foundation for exercise options. 

 

Medication is the only way to treat arthritis. 

A multi-pronged treatment plan is more effective than medication alone. Your physician can help you design a plan utilizing complementary therapies, physical therapy, diet, and exercise. Depending on the type of arthritis you have alternative therapies such as acupuncture, nutritional supplements and massage may all be beneficial. 

 

Arthritis is purely a physical condition. 

Arthritis symptoms can increase stress and stress can worsen your joint disease symptoms creating a vicious, no-win situation. Chronic pain can lead to poor sleep and fatigue which in turn can make you less willing or able to participate in the self-care that will help alleviate your symptoms such as exercise. Ongoing stress can cause your muscles to tense and inflame your body’s inflammatory response, increasing joint pain and damage. Develop strategies to combat stress such as joining a support group for people with arthritis, being available to talk to family and friends regularly, and taking relaxation breaks throughout the day by sitting quietly and breathing deeply or taking a brief walk in a beautiful setting. 

 

Diet is unrelated to joint pain. 

Not true. Sugar and fried and processed foods can all trigger an inflammatory response and increase pain from arthritic conditions. Conversely, there are also many foods such as berries, fatty fish, and green vegetables that can reduce pain. Avoiding being overweight is also a way to reduce arthritis symptoms. 

If you need to find a Westchester Foot Care location near you, check our Locations page. To learn more ways to protect the health of your feet, contact us and consider making an appointment for your foot and ankle issues. 

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Podiatrists are doctors whose specialty is treating foot and ankle issues. There are certain conditions and injuries that may require medical care that a primary physician isn’t trained to offer. At the same time, chronic or long-standing pain in your lower leg, ankle, foot or toes is a sure sign that scheduling a podiatrist appointment is in your best interest.

Below are 10 things to consider when deciding whether you should see your podiatrist.

 

1) People with Diabetes Should Regularly See Podiatrists

Diabetes often causes nerve damage and accompanying circulation problems, resulting in diabetic foot problems. On top of that, numbness is another issue that makes some people less aware that their foot condition needs attention.

Diabetics should schedule an appointment with their podiatrist once a year. And if you’re experiencing pain, ulcers, wounds that won’t heal, or swelling, don’t hesitate to call your foot doctor.

At Westchester Foot Care, we participate in the Diabetic Shoe Program, which is a great way to help maintain foot health and use insurance to pay for your footwear purchase.

 

2) If You Get a Sports Injury that Needs Special Treatment

It’s pretty common for athletes and active people to get foot or ankle pain from time to time. But see a podiatrist if the pain becomes chronic, or you have medical conditions like shin splints or athlete’s foot.

If you’re a runner, keep your eye out for problematic calluses, joint issues, or bunions caused by stress on your feet.

Even if you’re in physical therapy for an injury to your foot or ankle, a podiatrist can help you determine how the healing process is progressing in ways that physical therapists often can’t. If surgery is needed, rest assured your podiatrist will talk to you about the best options and the proper surgical procedure.

 

3) Podiatrists Help When Starting a New Fitness Regimen

If you’re starting to take up a new active lifestyle or exercise routine like running or HIIT workouts, you could experience lower leg pain due to issues like shin splints, plantar fasciitis or flat feet.

Seeing a podiatrist to help find you athletic footwear or inserts to prevent or even treat these conditions will get you on the road to success with your new fitness goals.

 

4) Don’t Put Off a Visit to Treat Your Foot Joint Pain or Arthritis

Swelling of your joints caused by arthritis is a common issue for many people’s feet. If you see redness and feel swelling, don’t hesitate to reach out for a visit to your podiatrist.

Whether from an injury or from arthritis, your podiatrist is has the training and knowledge to treat your issue and get you back to your normal everyday activities without such foot discomfort.

 

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5) Lingering Athlete’s Foot Could be Caused by an Underlying Infection

Sometimes your regular physician’s treatment for athlete’s foot doesn’t improve the condition. A podiatrist can provide an expert second opinion and offer suggestions on how to move forward.

Although fungus is the primary cause of athlete’s foot, there are cases where bacterial infections imitate athlete’s foot symptoms. A podiatrist can diagnose your condition and prescribe a treatment to alleviate your itchiness, redness and pain in your toes or feet.

 

6) Ingrown Toenails Require Podiatric Care 

The pain caused by an ingrown toenail doesn’t go away unless you receive the appropriate treatment. When ignored, an ingrown toenail can cause an infection.

A podiatrist can prescribe a treatment that reduces pain and swelling. If needed, they can perform a minor procedure to cut a portion of the toenail and alleviate the issue.

 

7) If You Have Heel Pain

Heel pain can be caused by an injury to the plantar fascia, a bone spur or other bone conditions, or arthritis. Your podiatrist will have X-rays taken and perform an exam. While bone spurs don’t go away without surgery, custom orthotics and laser therapy can help relieve discomfort while you recover.

 

8) Corns and Calluses Mean Call Your Podiatrist 

Built-up skin causes calluses and corns, and when they get too thick they can hurt. There are topical medications that can relieve the problem, but a minor podiatric procedure may be necessary to fully treat the issue.

 

9) Bunions Don’t Go Away Without Treatment

Bunions get inflamed and painful when they get bigger, which makes it tough to do your daily activities and responsibilities. When the hard bump on the outside of your toe joint begins to affect your well being, give your podiatrist a call. They’ll perform an exam and talk with you about the best way to treat your bunion.

 

10) Please Don’t Avoid Dealing with Foot Pain

There are many of our patients who ignore foot issues for too long, making the condition or injury worse over time.  Scheduling a foot care appointment sooner rather than later gives you the best chance to get back to your everyday lifestyle more quickly.

An experienced podiatrist will help improve your health and wellbeing, whether you have a health condition like diabetes or arthritis, you suffered an injury, or you have an ingrown toenail.

The podiatrists at Westchester Foot Care will make you feel welcome, and their state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment will help diagnose and treat your foot, ankle, and lower leg issue.

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