A study focused on lei gong teng, also known as thunder god vine. As it turns out, the herb has been shown to be an an effective treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis. 207 patients were observed over a period of six months. Some of these patients were given just the herb, a popular pharmaceutical drug known as methotrexate, or a both the drug and herb.
Of the patients that were administered just the methotrexate, only forty-six percent achieved the standard improvement level. In contrast, the improvement level for those just given the herb was up to fifty-five percent. For the patients that were administered the drug and herb, the improvement rate was significantly higher at seventy seven percent. Thunder god vine has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years and is known as Tripterygium wilfordii to botanists.
Rheumatoid Arthritis can make everyday living difficult. If you are contending with pain in your foot or ankle as a result of arthritis, see podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg, DPM of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg will address your foot and ankle pain.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.
Symptoms
- Swelling & pain in the feet
- Stiffness in the feet
- Pain on the ball or sole of feet
- Joint shift and deformation
Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.
For more information about rheumatoid arthritis please follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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Guangzhou Dongsheng Hospital and Guangzhou Social Welfare House scientists in China put together a study that might prove acupuncture can effectively treat heel pain. Researcher Xu Xuemeng and his team worked with 66 patients who were experiencing some form of heel pain. Some of the test subjects were given filiform acupuncture needle treatment, while others were administered conventional drugs.
After six months, the scientists found that the patients given acupuncture had an effectiveness rating of 97% as opposed to 76% in the control group. Acupuncture is said to be especially useful when it comes to conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.
Your life can greatly be affected by even simple heel pain. If your heel hurts, see Dr. Carl Ginsberg, DPM of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg can treat your heel pain.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes
- Wearing non-supportive shoes
- Weight change
- Excessive running
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a thing of the past.
With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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Rachel Gowey, 16, was practicing her beam dismount earlier this week when she fell and broke her right ankle. The aspiring young gymnast was preparing for this year’s U.S. Gymnastics Championships. Due to a prior unrelated ankle injury she had only been planning to do two events, but now she probably won’t be able to participate in any capacity.
Gowey is trained by Liang Chow at the same gymnasium that Olympic champions Gabby Douglas and Shawn Johnson practiced at. This year, she came in fifth place at the international Cup of Jesolo and fourth place at the U.S. Classic.
A broken ankle can keep you off your feet for several weeks. To get quality treatment for a broken ankle, visit podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg, DPM of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg can assess the severity of your injury and get you the care you need.
Broken Ankles
The ankle consists of three bones- the tibia, the fibula, and the talus. The tibia and the fibula are the two bones that connect to your knees. They sit directly above the talus bone, which is protected by a fibrous membrane and allows slight movement in the ankle joint. A break usually occurs in one of these bones after the foot is twisted too far, a strong impact like jumping from a great height, or repeated stresses like running.
Diagnosis
If you suffer an ankle injury, it is essential that you receive a correct diagnosis. One of the first signs that the ankle is broken is an inability to put any weight on it. There will often be severe bruising and swelling at the sight of the injury. Your doctor may also order an x-ray be taken to determine the exact location and extent of the injury.
Treatment
Without proper care, a broken ankle may not heal properly and could cause arthritis and instability later in life. Therefore, seeking proper treatment is essential to making a full recovery.
There a number of steps you can take to accelerate the healing process however. Elevating your feet above your head and icing the ankle can reduce pain and swelling.
For more information about Broken Ankles, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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Deborah Cole Thomas has contended with osteoarthritis for over 10 years. As a result of her arthritic condition, the 60 year old underwent multiple surgeries and requires pain medication on a regular basis to ease the pain.
The University of Pittsburgh is conducting research to aid patients like Thomas, who are forced to struggle with their arthritic conditions. Cellular and molecular engineering expert Rocky S. Tuan has his team use 3-dimensional printers to make replacement joints out of stem cells and scaffolding material. According to Tuan’s research, the artificial joints are more efficient than metal and plastic joints.
The feet are one of the most common sites for arthritis to occur in the body. If you are struggling with arthritis in your feet or ankles, call podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg, DPM of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg will examine your lower extremities and do everything he can to help alleviate your joint pain.
Arthritic Foot Care
In an average lifetime, we walk approximately 75,000 miles. This can put a great deal of stress on the 26 bones and 30 joints that we have in our feet. As we get older, our feet lose flexibility and elasticity. Our shock absorbers weaken, and if arthritis comes into play, the joints become inflamed and distorted. Arthritic foot care and treatment would become imperative at this point.
It is best to take care of your feet by wearing well-fitted shoes. Certain conditions may develop when you wear shoes that don’t fit properly, for example hammertoes, neuroma, and bunions. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room in the shoe can help your feet be comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with arch support will help; it is also a good idea to buy shoes that contour to your foot.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
-Specific exercises may help; stretching the Achilles tendon can prevent further pain and injury. Stretching can also increase your mobility.
For more information about Arthritic Foot Care, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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The National Shoe Retailers Association now says that the average male shoe size is 10½ while the average female shoe size is 8½, significantly larger than before. Experts believe the size increase is due to the increasing height and weight of Americans.
Although bigger feet are becoming a phenomenon among Americans, many retailers are far behind in being able to have available shoes to match their needs. One such consumer with this struggle is online business owner Karen Williamson. You still can't find a shoe manufacturer that will make anything above a size 11 without it being a special order," Williamson said. "It's like the bigger your feet are, the more you don't exist to them." Williamson currently runs a store specializing in larger shoes for women.
Wearing the wrong shoe size is not advisable. If you have foot or ankle pain or need a proper sizing, see podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg, DPM of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg will see to your foot and ankle needs.
Getting the Right Shoe Size
There are many people that wear shoes that are ill-fitting, which affects their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to selecting the right pair.
- When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot
- When measuring your foot with your shoe on, add 1-2 inches to the size
- Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes
- Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently
- Purchase shoes later in the day as your feet swell as the day progresses
- If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes
As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat your feet right by choosing the right pair of shoes that can provide them comfort and mobility with minimal pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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Achilles Tendon Injury Ends Flight for Baltimore Raven
Written by PCC Admin 
Aaron Ross will not be a part of this year’s season since he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during a team conditioning drill. The 31-year-old Ross has been on the field for six seasons playing for the New York Giants. Afterward, Ross personally sought out the Ravens’ third cornerback spot.
Ross is no stranger to injuries; he was placed on injured reserve last season after four games due to a back injury. “That’s a tough break for him,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in regards to Ross’ injury.
Achilles tendon injuries are painful. If you believe that you might have a problem in your Achilles, consider seeing podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg, DPM of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg can treat your podiatric needs.
What is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body, and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
- Inflammation
- Dull to Severe Pain
- Increased blood flow to the tendon
- Thickening of the tendon
Rupture Symptoms
- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
- Total immobility
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation. Often the doctor will order an MRI to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment will involve rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries.
For more information about Achilles Tendon Injuries, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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At UFC 175, Uriah Hall defeated Thiago Santos but didn’t leave the cage without his own share of scratches. Hall suffered a badly broken toe, which presumably occurred during the fight. The commentators are unsure when or how exactly the injury occurred, but it was noticeable when Hall limped midway through the first round after countering a powerful kick from Santos.
Hall clearly appeared to be having difficulty moving around after that, but he somehow managed to ignore the pain and beat Santos into submission. After the fight he posted a photograph of an X-ray of his foot online that showed that the second toe in his right foot was horribly dislocated.
Broken toes hurt. If you think your toe is broken, contact podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg, DPM of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg can evaluate the severity of your injury and help you decide how you want to proceed with your treatment.
What to Know About a Broken Toe
Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture). Another type of trauma that can break a toe is repeated activity that places stress on the toe for prolonged periods of time.
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
- throbbing pain
- swelling
- bruising on the skin and toenail
- the inability to move the toe with ease.
- toe appears crooked or disfigured
- tingling or numbness in the toe
- injured person experiences fever or chills throughout their body, and when there is an open, bleeding wound present on the toe.
Generally, a minor toe break will heal without long-term complications, but it is important to discontinue activities that put pressure on the toe.
For more information about Broken Toes, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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Sometimes it’s hard to keep feet healthy during the summer, since exposure to the hot sun can often lead to unpleasant skin damage. This can be avoided by remembering to use sunblock whenever you’re outside, as well as limiting the amount of time your feet spend submerged in water. The dry, flaky skin caused by the sun’s rays can be eliminated by exfoliating once a week.
It’s also important to let your nails breathe, which can be done by not using nail polish for a few days once a month. Be sure to moisturize the feet frequently, especially after showering and before you go to sleep. Finally, use a pumice stone to get rid of any calluses and dry skin.
Although these tips should help you care for your feet in the summer, you still have the other seasons to worry about too. For advice regarding year-round everyday foot care, speak to podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg, DPM of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg will impart some of his valuable medical knowledge unto you in a helpful and professional manner.
Every Day Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. After all, without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks. It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before, for example.
For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops.
Also, wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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Anyone who says the past doesn’t fix tomorrow obviously hasn’t done their research. In fact,dinosaur DNA is being tested by scientists in order to create a cure for gout. Scientists were able to test the DNA’s capabilities through a prehistoric protein revived by E.coli. The E.coli converted the DNA into workable live proteins, which could mean a cure.
To add hope, the 90 million year old DNA proved to be solid when it came to eliminating uric acid build up. As a result, a patent has been filed for the protein with the company starting to produce the drug. Additionally, the FDA is currently in the process of approving clinical trials.
Gout is a difficult condition to deal with. If you have gout, see podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg, DPM of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg can treat your foot and ankle needs.
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often affects the foot, especially the big toe, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
The main reason get gout is because of a poor diet. Foods rich in purines like turkey, red meats, and liver can affect the body’s ability to excrete uric acid, which in turn leads to hyperuricema, the blood condition that causes gout to develop. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have as much as a one in five chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet. In particular, low-fat dairy products, fruits high in vitamin C, and coffee are all foods that are known for their ability to help people recover from gout.
For more information about Gout in the feet and lower extremities, please follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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Southeastern Wound Healing Center physicians have been taking notice that approximately upon every hour, seven people undergo a diabetes related foot or leg amputation. According to Scoot Covington, MD, “The disease is responsible for being the leading cause of lower-limb amputations not caused by accidents, according to Southeastern Health. Unfortunately, patients afflicted are confronted with multiple challenges during the healing process”
Diabetes is known for causing neuropathy, which decreases sensation and awareness of any foot injuries or conditions. Physicians at Southeastern Wound Healing Center recommend that diabetics manually inspect their feet every day and seek immediate attention if there is anything unusual involving their legs or feet.
If you are diabetic, consult with podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg, DPM of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg can treat any conditions you may have regarding your diabetic feet.
Foot Care for Diabetics
Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of people annually. The condition affects blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. When damage from diabetes occurs to nerves in the feet, they may be unable to send proper signaling to the peripheral nervous system, resulting in neuropathy. If a diabetic patient develops neuropathy, it is important to provide good care for the feet to avoid the risk of amputation.
Caring for Diabetic Feet
- Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Be sure to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet. For diabetic patients, the risk of amputation and sepsis increases if medical treatment is not sought right away, especially when it comes to the feet. Early treatment and routine foot inspection are keys to maintaining good health.
To learn more about diabetic foot health, please follow link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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Things To Keep In Mind When Looking for a Running Shoe
Written by PCC Admin
After attending a Nike store in search of a running shoe, Britt Aboutaleb of Yahoo! Beauty states that the following questions need to be answered when looking for the right running shoe: “How often do you run? How many miles? Do you run on a treadmill, the road, a trail? Are you training for anything? What’s your average pace?”
The Nike store that fitted Aboutaleb did not just fit her for a shoe, but actually conducted a video-based test on Aboutaleb . The video analyzed how Aboutaleb ran and the direction her foot went in. Things that were kept in mind included pronation, heel arch, and the direction her feet rolled in. These factors allowed Nike to help Aboutaleb find a proper fitting shoe.
Running shoes need to be comfortable and well suited for your feet. For more information or even if you just have a few questions, consult with podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg, DPM of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg can provide assistance for your foot and ankle needs.
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
Although it seems simple, running is in fact a complex movement that places stress on the joints, bones, and ligaments of the body. To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes is centered around pronation, which is the rolling of the ankle from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.
- Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even go barefoot
- Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability
- Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. Runners who supinate require shoes with more flexibility and cushion
To learn about your foot type, visit a local shop that specializes in running shoes. Professionals will be able to measure your stride, gait, and arch type and inform you of your footwear needs, which come in handy for future reference.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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Footballer Will Not Appear in World Cup Due to Foot Injury
Written by PCC Admin
Alvaro Saborio of the Ticos suffered a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot. Unfortunately for the 32 year old footballer, that means he will be out of the World Cup this summer. Saborio suffered the injury during morning training. Saborio was escorted off the field promptly upon sustaining his injury. Saborio may need surgery depending on the severity of his injury. This leaves a 6-12 week recovery window, which will cause Saborio to miss the World Cup this year. Saborio has appeared 93 times and has scored 32 international goals thus far, making this a heavy loss to the team.
Returning to sports from foot and ankle injuries can pose a great challenge for any athlete looking to get back in the game. If you sustained a foot or ankle injury on the field, see podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg, DPM of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg can address your foot and ankle injuries.
Getting Back into Sports after Foot and Ankle Injuries
Sprained ankles are a frustrating and painful ordeal many athletes go through. Recovery from a sprained ankle usually involves the RICE method. This includes:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
In addition, athletes should consider wearing an ankle brace in order to keep the ankle stabilized and alleviate any pain as it heals.
Stress fractures that occur in the foot and ankle come in two types. This includes stable and displaced. Stable stress fractures do not consist of any shifting in bone alignment while displaced stress fractures involve bone ends that do not line up.
Learn more about getting back into sports after foot and ankle injury by following link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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