Items filtered by date: January 2023

Ingrown toenails are generally painful and can become infected when medical attention from a podiatrist is not promptly sought. Ingrown toenails can develop from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or when the toenails are trimmed improperly. An ingrown toenail is defined as a toenail that grows into the skin instead of over it. The symptoms many people experience include the surrounding skin becoming red and tender, in addition to pus oozing from the toenail once it becomes infected. Some patients have found mild relief when the affected toe is soaked in warm water, followed by using a small piece of cotton to gently pull the nail away from the skin, however, these are temporary solutions. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who is qualified to perform minor surgery for complete healing.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle sprains can vary in severity and type. The most common type of ankle sprain is known as the inversion sprain and happens when the ankle rolls out while the foot turns in. The ligaments can easily be stretched or torn with this type of sprain and are generally painful. The opposite kind of sprain can occur when the ankle rolls inward, as the foot turns outward. The ligaments on the inside of the ankle can become torn with this sprain which is called the eversion sprain. Patients who have experienced a high ankle sprain may endure more discomfort, and this happens when the foot is planted on the ground, and the leg moves toward the inside of the foot. This is considered to be the least common type of sprain and often requires immediate medical attention. If you have sprained your ankle, please visit a podiatrist who can determine which kind of sprain you have, and offer the best treatment advice for you.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people across the globe do not pay as much attention to their feet as advised. It takes a small but persistent amount of time to have feet that look and feel good. An important thing to do is to trim the toenails correctly, approximately once per week. This is an effective method in keeping the toenails strong and healthy. It is beneficial to trim the toenails straight across, followed by filing them to ensure a finished appearance. The feet will feel better when they are frequently moisturized, which may help to prevent cracked heels from developing. When shoes are purchased, it is important that they fit correctly from the moment they are tried on, and they should not have to be broken in. Additionally, it is helpful to shop for shoes at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. Toenail fungus and athlete's foot may be avoided when the feet are kept as dry as possible, and it is helpful to refrain from wearing shoes without socks. If you would like to have more information on everyday foot care tips, please consult a podiatrist who can provide you with the correct knowledge.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday 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. 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 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. 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 located in Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The condition that is known as Charcot foot is considered to be a rare foot condition. It happens as a result of bones, joints, and soft tissues that gradually weaken in the foot and ankle. It can occur from nerve damage from diabetes and can cause the inability to feel pain. In severe cases, the bones may fracture from being weak, and the joints may become dislocated in the ankle or foot. If medical attention is not received, the foot can become deformed, and eventually may lead to the patient developing a bone infection or a foot ulcer. An additional reason why Charcot foot may happen can be from a fracture or sprain. The patient may continue to walk on the broken foot because they are unable to feel painful sensations, and the foot structure may change from trauma that is done to the bone. It is beneficial to begin treatment as early as possible, which generally starts with protecting the affected foot with a removable boot. Additionally, it is crucial to refrain from placing any weight on the foot until it begins to heal. If you have this rare foot condition, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat Charcot foot.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

A broken foot can occur from a fall or being hit by an object. Those with osteoporosis, a bone condition often seen in older adults where bones are more likely to be weak or brittle, should be particularly careful of broken bones. Signs of a broken foot are pain, swelling, and deformity. A snap or grinding noise may be heard at the time of injury, and there may be swelling, bruising, or tenderness near the injured area. It will also likely be painful to bear weight on the affected foot. If you suspect a break, elevate the foot, and make an appointment with a podiatrist who can evaluate the injury and determine the correct treatment for you.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.