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Monday, 06 May 2019 00:00

How Does an Ingrown Toenail Develop?

Ingrown toenails affect the big toe, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. This happens as a result of the nail growing into the skin, and can cause redness and an oozing discharge. It may develop as a result of toenails that are curved or thick, or possibly from an injury that has occurred. Additional reasons why ingrown toenails may form can come from wearing shoes that are too tight, or from trimming the nail improperly. Your toe may feel better after it is soaked in warm water, and wearing shoes that are comfortable can aid in the healing process. If your toe has become infected, it is advised that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so the correct treatment can begin.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Read more about Ingrown Toenail Care

If you have suffered a broken toe, it is typically a result of an injury that has occurred or from a heavy object falling on the foot. Often, people may stub or jam their toe which may lead to the toe becoming fractured. There are several symptoms that are easily identifiable, including bruising, pain while walking, or a deformed look to the toe. In more severe fractures, the bone may protrude from the skin and the nail may become injured which may cause a subungual hematoma, often referred to as an open fracture. Typical treatment methods may consist of the toe being placed in a splint which prevents mobility to ensure proper healing. A simple fracture generally will heal completely in approximately six weeks but complications may develop such as arthritis, pain, and stiffness from a more severely broken toe. A podiatrist can properly diagnose a broken toe and it’s advised to schedule a consultation when the injury occurs.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Throbbing pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising on the skin and toenail
  • The inability to move the toe
  • Toe appears crooked or disfigured
  • Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe
Monday, 29 April 2019 00:00

Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail can cause discomfort in the foot. The symptoms that are associated with ingrown toenails include reddened skin surrounding the affected nail, discharge from the affected toe, and extreme sensitivity when that part of the foot is touched. This condition may develop due to a variety of reasons, including toenails that have been trimmed incorrectly, wearing shoes that are too tight, or a possible injury that has occurred to the toe. It is important to treat ingrown toenails promptly. Comfort may be found when properly fitting shoes are worn, socks are changed frequently, and the feet are washed daily. If the toenail should become infected, an effective method for complete relief may be to have the nail partially or totally removed. An ingrown toenail can be quite painful. If you feel you have this condition, seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat your condition.

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 Quality Foot Care Center. 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 Somerset, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Ingrown Toenail Care
Tuesday, 23 April 2019 00:00

Obesity May Cause Heel Pain

Patients who are overweight may experience heel pain; and in severe cases, this may lead to disability. Practicing a routine exercise regimen is generally helpful in shedding additional weight, but heel pain can prevent regular exercise from occurring. Plantar fasciitis can be common among overweight patients, and chronic foot pain may become worse if the weight should increase. The weight of the body is generally kept off the heels while cycling and swimming, and these aerobic exercises may be helpful in losing weight. If you are experiencing obesity and would like additional information about how excess weight can affect the feet, speak to your podiatrist.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

  • When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
  • Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
  • Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

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Monday, 15 April 2019 00:00

Identifying Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are a common condition that can only affect the feet. They occur when feet come in contact with the human papillomavirus (HPV), so they are contagious. Most people contract plantar warts from walking barefoot in the gym, public pool areas, locker rooms, or similar environments. Plantar warts differ from most warts because they grow inward through the thick layer of skin on the sole of the foot. The thick layer of skin helps the plantar warts hide from the body’s immune system and allows the warts to live on the foot without much resistance. To prevent plantar warts, avoid touching your feet with bare hands and walking barefoot in public places. Keep your feet clean and avoid sharing shoes or socks with other people. If you think you might have plantar warts, speak with a podiatrist to learn about treatment options.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Read more about What Are Plantar Warts?
Monday, 08 April 2019 00:00

Methods to Control Plantar Hyperhidrosis

Research has shown that approximately five percent of the world’s population may have a condition that is referred to as plantar hyperhidrosis. This uncomfortable situation may be a result of excessive sweat that is produced throughout the day. There may be effective methods to control this ailment, which may include wearing the correct socks, and using antifungal powders. Some patients may find it helpful to see if there are patterns for sweaty feet episodes. This method may enable the patient to notice if there are any triggers that may cause this condition, such as foods or emotions. Sweating may be reduced when plenty of water is consumed during the day, in addition to wearing shoes that have absorbent insoles. If you have plantar hyperhidrosis, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis and treat this condition.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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

Read more about Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Research has shown there are notable differences between walking and running shoes. These may include having thicker soles to allow for additional stability. The technique of walking differs between the two types of shoes. Walkers tend to land on their heels as opposed to runners who appear to land flat-footed. Stability is often increased as a result of the design of the shoes, and this may help to guide the foot in a forward motion. For both types of shoes, it’s important to have ample room for the toes to move about, in addition to having adequate flexibility that meet the demands of your chosen sport. Please consult with a podiatrist for additional information about the differences between walking and running shoes.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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

Read more about Differences between Walking and Running Shoes
Monday, 11 June 2018 00:00

Causes of Flat Feet

If you hear the term “fallen arches” or “pronation of the feet”, it typically refers to a condition called flat feet. Most babies are born with flat feet, and proper arches generally develop as the child approaches adulthood.  If this condition is still evident as your child ages, you may notice specific symptoms including pain in the foot while they stand for long periods of time, or they may walk on the outer edges of their feet. Occasionally, this ailment can be caused by certain maladies such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or an injury to the foot. Additionally wearing improper footwear can be a reason for flat feet to develop, and genetic traits may be responsible for the formation of this condition. A proper diagnosis is typically performed by conducting a thorough examination of the feet, and this may include an analysis of the gait. Please consult with a podiatrist for additional information if you or your child is afflicted by flat feet.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Read more about Flat Feet
Monday, 02 July 2018 00:00

The Benefits of Stretching the Feet

Research has shown that walking is one of the best ways to stretch the feet. When a step is taken, the foot completes a full range of motion as the heel makes contact with the ground causing the foot to lift with the toes. There are flexibility and resistance exercises that will strengthen the foot, and may benefit the general health of the body. When stretches are practiced daily, the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the foot will typically become stronger and may help to provide optimum support for the entire foot. Effective stretches include lifting one leg while sitting in a chair, rotating the ankle several times, and then changing directions. To strengthen the sole of the foot, step back with one foot while standing, then slowly lift the heel until a gentle stretch is felt, and then repeat on the other foot. A consultation with a podiatrist is suggested for additional information about the benefits of stretching the feet.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

  • Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
  • Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
  • Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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

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Monday, 01 April 2019 00:00

Heel Balm for Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are a common condition caused by dryness on the heel of the foot. Cracked heels can range from minor dryness that causes mild discomfort when barefoot, to deep cracks that cause pain. There are a couple ways to help alleviate symptoms of cracked heels from home. One of the simplest ways is to apply heel balm or a thick moisturizer. Balms help to moisturize, soften, and exfoliate dead skin. The ingredients that help to do this are urea, salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, and saccharide isomerate. Heel balms are easy to find, they can be bought at a drugstore or ordered online. Sometimes, heel balms might result in minor irritation. Minor irritation is normal, but if you experience continual irritation or more extreme reactions, then it is best to stop using the balm. If you have cracked heels and would like to learn about more ways to treat them, then it is strongly suggested you speak with a podiatrist.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

  • Invest in a good foot cream
  • Try Using Petroleum Jelly
  • Ease up on Soaps
  • Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

  • Moisturize After Showering
  • Skip a Shower
  • Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
  • Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Read more about Solutions for Cracked Heels
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