Items filtered by date: October 2020

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Cracked skin on the heels of your feet is a common foot condition. Usually, it is caused by environmental or lifestyle factors, such as wearing shoes that have open backs, wearing shoes that rub against your heels, standing for extended periods of time, using harsh soaps, taking long, hot showers, or living in a climate that is cold or has low humidity. If your cracked heels are caused by any of these factors, you can make small changes to heal cracks and prevent new ones from forming. For example, you could choose to wear shoes with a closed back, take shorter showers, and moisturize your feet regularly. Occasionally, cracked skin on the heels could be the first sign of more serious problems, like diabetes or neuropathy. If you notice any open sores or reduced sensation in the feet, or if the cracks on your heels become deep and painful, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist for treatment as soon as possible. 

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. 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

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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.

Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot. The most common symptom of this condition is a sharp or stabbing pain in the heel or arch of the foot. The pain is often worse in the morning after a period of inactivity, however, pain may also be worse after long periods of standing, walking, or running. Certain risk factors can make one more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. These include being overweight, participating in activities that repeatedly put pressure on or stretch your foot, being between the ages of 40 and 60, having abnormal foot mechanics, having flat feet, having a tight Achilles tendon, standing all day, wearing shoes that do not have arch support, and suddenly changing your activities. If you suspect that you have plantar fasciitis, please see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and advised plan of treatment. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Hammertoe is a condition in which the smaller toes bend at the middle joint, even when they are at rest. Over time, the joint of the bent toes may become inflexible. There are several different treatments for hammertoe. In the early stages of this condition, a podiatrist may recommend getting fitted for shoes that are soft and roomy, especially in the toe area. These shoes should be half an inch longer than your longest toe. The podiatrist may also prescribe orthotic inserts to ease your pain and foot exercises to stretch and strengthen the toe muscles. If these treatments fail, surgery may be recommended. If you suspect that you have a hammertoe, it is suggested that you seek out the care of a podiatrist.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best 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 care needs.

Ankle replacement surgery is a treatment used to replace a damaged ankle joint with a prosthetic. Usually, the patient is put under general anesthesia, so that they are asleep and do not feel pain. Next, the surgeon makes a cut in the front of the ankle, exposing the ankle joint. After gently pushing the tendons, nerves, and blood vessels to the side, the surgeon removes the damaged bone and cartilage. The surgeon removes the damaged parts of the lower end of the shin bone and the top of the foot bone. Then metal parts of the new artificial joint are attached to the cut bony surfaces and a piece of plastic is inserted between them. The surgeon then puts the tendons and nerves back into place and stitches the incision site closed. The ankle is typically immobilized with a splint, cast, or brace while the patient recovers. To learn more about ankle replacement surgery, speak with a podiatrist. 

In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, 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.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.

Arthritis in the Foot

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.

Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot

The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.

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.