Items filtered by date: October 2020

A sprained ankle is a common type of ankle injury. It occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle gets overstretched or torn. There are many different ways that you could sprain your ankle. Some of the most common instances include slipping while walking downhill, stepping in a hole, turning the foot abruptly while playing a sport, or even putting your weight down on your foot awkwardly. Ankle sprains are classified into various levels of severity, ranging from mild grade 1 sprains where the ligament is only slightly stretched, to severe grade 3 sprains, where the ligament is completely torn. If you believe that you have sprained your ankle, it is strongly recommended that you seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. 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 Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A foot fracture refers to a foot that has been broken. There are several different types of foot fractures. A stress fracture is when a bone in the foot is placed under repetitive excess pressure, causing a crack to form in the bone. Without treatment, the crack will get bigger over time. A full foot fracture is when a bone in the foot breaks completely. This type of break is usually due to a one-time injury, such as the impact from dropping something heavy on the foot. There are two subtypes of full foot fractures. A closed or simple fracture occurs when only the bone is damaged. An open or compound fracture occurs when the skin and tissue surrounding the broken bone are damaged as well. All of the various types of foot fractures can cause pain, swelling, tenderness, and bruising of the affected foot. If you believe you may have broken your foot, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist as soon as possible.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. 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 Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is considered to be a bone deformity, and develops on the outside of the big toe. It can gradually form as a result of wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Patients may experience difficulty balancing and the foot can become unstable. The big toe may be realigned when specific stretches are performed. These can include picking up an object with your toes, which may help to strengthen the arch, in addition to activating the muscles on the bottom of the big toe. Effective stretches can include lifting your toes and keeping the heel grounded while sitting on a chair. If you would like more information about how stretches can diminish the pain and discomfort from bunions, please consult with a podiatrist.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your 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 The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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

As the colder months approach, you may find that your heels are becoming increasingly dry and cracked. Fortunately, there are many things that can be done to help. Soaking your feet in a lukewarm oatmeal bath for about 20 minutes and then applying a moisturizer to the feet may help, as can soaking your feet in an Epsom salt bath. You can prevent dry, cracked heels by wearing appropriate footwear and protecting your feet from extremely hot or cold weather. When bathing, avoid exposing your feet to extremely hot water as well. When you wash your feet, choose a soap that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate or artificial fragrances, as these ingredients can often dry out the feet. If your dry heels persist, or if you develop deep, painful cracks, is it strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for treatment.

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 The Podiatry Center, PC. 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 Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When the toenail grows into the outer edges of the skin, it generally indicates that an ingrown toenail has developed. There are several causes of this ailment, including genetic factors, wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, or trimming the toenails incorrectly. The symptoms that patients experience can include redness, swelling, and sensitivity surrounding the affected area. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to prevent ingrown toenails from developing. Cut the toenails straight across, avoiding cutting down into the corners of the nail. It is also beneficial to have your feet routinely measured, as this can help you to purchase the correct size shoe. If you have an ingrown toenail, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this 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 The Podiatry Center, PC. 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 Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Is your ankle aching? Ankle pain can have a variety of causes, including a slight sprain or osteoarthritis. If you suspect a slight sprain, you may find relief by using the RICE method. RICE is an acronym that stands for rest, ice, compress, and elevate. Rest your ankle by avoiding putting weight on it. Ice your ankle with an ice pack for 20 minutes. Compress your ankle by wrapping it with an elastic or tensor bandage. Elevate your ankle by propping it up with a pillow so that it is raised higher than your knees. If you suspect osteoarthritis, then keeping your joint mobile may be the best course of action. Loosen up the joint by doing mobility exercises such as ankle circles, moving your ankle up-down and side-to-side, and doing toe raises. To get an accurate assessment of what is causing your ankle pain and how to treat it, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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