Items filtered by date: May 2020

A common cause of ingrown toenails is wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. This condition can develop as a result of wearing certain types of shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. An ingrown toenail is defined as a nail that grows into the outer edges of the skin, and can generally cause pain and discomfort. Additional symptoms can include redness, swelling, and pus that may drain from an infected toenail. Moderate relief can be found when the impacted foot is soaked in warm water, which typically helps to soften the skin. It is beneficial to protect the nail by placing a bandage over it as daily activities are completed. If you notice signs of an ingrown toenail, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer correct treatment methods.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. 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 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 Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Cracks in the heels are considered to be tears in the epidermis. Common symptoms can include the skin on the heel becoming thick and yellowed, and in severe cases, the cracks, or fissures may begin to bleed. It may gradually develop from standing for extended periods of time during the day, or from wearing shoes that have an open back. These types of shoes can have inadequate cushioning to support the fat pad in the heel, and cracks may form that can be uncomfortable and painful. Patients who are diabetic may be prone to developing this condition, in addition to people who have thyroid disorders. Mild relief may be found when the feet are washed daily, followed by applying a good moisturizer to the affected area. If you would like additional treatment methods for cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult 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 The Podiatry Center, PC. 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 Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The type of doctor that provides foot care is referred to as a podiatrist. They are responsible for diagnosing medical concerns of the feet and ankles, and many of these types of doctors are qualified to perform surgery. There are specific skills that are needed to become successful in this field. These can consist of possessing critical thinking abilities, understanding the details pertaining to the patient's injury or chronic foot pain, in addition to communicating effectively. Mandatory education consists of obtaining a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree, and this generally takes four years to complete. This is preceded by three years of required education in specific sciences and general courses. It is suggested to consult with a podiatrist if you are interested in pursuing a career in podiatry. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.