Plantar warts are warts that appear on the bottom of the feet. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, also known as HPV. A plantar wart may resemble a callus, as it is characterized by tough, thick tissue. It may cause pain while you stand or walk, or when any pressure is applied to it. Tiny black dots, which are actually dried blood contained in tiny blood vessels, often appear on the surface of plantar warts. There are two types of plantar warts. Solitary plantar warts are single warts that appear on their own and slowly increase in size. They may eventually multiply, forming additional warts. Mosaic plantar warts are a cluster of several small warts that grow together in the same area, and are usually more difficult to treat. If you have plantar warts, it is strongly recommended that you visit a podiatrist for treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. 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 Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cuboid syndrome is also referred to as cuboid subluxation. It affects the cuboid bone, which is one of seven tarsal bones that are located in the back and middle area of the foot. This ailment can occur after the patient has endured an ankle injury, or it may happen gradually from overuse. Common symptoms that are generally experienced can include pain and discomfort on the outside of the ankle, and it is often difficult to walk. Additionally, the affected area may appear swollen, and there may be noticeable overpronation. The joint may be manipulated back into its correct position, and wearing orthotics can help to support the arch. If you have foot pain, it is strongly recommended that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, 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.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

High heels are a wardrobe staple for many, however, wearing high heels can have serious consequences for foot health. A study on foot and ankle injuries in the U.S. found that between 2002 and 2012, U.S. emergency rooms treated 123,355 high heel-related injuries. Strains and sprains of the foot and ankle were the most common of these injuries, and about 20% of them involved broken bones. Another study, this time looking at South Korean flight attendants who were required to wear high heels daily for work, found that their balance decreased over time due to a loss of strength in the muscles and tendons that support the front-to-back movement of the foot. If you do wear high heels, it is recommended that you wear them less frequently, and that you give your feet a break by taking the high heels off to stretch your feet and ankles or by switching to running shoes. For more information on the connection between footwear and foot health, speak with a podiatrist today.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads 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.

There are a variety of biomechanical issues in the feet that can lead to potential injury. Some of these issues include fallen arches, over-pronation, or supination. Pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward at the ankle, the midfoot bulges and the arch flattens. Supination occurs when the foot rolls out at the ankle and the arch is raised, which leads to issues absorbing shock. When poor foot biomechanics can cause specific foot injuries such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or a Morton’s neuroma, pain in the ankles, heels, and arches is a common result. Poor foot biomechanics can also lead to issues in other parts of the body that include knee pain, hip pain, shin splints and lower back pain. If you are concerned about your foot biomechanics, consult with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.