If you need a more accessible version of this website, click this button on the right.Switch to Accessible Site

top doc

October 2022

Tuesday, 25 October 2022 00:00

The Plantar Fascia and Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot, and it connects the toes to the heel. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis can develop. Causes of plantar fasciitis may include frequently participating in running and jumping activities, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, and sustaining a foot injury. Standing on hard surfaces for most of the day may also contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. This condition may happen gradually or suddenly, but this depends on the cause of the inflamed plantar fascia. The heel pain associated may be controlled by maintaining a healthy weight, wearing shoes that support the arch, and performing stretches that can help to strengthen the entire foot. If you have heel pain, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact the podiatrists  from The Foot & Ankle Center of New Jersey. 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 Paramus, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 18 October 2022 00:00

Babies Can Get Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail generally causes pain and discomfort, and it can be unsettling to a parent if their child develops this foot condition. It occurs as a result of a toenail that grows into the skin, instead of over it. Babies' toenails are soft and curved, and can easily grow into the side of the skin, and if this happens, it will typically become red and swollen. An infected ingrown toenail can produce pus or yellow fluid, and it may cause pain while walking or crawling. Soaking your child’s foot in warm water may bring mild relief, and it may help to gently massage the nail and surrounding area. The chances of getting an ingrown toenail may be reduced when effective prevention methods are practiced. These can include trimming the nails straight across, and avoiding cutting them too short. Additionally, gently pulling the skin away from the nail may be done after a bath, when the nails are soft. If you would like more information about how to protect your child from getting an ingrown toenail, please confer with a podiatrist. 

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 the podiatrists of The Foot & Ankle Center of New Jersey. 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 Paramus, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Ingrown Toenails
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 11 October 2022 00:00

How Often Are Children’s Feet Measured?

Children grow at their own pace, and this is especially true of their feet. The feet can grow quickly, and it is beneficial to measure them every two months until they reach two years old. The next phase consists of measuring their feet every three months up to the age of five, followed by every six months between the ages of six and 11. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and their feet are typically flexible and soft. There are benefits to children walking barefoot while they are indoors, and these can include sensing different types of surfaces, in addition to stretching their toes. When it is time to purchase their first pair of shoes, it is important for proper foot development to ensure that they fit correctly and have adequate arch support. Velcro closures or shoes that lace up are preferred, and this may allow for changes to the instep. If you have questions about what type of shoes your child will wear, or general concerns about children’s foot health, please consult with a podiatrist who can guide you in the right direction.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact the podiatrists of The Foot & Ankle Center of New Jersey. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy
Published in Blog
Saturday, 08 October 2022 00:00

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 04 October 2022 00:00

Causes of Numbness in the Toes

Numbness in the toes can be temporary or long term. Chronic toe numbness can impede your ability to walk and increase the chances of wounds and other injuries. When the nerves in your toes are compressed, damaged, or irritated the result is often a feeling of numbness and tingling. Some people experience these symptoms after long bouts of high-impact exercise or other physical activity. In these cases, the numbness generally subsides when the activity is over. Other causes of numbness in the toes can be the result of a serious neurological event, such as a seizure or stroke. More common causes include chronic alcohol abuse, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or diabetic neuropathy. Nerve compression syndromes, like Morton’s neuroma or tarsal tunnel syndrome, may also cause toe numbness. People with chronic toe numbness would do well to practice good foot hygiene and have frequent foot examinations with a podiatrist who can best detect the underlying cause and offer treatment options. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact the podiatrists of The Foot & Ankle Center of New Jersey. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Paramus, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Toe Pain
Published in Blog
Connect with us