Items filtered by date: February 2024

Toe pain can significantly disrupt day to day activities, so it is important to gain clarity on the source of the pain to get proper treatment. One common reason for toe pain is wearing improper footwear. Shoes that are too tight or narrow lead to pressure and discomfort on the toes. If there is pain surrounding the edge of the toenail, a potential cause of the pain is an ingrown toenail. Athletes may experience toe pain due to repetitive stress or strain on the feet during sports activities. Conditions like bunions or hammertoes, where the bones or joints in the toes become misaligned, can also cause significant discomfort. Sudden and severe pain in the big toe joint can be a symptom of gout. There are also other possible causes of toe pain. If you are experiencing persistent toe pain, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can identify the source and offer correct treatment methods.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

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 Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The surge in global diabetes has led to a rise in diabetic foot ulcers, posing significant health challenges. In the mid-19th century, Marchal de Calvi and Thomas Hodgkin identified the link between diabetes and foot gangrene, paving the way for pioneering treatments like Frederick Treves' sharp debridement method. Treves emphasized pressure relief and patient education. The discovery of insulin in the 20th century improved diabetic patients' lives but also increased foot disease cases. Elliot Joslin established the first foot clinic in 1928, advocating a multidisciplinary approach. Penicillin's discovery in 1928 revolutionized infection treatment, reducing amputation rates. Revascularization techniques and limb salvage became critical, with Frank Wheelock pioneering bypass grafts. Topical negative pressure therapy emerged in the 1990s, aiding wound healing. Despite advancements, chronic diabetic ulcers remain a challenge, with ongoing research for new treatments. Current treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach, controlling diabetes, and utilizing various wound care methods. Challenges persist, underscoring the importance of diabetics scheduling routine appointments with a podiatrist for foot examinations and specialized care.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

Vitamin B-3, also known as niacin, plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin and overall well-being. A deficiency in this essential nutrient can lead to various skin issues, including cracked heels. Cracked heels, characterized by dry, fissured skin around the edges of the heel, often result from inadequate moisture retention and weakened skin integrity. Vitamin B-3 deficiency exacerbates this condition by impairing the skin's ability to retain moisture and regenerate cells effectively. Incorporating niacin-rich foods such as meat, fish, nuts, and fortified cereals into the diet can help prevent vitamin B-3 deficiency and alleviate cracked heels. Understanding the connection between vitamin B-3 deficiency and cracked heels underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and proper skin care regimen for optimal foot health. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for successful treatment methods, in addition to determining if there is an adequate amount of vitamin B-3 in your daily food intake, and how it may relate to cracked heels.

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.

Ankle sprains, a common injury affecting individuals regardless of activity level, can take various forms. Inversion ankle sprains, the most prevalent type, occur when the foot abruptly turns inward, stretching the outer ligaments. This type of ankle sprain is commonly experienced during activities like running or basketball. Eversion ankle sprains, which are less frequent but equally painful, result from the foot rolling outward, affecting inner ligaments, often seen in gymnastics. Understanding the grades of ankle sprains further aids in treatment decisions. Grade 1 sprains involve mild symptoms and minimal ligament damage, allowing for continued activity with caution. Grade 2 sprains, moderate in severity, entail partial ligament tears. This leads to more pronounced swelling and discomfort, potentially requiring more extensive treatment. Grade 3 sprains, the most severe, feature complete ligament tears, or ruptures, resulting in significant pain, instability, and necessitating thorough rehabilitation for full recovery. Whether you are an athlete or a casual walker, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist if you have incurred an ankle sprain to ensure a smoother return to daily activities with proper care and attention.

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.