Items filtered by date: March 2024

Tailor's bunions, also known as bunionettes, are bony protrusions that develop on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. Similar to traditional bunions, they can cause pain, inflammation, redness, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. Tailor's bunions are often caused by pressure and friction, leading to the misalignment of the fifth metatarsal bone and the little toe. The discomfort and limitations caused by tailor's bunions can significantly impact one's quality of life, especially in terms of footwear choices and mobility. Simple activities such as walking or standing can become painful and challenging. If you have such a bunion and it is causing severe pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for interventions that can help.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Cold feet can often signal poor circulation, a condition where blood flow to your extremities, especially the feet, is not adequate. There are several common causes of poor circulation in the feet. One is peripheral artery disease, where arteries narrow due to plaque buildup, reducing blood flow to your lower limbs. Diabetes can also contribute to poor circulation due to high blood sugar levels damaging blood vessels and nerves, leading to decreased sensation and blood flow. Additionally, conditions like Raynaud's disease cause blood vessels to narrow dramatically in response to cold or stress, further limiting blood flow. Smoking also worsens circulatory issues as it constricts blood vessels. It is important to get checked for any underlying health issues if you have circulatory issues in the feet and lower limbs. If you are experiencing cold feet on a regular basis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist, a foot doctor who can diagnose the source of the issue and offer treatment solutions for poor circulation. 

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

Skateboarding poses risks, especially for lower extremity injuries. Fractures, strains, and ankle sprains are common. These injuries can be debilitating, affecting mobility and causing long-term issues. Regardless of age or gender, skateboarders face these risks. Surprisingly, adults over 25 years old are increasingly prone to such injuries. Ankle sprains and fractures are prevalent due to falls or awkward landings. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential, sometimes requiring surgery for severe cases. To minimize lower extremity injuries, warm up before skating, stretch, and wear protective gear like knee pads and ankle braces. Practicing on safe surfaces and avoiding high-risk areas can also help. Taking precautions and caring for lower extremities is essential for preventing serious skateboarding injuries and enjoying the sport safely. If you have sustained a foot or ankle skateboard injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, 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.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Sever’s disease, a common cause of heel pain in children, happens due to overuse. It is caused by repetitive strain on the heel bone's growth plate from the calf muscles pulling on the Achilles tendon. Risk factors can include flat feet, having tight muscles, running on hard surfaces, and wearing shoes that do not fit well. It typically occurs during bone growth years, between the ages of 7 to 15 years. Symptoms can include heel tenderness, tight calf muscles, and pain during activity. Diagnosis is based on history and examination, with some cases needing an MRI. Wearing custom-made orthotics and heel lifts may help patients to find relief, while severe cases may need a cast or boot. Complications are rare, and most patients recover in a few weeks to months, with a return to sports in two to eight weeks. If your child has heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.