Items filtered by date: December 2021

Fungi that reside on the body can become overgrown over time in, or on, the toenail. This can result in an infection known as onychomycosis. You can also pick up the infection through contact with someone who has it. Further, this fungal infection can be transmitted through contact with toenail clippers, nail files or pedicure instruments at a salon where fungi are present. Older adults — whose drier nails make it easier for fungi to enter the nail — are more prone to developing fungal infections, as well as those who wear fake nails, use public swimming/showering areas, have diabetes, poor circulation, a nail injury, or a weakened immune system. People whose feet are confined to warm, moist environments where fungi thrive (i.e., dark boots or sneakers) are also more at risk of developing fungal nails. Fungal nail symptoms include brittle, thickened, discolored or distorted nails, which can sometimes be accompanied by odor or pain. While some people try to treat fungal toenail infections at home, the fungi are very stubborn and resilient. Professional treatment from a podiatrist is often necessary to quickly and completely eradicate the infection, and prevent it from recurring.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

People with diabetes are at a substantially increased risk of developing foot wounds, open sores on the feet that heal slowly and poorly. One of the reasons that these wounds heal inefficiently may be due to a poor immune response. People with diabetes are more likely to have immune insufficiency. When a wound develops on the foot, the immune cells that are necessary for healthy inflammation and healing may have their functions suppressed, leading to poor healing. If you have diabetes, it is important to take measures to prevent foot wounds and their complications. One of the best ways to do this is to inspect your feet daily for any changes, such as new cuts, scrapes, sores, or discoloration. If you notice that anything is out of the ordinary, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

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 Foot and Ankle Center. 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 Egg Harbor Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As the feet age over time, they begin to wear down. For example, a lot of the cushioning and the fat pads of the heel and ball of the foot begins to wear away. The skin on the feet loses elasticity and the nails become more brittle. Bone deformities and other conditions, like bunions and arthritis, may lead to an increased risk of falls. Due to the different affects aging can have on the feet, it is very important to implement routine foot care and daily inspections. If you notice that the skin on your feet has become dry, or if you are experiencing a burning or tingling sensation in your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist right away. A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat a wide variety of foot conditions. If it becomes too difficult to inspect your feet daily, it is suggested to schedule regular checkups with a podiatrist, especially if you have diabetes.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

A heel spur is a bony growth that can develop on the heel bone. When a person has an abnormal walking pattern, or gait, it can place excess strain on the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Over time, chronic inflammation can develop and lead to the formation of heel spurs. Though often asymptomatic, a heel spur can sometimes result in heel tenderness and pain. Heel spurs are typically diagnosed through an X-ray. Treatment is usually conservative and includes resting and icing the affected foot. If you suspect that you have a heel spur, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.