Items filtered by date: January 2023

Foot corns are common. They resemble calluses but they are smaller, harder, and often more painful. The discomfort and irritation caused by corns is a result of the body’s response to friction or pressure from repetitive actions or ill-fitting shoes that cause friction. There are three types of corns. A hard corn is the most common type of corn and is a small, concentrated area of hard skin, usually found within a wider area of thickened skin. A soft corn is white or gray in color and has a rubbery texture. Hard and soft corns usually show up between toes. A seed corn is often found on the bottom of the foot and is smaller. Corns can be safely treated, and it is possible to prevent future corns. First, stop movements that cause repetitive pressure on your feet and wear well-fitting shoes that do not rub against the feet and cause pain. If the corn does not go away, see a podiatrist who can provide additional and successful treatment of corns.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

An ingrown toenail is a nail that grows into the skin instead of over it. It is a painful foot condition that generally affects the big toe. It may become infected if prompt medical treatment is not received. There are several reasons an ingrown toenail may develop. These can consist of wearing shoes or socks that are too tight, trimming the toenails incorrectly, or enduring a toe injury. It may become swollen and red, and pus may drain if it becomes infected. Some patients find relief when the affected foot is soaked in warm water, followed by gently pushing the skin away from the nail with a piece of cotton. It is also beneficial to wear shoes that are slightly larger to keep the nail away from the inside of the shoe. Ingrown toenails can be recurring so it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a permanent solution and this may include minor surgery for partial or full removal of the nail.

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 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.

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

The feet are complex parts of the human body that are made up of a series of different bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Importantly, the feet also contain veins, which are blood vessels that return old blood to the heart. Sometimes, a condition known as spider veins may develop in the feet. Spider veins essentially develop when many different small veins gather together beneath the skin. As a result, the veins can be visible on the surface of the skin, and they might be red, blue, or purple in color. Luckily, spider veins are mostly harmless to those that develop them. In addition to the feet, spider veins can also develop on the lower legs . If you are someone that wants to learn more about the veins of the feet and particularly how spider veins develop, contact a podiatrist today. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

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 Egg Harbor Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is recognized as a hard bump that forms on the outside of the big toe. It develops as a bony protrusion, and it is considered to be a deformity. Genetics may contribute to getting a bunion, in addition to wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely. This may be a reason why bunions are more common among women, and relief may be found when appropriate-size shoes are worn. A bunion can put pressure on the other toes and may cause them to shift towards each other. Additionally, a corn or callus may form on top of the bunion, which may happen from the toes touching the top of the shoe. Other symptoms may consist of joint pain, and the toes may have a limited range of motion. A bunion may stop growing when larger shoes are worn, and temporary relief may be found when protective pads are worn over it. If you have developed a bunion, it is strongly urged that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer correct treatment options, which may include surgery for permanent removal. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.

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

Exercise is a necessary part of what it means to lead a healthy life. It is essential to staying fit and strong. It is important to remember that after you engage in an exercise routine for the day, performing cool-down exercises can help the body heal properly before concluding the exercise routine. The feet are certainly no exception to any other part of the body. After working out, consider making a point of performing cool-down exercises for the feet. Perhaps you might perform toe circles, slowly pointing the toes of the feet and moving them in a circular position. This stretch will relax the muscles and let them fully heal and cool down after an exercise. You might also consider performing a single-leg hamstring stretch where one leg is put in front of the other. You can then flex the foot in front, slowly leaning in and out of the stretch. When you take time to cool down after a workout, you essentially give the feet the chance to recuperate before returning to regular daily activities, which can reduce the chance of injury. If you want to learn more about exercises for the feet, contact a podiatrist today.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.