Tuesday, 12 November 2024 00:00

Warts on the feet, particularly plantar warts, are a common skin condition caused by the human papillomavirus, HPV. These warts occur when the virus enters the skin through tiny cuts, breaks, or weak spots, often on the soles of the feet. This virus thrives in warm, moist environments, making public places like swimming pools, locker rooms, and communal showers prime locations for spreading HPV. Walking barefoot in these areas can increase the risk of contracting plantar warts. Plantar warts often appear as small, rough, and grainy lesions, typically on weight-bearing areas such as the heels or balls of the feet. Unlike other types of warts, plantar warts tend to grow inward due to pressure from walking or standing, which can cause a flat appearance and make them difficult to detect at first glance. These warts may have tiny black dots within them, which are small, clotted blood vessels. If you have this type of wart on your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Read more about What Are Plantar Warts?
Sunday, 10 November 2024 00:00

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Tuesday, 05 November 2024 00:00

Acute and chronic sports injuries are common among athletes and active individuals. Acute injuries occur suddenly during physical activity, often due to falls, collisions, or improper technique. Common examples include sprains, fractures, and muscle strains. Symptoms typically involve immediate pain, swelling, and an inability to use the affected area. In contrast, chronic injuries develop gradually over time, often due to repetitive stress on muscles and joints. Conditions such as tendinitis, bursitis, and stress fractures are common. Symptoms may include persistent pain, stiffness, and swelling that worsen with activity. Treatment for acute injuries usually includes rest and elevation. Chronic injuries often require a more comprehensive approach, including targeted exercises, activity modification, and sometimes medications or injections. If you are experiencing persistent pain or difficulty due to a sports injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment tailored to your needs.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Plantar Fasciosis
  • Achilles Tendinitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

Read more about Sports Related Foot And Ankle Injuries
Tuesday, 29 October 2024 00:00

Diabetic patients with foot ulcers can experience significantly reduced quality of life due to chronic pain, limited mobility, and the risk of serious complications like infection or amputation. These ulcers, often caused by poor circulation and nerve damage, can make everyday activities difficult and may lead to prolonged hospital stays or social isolation. The emotional toll, including stress and anxiety, further impacts their overall well-being. Managing foot ulcers in diabetic patients requires a comprehensive approach. Regular foot exams by a podiatrist, proper wound care, and the use of custom orthotics or footwear can help reduce pressure and promote healing. Blood sugar control is critical in preventing further damage. In more severe cases, advanced treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy or surgery may be needed. If you suffer from diabetic foot ulcers, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your team of healthcare providers to improve functioning. Education on daily foot care, combined with early intervention, can help prevent ulcers and improve your well-being.

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.

Read more about Wound Care

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