Items filtered by date: April 2018

If you have fallen and have experienced severe pain at the top of the foot, you may have what is referred to as a broken toe. Additionally, this may occur if a heavy object has fallen on the toe and will often appear bruised and swollen. Fractures that are severe may cause the toe to become displaced, causing the toe to look deformed. It’s important to begin treatment of this condition as quickly as possible, often beginning with taking weight off the toe. At this point, the toe can be splinted to the toe next to it, which will restrict any movement from occurring. To properly diagnose this ailment, an X-ray may be performed to observe the severity of the fracture. If the big toe is broken, a walking boot may be suggested to be worn, typically for 2-4 weeks. If you feel you have broken your toe, please consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist for a proper evaluation.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If your daily routine consists of standing the majority of the day, you may develop a condition referred to as cracked heels. There are several additional reasons why this ailment may occur, including wearing shoes that do not support the back of the foot, being overweight and requiring the feet to endure additional pressure, and skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. The cracks in the skin, also referred to as fissures, may become painful, which could make walking and standing difficult to manage. If your skin is dry, it’s beneficial to utilize a moisturizer to aid the skin in retaining moisture. Additionally, cracked heels may be a symptom of athlete’s foot, which can lead to an infection possibly occurring through the breaks in the skin. Please consult a podiatrist for additional information about cracked heels and possible treatment options.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is considered to be a form of arthritis. The pain associated with an attack of gout is commonly described as severe and generally affects the big toe, possibly causing difficulty in walking. Crystals develop from the excess of uric acid produced by the body, and typically lodge in the joints of the big toe. Inflammation in the joints is a result of this build-up and this typically causes redness, swelling, and discomfort. There are several possible causes for this condition to occur including ingesting excess alcohol, drinking beverages that are high in sugar content, and consuming certain foods such as herring, sardines, or foods that are rich in yeast. Treatment options for gout attacks may include elevating the foot to reduce any swelling, or taking anti-inflammatory painkillers. If you are affected by this ailment, please consult with a podiatrist for additional information, and prevention techniques for gout.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A condition referred to as flat feet is a result of arches that have dropped. It can cause a feeling of tiredness in the feet and ankles, in addition to moderate aches and pains. If the entire foot touches the ground while standing, chances are favorable that you may have this ailment. The purpose of the arch is to raise the middle of the foot, which is comprised of tendons, bones, ligaments, and muscles. When the arch develops correctly, the foot is able to balance, walk, and run, in addition to the ability to absorb any physical shock the feet may endure. Most babies are born with flat feet that generally disappear as the child progresses in age. There are several reasons why this condition may occur in adults, including injuries that affect the joints and tissues, damage the foot or ankle may have incurred, or a predisposed inherited gene. If pain is experienced or you have noticed the arches have collapsed, contact your podiatrist. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.