Items filtered by date: April 2019

The condition that is known as toenail fungus is considered to be contagious. The fungus that causes this nail infection typically thrives in warm and moist environments. These places may include public pools, shower room floors, locker rooms, and surrounding areas. When appropriate footwear is worn, the chances of getting toenail fungus may be reduced. The infection may also develop if patients have wet nails for extended periods of time, sometimes due to wearing sweaty shoes for consecutive days. Symptoms of toenail fungus may include the nail becoming thick, in addition to the nail turning a yellow, green, or brown color. Research has indicated that when early treatment is implemented, damage to the nail may be minimized. If you feel you have developed toenail fungus, it is important that you consult with a podiatrist who can advise you on proper treatment options.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

The condition that is known as toenail fungus is considered to be contagious. The fungus that causes this nail infection typically thrives in warm and moist environments. These places may include public pools, shower room floors, locker rooms, and surrounding areas. When appropriate footwear is worn, the chances of getting toenail fungus may be reduced. The infection may also develop if patients have wet nails for extended periods of time, sometimes due to wearing sweaty shoes for consecutive days. Symptoms of toenail fungus may include the nail becoming thick, in addition to the nail turning a yellow, green, or brown color. Research has indicated that when early treatment is implemented, damage to the nail may be minimized. If you feel you have developed toenail fungus, it is important that you consult with a podiatrist who can advise you on proper treatment options.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

The Achilles tendon is considered to be the largest tendon in the body, and its function is to connect the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is essential to keep this tendon flexible and strong, as this may ensure that walking and running are easy to accomplish. If an injury should occur to the Achilles tendon, it may become irritated and inflamed, and a painful condition that is known as Achilles tendonitis may develop. This can happen if proper stretching is not done before a new sport is pursued or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly while exercising. Some of the symptoms that may be experienced with this type of injury may include pain and discomfort in the back of the leg, difficulty in pointing and flexing the injured foot, or swelling in the leg as activities are completed. If you feel you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer proper treatment options for you.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn and Riverdale, New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

There are many people who enjoy wearing high heels. This type of shoe can enhance the appearance of the legs by making them look longer and thinner. Potential damage to the foot may be diminished if proper stretching exercises are frequently performed, thereby strengthening the foot. Many people may experience heel pain, and this may be a result of shortened calf muscles. There are many foot conditions that can gradually develop from wearing high heels. These may include ingrown toenails, bunions, or Morton’s neuroma, which is a form of nerve damage that occurs between the toes. If you would like additional information about how high heels can affect the feet, consulting with a podiatrist is recommended.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

If you are involved in an occupation and the majority of the time is spent standing on your feet, you may notice there is pain and discomfort in your feet and lower legs. These professions may include mail carriers, casino dealers, or retail salespersons. The feet carry the majority of the body’s weight, and it is important to rest the lower extremities as often as possible during the course of the day. Mild relief may be obtained by stretching the feet, standing on a stress mat, and wearing orthotics may help to reduce discomfort. The joints may be compressed in the feet and legs as a result of standing most of the day, and this may cause pain and inflammation. Research has indicated it may be helpful to lose weight, as this may lessen the stress that is put on the tendons, joints, and foot muscles. If you stand for most of the day and would like additional information on how to properly care for your feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Research has shown the foot is considered to be one of the most complicated structures of the body. There are numerous bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments each foot is comprised of. The feet may endure pain and discomfort as a result of bearing the weight of the body for the majority of the day. Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may be the source of different types of foot pain. These may include corns and bunions. A corn may develop as a result of friction that is caused by two toes rubbing together, or if a toe rubs against a part of the shoe. Bunions may form on the side of the big toe, and it may happen if shoes that are worn are too tight. If you are experiencing any type of foot pain, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat any foot condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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