Items filtered by date: June 2018

Monday, 18 June 2018 00:00

Causes of Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is a common ailment and may typically be noticed by the yellowing and thickening of the affected toenail. If left untreated, the nail may gradually turn black and may cause an unsightly appearance. There may be several reasons for this condition to occur, including sweaty feet caused by wearing shoes that do not allow enough air to circulate, or enduring specific health issues such as psoriasis or diabetes. The toenail fungus may cause an infection, and it’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist if the infection should become severe. A proper diagnosis can be performed, which may include testing a portion of the nail to determine the exact cause of the infection followed by discussing correct 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 New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 office located in Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Monday, 11 June 2018 00:00

How to Care For Your Feet

It is easy to forget to take care of your feet in the warmer weather. In the summer, your feet are more likely to be exposed to the sun and hot surfaces, which may cause them to become dry and rough. One of the best things you can do for your feet is to eliminate the dry skin cells. This can be achieved by exfoliating your feet once a week. This process will leave you with feet that are soft and renewed. Afterward, you should use a moisturizer on your feet to make sure they stay hydrated throughout the day. There are several types of pumice stones available for sale, and it’s suggested to have one in shower that can be used frequently. Adequately moisturizing your heels are crucial because the heels bear the majority of the weight. The heel also has a thick layer of skin protecting it, and this skin is less penetrable which makes moisturizing difficult. Therefore, it will take more effort to ensure that moisture is locked into the skin.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

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Research has indicated that the first step in purchasing shoes that fit correctly is to use a tool referred to as the Brannock device. This will properly measure the foot in width and length and the majority of people will realize that one foot is slightly larger than the other. The general rule when choosing shoes is to ensure that there is ample room in the front of the shoe. This can be accomplished by having an area that is the width of your thumb in between the top of the longest toe to the end of the shoe. The feet commonly swell during the day, and this is an ideal time to measure your feet when they are at their largest. The importance of wearing the correct shoe size may not only prevent corns, blisters and ingrown toenails from developing, but will enable the feet to feel comfortable during daily activities.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

  • Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
  • Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
  • Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
  • Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
  • Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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

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