Items filtered by date: May 2023

A baby’s foot contains more cartilage than bone, but will eventually have 26 bones in each foot when fully formed. Children's feet grow at a faster rate the younger they are. Within the first 3 years, a baby's foot coot could grow up to 9 sizes. Research has shown children have feet that are more durable than adult feet and can endure more stress. When it is time for the first pair of shoes to be purchased, it is beneficial that they effectively absorb shock and have strong soles. Many parents choose to have their children wear shoes that are made of leather and canvas materials, which are flexible and breathable fabrics. It is helpful to buy shoes that are the right size. If the shoe doesn’t fit correctly, unwanted foot conditions may develop that can include blisters and ingrown toenails. If you have questions about what type of shoes to buy for your child, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can help you with the right footwear choices.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

Although many men and women enjoy wearing flip flops during the summer time because the shoe is convenient and fashionable, it can wreak havoc on the health of the feet. One of the main reasons why flip flops are not always a desirable choice can be that this type of shoe lacks arch support. Due to insufficient arch support, a flip flop can make conditions such as plantar fasciitis more likely. However, not all flip flops have insufficient arch support. Namely, some flip flops have cushions in the arch of the foot to provide extra support. However, even these extra supportive flip flops still may be detrimental in the sense that the absence of a back strap causes the toes to scrunch up in order to keep the shoe on the foot. If you are someone that often wears flip flops, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for more information and potential treatment.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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.

Athlete’s foot is a common and often uncomfortable foot infection caused by having contact with a fungus known as trichophyton. It often affects the space between the toes, and sometimes is found on the bottom of the feet. Unfortunately, it is quite easy to get athlete's foot, which is extremely contagious if certain conditions are met. This fungus thrives in warm and moist places, such as the inside of shoes. Symptoms of athlete’s foot are easy to recognize. The most noticeable signs are itchy toes and dry skin. The infected skin can become chapped and flaked when the shoes are removed and the toes are exposed to dry air. The skin also may begin to ooze fluid, especially if the infection is not treated immediately. The affected area may begin to redden, which is exacerbated by scratching. To make matters worse, the open skin can attract bacteria, further infecting the foot. That may produce swelling, which can be quite painful. At this point, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer an array of treatment options to deal with an athlete’s foot infection.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Having cold feet may be a symptom of poor circulation. Feet may also become numb and discolored, and there are various reasons for this condition to happen. Existing medical ailments, such as Raynaud’s disease may lead to developing poor circulation. Having acrocyanosis, which turns the feet or toes blue, may be another reason for this to occur. This condition can cause the blood vessels to constrict, and blood is prevented from moving through the feet. Patients who have diabetes often have poor circulation, and immediate medical attention is often sought that may help to prevent diabetic foot ulcers from developing. Additionally, smoking, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels may cause poor circulation. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to reduce the risk. These can include performing breathing exercises, practicing meditation, and yoga, in addition to avoiding alcohol and caffeine. If you have symptoms of poor circulation, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

The foot condition that is known as gout is a form of arthritis. It can cause debilitating pain and affects the joints in the big toe. Many people have mistakenly thought their first gout attack developed for other reasons that can include wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from having endured a painful foot injury. Gout occurs as a result of excess uric acid in the bloodstream. This can come from genetic factors, or from eating foods that are laden with purines. These convert to uric acid in the body, and will form crystals that can lodge in the joints of the big toe. These types of foods include shellfish, red meat, or drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. The severe pain from gout attacks may gradually diminish naturally, however many people seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can help them to manage these attacks. If you have gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of this type of doctor who can prescribe medication, if necessary.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 office located in Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.