Items filtered by date: June 2022

When a small area of thickened skin appears on the toes it can be indicative of a corn. Corns typically result from excessive friction which can happen from wearing socks or shoes that are too tight. Soft corns form in between the toes and are generally moist because of the area they are located. Hard corns can form on the outside of the pinky toe or on top of the toes. The core is located in the middle of the corn and is the part of the foot that endures the most amount of friction. Corns can cause extreme pain and discomfort, but relief may be found when the offending shoe is removed. The gait or walking style may be affected when a corn is present. This is the body’s natural defense in realigning the body to minimize existing corn pain. Many patients find the best shoes to wear have low heels and are comfortable with adequate room for the toes to move freely in. A pumice stone can be used on mild corns and this may help to reduce its size. If you have a large or stubborn corn that is prolonged after new shoes are worn, please confer with a podiatrist who can prescribe medicine to remove the corn.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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 broken ankle can cause severe pain and discomfort. It generally occurs from a fall and can affect one or several bones in the ankle. Some patients can hear the bone break at the time of the injury and this may sound like a grinding or snapping noise. Common symptoms can include swelling or bruising, and it is often difficult to walk. In severe fractures, the bone may protrude from the skin and appear deformed. It is important to have an X-ray performed which can determine the severity of the fracture. Relief may be found when keeping weight off of the affected foot and frequently elevating the foot may also reduce existing swelling. Many broken ankles are treated by wearing a cast or a boot. This is effective in keeping the ankle stable as healing takes place. It may be easier to walk when crutches are used. If you have broken your ankle, please consult a podiatrist immediately who can properly diagnose your condition and offer treatment options which may include surgery for severe breaks.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

Research has shown that plantar warts affect approximately ten percent of the population. They are warts that develop on the sole of the foot, and grow inward as a result of the weight the feet endure on a daily basis. They are generally caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), and can enter the body through small cuts in the skin on the feet. They are prone to developing on the ball and heel of the foot, and are considered to be hyperkeratotic eruptions. Plantar warts can cause severe pain and discomfort, and aggressive treatment may be necessary to relieve the pain while walking. Some patients have to alter their style of walking if they have a plantar wart, and their posture may be affected. If you have a wart on the bottom of your foot, please seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. 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 offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many forms of exercise target the larger muscle groups, and the small muscles in the feet may be overlooked. Research has shown that when the ball of the foot is properly stretched, the overall foot may become stronger by improving arch and surrounding ligaments. An effective stretch is referred to as the golf ball stretch. This is done by rolling the sole of the foot over a golf ball for several minutes, then switching feet. Many people find it beneficial to walk on their tip toes, and this can help to build up the balls of the feet. Additionally, calf raises can be done with resistance as the strength in the feet increases. Having a full range of motion in your feet is essential in keeping the feet strong. This can be practiced by standing on a stool while dangling the legs. The big toe can be used as an imaginary pencil, and letters of the alphabet can be drawn with the toes. If you would like additional information about how exercise can benefit the feet, please contact a podiatrist who can provide useful information.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.