Items filtered by date: March 2025

Tuesday, 25 March 2025 00:00

Managing an Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and swelling. This often affects the big toe and may result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, or toe injuries. People with naturally curved nails are more likely to experience ingrown toenails. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can worsen, potentially leading to an infection that increases pain and interferes with daily activities. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the ingrown toenail and determine the most effective treatment. In some cases, the podiatrist may trim the ingrown portion of the nail, while more severe cases may require surgery to remove part of the nail and prevent regrowth in that area. Wearing shoes that fit properly and trimming toenails straight across can help reduce the risk of recurrence. If you have developed an ingrown toenail that shows signs of infection, it is suggested that you schedule an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.

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Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.

Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 18 March 2025 00:00

How to Manage Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in the body, forming crystals in the joints. It commonly affects the big toe but can also impact other joints. The symptoms include intense, sudden pain, swelling, redness, and heat, often beginning at night. The pain can be so severe that even the weight of a blanket can feel unbearable. Gout is more common in men over 40 and women after menopause due to hormonal changes and higher levels of uric acid in the body. Other risk factors include a diet high in purines found in red meat and seafood, alcohol consumption, obesity, and certain medications. A podiatrist can help diagnose gout by examining your foot and performing tests to detect uric acid crystals. Treatment often involves anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, and lifestyle changes, such as diet modifications and weight management. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper care and management.

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.

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After lower limb surgery, custom foot orthotics can play a critical role in recovery by providing stability, support, and proper alignment. They can help redistribute weight evenly, reducing strain on healing tissues and preventing compensatory issues in other joints. Post-surgical changes in foot structure, gait, or biomechanics can lead to pain or imbalance, but orthotics correct these abnormalities, promoting a smoother, more efficient walking pattern. They also minimize excessive pressure on surgical sites, reducing the risk of complications such as overuse injuries or delayed healing. For patients recovering from procedures like knee, ankle, or foot surgeries, custom orthotics enhance shock absorption, improve mobility, and help restore confidence in movement. Additionally, they aid in preventing long-term joint damage by maintaining proper foot positioning. If you are facing lower limb surgery, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to discuss how custom orthotics can help as you recover.

Experience a transformative solution to heel pain and foot pain through the personalized benefits of custom orthotics and shoe inserts. If you’re grappling with the persistent agony of plantar fasciitis, these customized inserts are designed to alleviate the strain on the plantar fascia, providing targeted relief. Engineered to adapt to your unique foot anatomy, custom orthotics tackle not only plantar fasciitis but also general foot and heel pain, offering unparalleled support and comfort. Don’t let every step be a reminder of discomfort; step into a world of tailored well-being. Say farewell to the limitations imposed by heel pain and embrace the freedom of pain-free mobility. Invest in your foot health and redefine your daily stride with the transformative power of custom orthotics and shoe inserts, ensuring each step is a step towards lasting comfort. 

If you have any questions please 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.

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Your feet do the hard work of carrying you everywhere, yet they are often ignored until there is a problem. Do you want feet that are both healthy and attractive? It takes more than an occasional pedicure. Everyday foot care is a must. First, moisture matters, but in moderation. Dry heels lead to cracks, while sweaty feet invite fungus. Use a good foot cream daily, but skip between the toes to prevent infections. Secondly, trim your toenails with care. Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges increases the risk of painful ingrown nails. Trim straight across and file gently for a smooth finish. Third, shoes shape your feet over time. Wearing tight, unsupportive footwear can lead to bunions, corns, and calluses. Choose shoes that fit well and support your arch. If you have ongoing foot pain, persistent skin issues, or nail concerns, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

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 Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. 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 offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 04 March 2025 00:00

Common Causes of Foot Pain

Foot pain can result from various factors that place stress on the muscles, joints, and ligaments. Aging naturally weakens the feet, reducing flexibility and cushioning, which can lead to discomfort during movement. Excess body weight increases pressure on the feet, contributing to conditions like plantar fasciitis and joint pain. Standing for long periods of time without proper support strains the arches and causes fatigue. Wearing shoes that do not fit properly, whether too tight or lacking support, can lead to blisters, calluses, and misalignment. Foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet can create imbalance and pain with every step. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

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, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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