There are over 100 different varieties of HPV, or human papilloma virus.  Nearly 12% of the global population have had warts at one time, and plantar warts are but one of these types.  They all share one basic characteristic, they have the ability to infect skin cells.  Many people, when they hear the term HPV, think that it refers to genital warts.  But this is not the case, and HPV can manifest itself in many different forms.  Plantar warts occur on the feet, typically on the palms or the soles.  They can be flat or raised, and usually occur in dry, cracked areas of the foot.  Treatments vary in scope and effectiveness.  If you think you may have a plantar wart, talk to your podiatrist and go through the treatment options available.

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.

Geoff Swaim, tight end of the Dallas Cowboys, will most likely be out of play until the team’s training camp due to last week’s foot surgery. The injury itself was sustained during the Cowboys’ informal workouts last week at The Star. After suffering the injury, Swaim had a screw inserted into his foot to help secure the bones in place. He will most likely be back when the Cowboys return for training camp in Oxnard, California, in July. The tight end is no stranger to injuries and surgeries; last season, Swaim missed the final seven games due to a torn pectoral tendon that needed surgery. Swaim was able to make a full recovery since.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

New findings published by scientists in Brazil have concluded that wearing improper-fitting high heels can potentially cause the wearer to suffer anxiety. By wearing ill-fitting shoes, conditions such as bunions and ingrown toenails become more prevalent. In turn, this can lead to frequent falls and an anxious disposition. Researchers previously found that 83 percent of people don’t wear the correct shoe size. To prevent the development of foot conditions, be sure to wear proper footwear that is comfortable and well-fitting.

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

If you’re experiencing pain at the sole of your feet, you may have plantar fasciitis. The words plantar, meaning “the bottom of the foot,” and fasciitis, meaning “inflammation of fascia,” describe the inflammation of our plantar fascia, the tough band of tissue (ligament) lining the bottom of our feet. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot problems seen in patients, caused by factors like continual stress or injury, as the plantar fascia becomes sensitive and can impact everyday movement. Athletes and those who exercise often are most susceptible to plantar fasciitis. Treatments such as cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medications, therapy, icing, and arch supports can all help treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

The hustle and bustle of the past holiday season may have taken a toll on your feet going into the new year. Diabetics in particular may be especially affected by the extra wear and tear the holidays bring. To allow the feet to recover from an active holiday season, consider the following tips. Maintain healthy eating habits and always monitor your blood glucose levels, clean feet daily with warm water and mild soap, moisturize dry and cracked skin, give the feet a break and put them up when sitting or resting, and wear shoes that are comfortable and broken in.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels because blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Read more about Diabetic Foot Care

Arthritis is a condition that many people are familiar with but that not many fully understand. Successful treatment of the condition depends on the correct diagnosis, and arthritis can take on three different types: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Each type of arthritis has its own various symptoms and treatments. If you are suffering from arthritis in your feet, consult with your podiatrist to determine the right diagnosis and the best treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. 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.

Arthritic Foot Care                            

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

Read more about arthritic foot care