(732) 246-1377(732) 246-1377
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that pulses high-energy sound waves through a hand-held device onto the site of pain, which permeate into underlying damaged tissue to reduce pain, stimulate tissue growth, and accelerate the healing process. ESWT has been used to treat foot and ankle conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and more. Since ESWT is a treatment that is administered outside of the body (extra corporeally), it is an alternative to surgery which may offer pain relief and faster healing along with a shorter recovery time. Individuals who are pregnant, have a pacemaker, take certain medications, or have medical conditions such as neuropathy are not good candidates for ESWT. If you have chronic pain in your foot or ankle that has not responded to other treatments, it is suggested you contact a podiatrist who will perform an examination and determine if ESWT is an option for you.
Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.
Who Benefits from Shockwave?
Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.
Fast and Easy
The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.
Treatment & Recovery Time
Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
It is well known that diabetes affects blood sugar and one’s overall health, but did you know that it can affect your feet too? Diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage in the feet that can lead to a loss of sensation. Diabetes also affects blood flow throughout the body and often leads to poor blood flow to the feet. Neuropathy can make it difficult to detect foot injuries, such as sores, scrapes, or wounds, and poor circulation can make these injuries slow to heal and prone to infection. When left untreated serious complications may occur. Signs that diabetes is affecting your feet include foot swelling, discoloration, burning or tingling sensations, numbness, and loss of hair on the toes and legs. If you have diabetes or notice any of these symptoms in your feet, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage proper foot health.
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 Livingston Footcare. 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. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially 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
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as 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 office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Running is a great form of exercise, but it can unfortunately lead to a variety of foot and ankle injuries. Luckily, there are steps that you can implement to help prevent running injuries. Prior to running, it is suggested that you warm up and do exercises to stretch and strengthen your foot and leg muscles. Footwear is also important. Look for high quality, well fitted running shoes that support your feet adequately. When you run, it is best to take things slow at first. Do not make sudden or drastic changes in the distance, duration, or intensity of your runs, as well as the terrain that you run on. Instead, slowly increase or change these things over time. For more information about how to prevent running injuries, consult with a podiatrist.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Medical doctors who specialize in treating the lower legs and feet are known as podiatrists. They can treat issues that stem from both injuries as well as medical conditions, like diabetes, and they can perform surgeries, reset broken bones, run tests and prescribe medications. Because diabetes can cause patients to not get enough blood to their feet, regular podiatrist visits can help prevent severe issues in diabetics that can lead to amputation. Patients who are suffering from heel pain should visit a podiatrist because of the stability the heel provides. Podiatrists can also help patients with skin conditions such as corns, calluses, warts, and Athlete’s foot. Toenail issues such as ingrown toenails or fungal nail infections can be treated by podiatrists as well. If you are experiencing issues with your feet, visiting a podiatrist for help is suggested.
If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Podiatrist?
Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.
Podiatric Treatment
A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:
A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
If you find yourself with dry, cracked heels, home treatment is often enough to manage this problem and find relief. Moisturizing the feet regularly is important for maintaining smooth, hydrated skin. Following a bath or shower, coat your feet and heels with a moisturizing cream or lotion. Then, put on a pair of clean, dry socks to lock in the added moisture. You can also exfoliate your feet in the shower using a pumice stone to help remove dead, dry skin. If home remedies do not relieve your cracked heels, or if the cracks are deep, painful, or show signs of infection, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.
Ways to Help Heal Them
Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels
If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Purine, a chemical compound, is naturally present in the body and in foods including certain meats and seafood, as well as alcohol. When purine is broken down, uric acid is produced. If the body cannot properly flush uric acid out, it may crystalize in the joints—causing inflammation, pain, stiffness and even deformity in extreme cases. This condition, known as gout, is a form of arthritis which most commonly occurs in the metatarsophalangeal joint connecting the foot with the big toe. Men are more likely to develop gout, as well as people with a family history of gout, or those who are over 50 years old. Other risk factors can include obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal kidney functions, and drug or alcohol abuse. In rare cases, children with certain genetic disorders that cause an excess of uric acid can develop gout. If you are in any of these high-risk groups and are experiencing pain or inflammation in any ankle or foot joint, contact a podiatrist who can examine you and may perform tests to analyze the fluid around the joint to see if uric acid crystals are present.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Because of the stress put on the feet while hiking, having shoes that fit properly is very important. Hiking boots should feel snug but not tight, and there should be enough room for wiggling the toes. In order to ensure a proper fit, there are a few things that can be done when choosing hiking boots. Shoes should be tried on at the end of the day or after exercise because people’s feet swell during the day. When trying on shoes, it is also important to wear the same socks and orthotics that you plan to wear while hiking in order to understand the impact they will have on the fit. There should also be proper spacing between the end of the toes and the edge of the shoe, and the shoes should have a proper width where the toes aren’t scrunched up. If you would like more information on making sure your shoes fit properly, consult with a podiatrist who will help provide tips for a proper shoe fit.
Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:
Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Yellow toenails that are not due to aging or nail polish residue can sometimes be a sign of a fungal infection. Fungal nail infections, or onychomycosis, are commonly caused by dermatophytes which eat the keratin in nails. This can make the nail turn yellow or black, or develop white patches or yellow spots. Athletes, or people with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease and poor blood circulation are more likely to develop toenail fungus. You can help prevent toenail fungus by keeping your toenails clean, dry, and trimmed straight across, wearing clean socks and shoes that fit properly, and airing out shoes after use. Toenail fungus is usually treatable with anti-fungal medicine. If you notice any change in the color, texture or thickness of your toenails, contact a podiatrist.
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 Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Symptoms
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 North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Since many foot problems in children are due to ill-fitting or improper footwear, it’s important to make sure your child wears the right shoes. Check the fit on their shoes every 3-4 months to make sure they haven’t outgrown them. Avoid shoes that are too inflexible, tight, or hand-me-downs—all of which can change the shape of your child’s feet. Babies learning to walk should be barefoot indoors or have on soft-soled shoes to build up muscles and allow toes to grip the floor. Small children should wear non-synthetic, breathable shoes that are flexible and adjustable for a secure fit with a round toe box. Soles should be smooth and not overly grippy—which can alter a child’s gait and restrict their ability to move properly. If you notice any irregularities in the structure of your child’s foot or their gait, make an appointment with a podiatrist for a full examination.
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 Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Shin splints are a painful, yet sometimes avoidable, common form of shin pain among athletes. Shin splints—also known as Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS)—are usually associated with runners and gymnasts, and occur when the muscles that attach to the tibia, or shin bone, are overused and become inflamed. Athletes can sometimes get shin splints if they increase training too rapidly, or don’t warm up properly or wear proper shoes. The pain associated with shin splints can cover the entire inner part of the shin, and unlike exertional compartment syndrome—a more serious condition often mistaken for shin splints—usually goes away with proper self-care. A podiatrist can recommend a treatment/management plan which may include massaging or icing after activity, orthotics, physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, and switching to more appropriate footwear.
Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Common Injuries
The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.
Treatment
Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
The ankle is the joint where the tibia (shin bone), the fibia (back bone on the lower leg), and the tallus (which connects to the heel bone) all come together. A broken bone in this area can range from a hairline fracture to a shattering of the bone, and the symptoms may vary depending on the type of break. Common symptoms are pain, swelling, and the inability to put weight on the ankle. Because broken ankles are very serious and can be easily mistaken for an ankle sprain, patients who are experiencing severe ankle pain should visit a podiatrist. A podiatrist will examine the ankle and use diagnostic imaging to determine what bones may be out of place. Severe fractures will usually require a cast or brace in order to allow the ankle to heel. However, some severe breaks with bones out of alignment will require surgery. After the initial treatment, your podiatrist will be able to guide you in your recovery.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. 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
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 office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Despite what its name may suggest, ringworm is actually a type of fungal infection. It can cause various skin problems throughout the body. On the skin of the feet, ringworm can be responsible for athlete’s foot. The symptoms of athlete’s foot include an itchy, burning rash between the toes and on the soles of the feet, scaly, cracked, or blistered skin, and possible foot odor. Athlete’s foot and other types of ringworm infections are highly contagious, and can be contracted from direct contact with contaminated surfaces, such as locker room floors, or from sharing personal items like shoes or towels with an infected person. If you have athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist, who can prescribe the right treatment for you.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
