People who enjoy sporting activities are often aware of how a broken toe can slow or stop participation. A broken toe can occur as a result of dropping a heavy object on it, or from jamming it against a piece of furniture. Common signs of an existing broken toe can include severe pain, swelling, and bruising. In severe fractures, the bone may extend from the skin, and immediate medical attention is needed. Many doctors will use the buddy taping method, which consists of taping the broken toe to the toe next to it. This can be helpful in providing the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. Simple stretches can be performed which may be beneficial in keeping the toes strong. If you have broken your toe, please speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment.
A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What to Know About a Broken Toe
Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.
Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.
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.
People who enjoy the sport of running often understand the importance of warming up and cooling down properly before jogging or running. It is beneficial to start slowly, and this may be a new concept among first time distance runners. It is helpful to run every other day, which can give the body and feet a chance to rest and build endurance between runs. When mileage and speed are increased gradually, distance running can become enjoyable and manageable. Many runners practice strength training, and this can help to improve balance and stability. If you would like additional information about how running injuries can affect the feet, and how to prevent them, it is advised that you 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.
Ankle pain while walking is very common and can have a wide variety of causes. Most ankle pain is caused by injuries sustained during physical activity. These injuries may include bruising, strains, sprains, fractures, or breaks. Pain that affects the back of the ankle while walking may be caused by an Achilles tendon rupture, Achilles tendonitis, or heel bursitis. While injuries may be the most common reason that your ankles are aching, a chronic condition could also be to blame. Osteoarthritis and gout are two types of arthritis that can damage the joints of the ankle, causing pain. Peripheral neuropathy, a condition that damages the nerves of your lower limbs, can also make walking difficult. If you are experiencing pain in your ankles, it is recommended that you seek the care of a podiatrist.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
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.
For most people, strengthening the feet and ankles is usually an afterthought, but it shouldn’t be! The feet and ankles support the rest of the body, so it is important to keep them strong, flexible, and mobile, especially if you are a runner. One way to maintain the health of your feet and ankles is by stretching them regularly. The big toe extension lunge can help stretch the big toe and the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot. Stand inside a door frame and place your big toe against the wall, pointing upward towards the hips. Lunge forward so that your knee goes on one side of the door frame. You should feel a nice stretch under your big toe. For more information about the different stretches you can do to strengthen your feet, talk to a podiatrist today.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.
Great ways to stretch your feet:
Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.
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.
Orthotics are inserts placed into shoes that are used to treat a variety of conditions including arthritis, bunions, bursitis, diabetes, flat feet, hammertoes, heel spurs, high arches, plantar fasciitis, and much more. Orthotics provide the feet with additional cushioning and support. There are several different types of orthotics, varying by style and material, but the custom orthotic you receive will depend on your specific needs. For example, a podiatrist might prescribe a soft custom molded orthotic if you have a mild to moderate toe or foot deformity, or a loss of protective sensation in the foot. Having a proper fitting for your orthotics is very important. Once you are given your inserts, you and your podiatrist should monitor your foot carefully to ensure the orthotics fit correctly and continue to benefit your foot health. For more information about orthotics, consult with a podiatrist.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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 Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Heel spurs are bony protrusions that develop on the bottom of the heel, and typically form due to an underlying issue such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. Heel spurs tend to form over a long period of time due to damage that pulls on the heel bone. Those who wear high heels, are older, or are very active are at a higher risk for heels spurs. Those who are experiencing heel pain, and possibly a heel spur, should visit a podiatrist right away. A podiatrist can check to make sure that the heel pain isn’t caused by an underlying condition and then provide treatment to manage the pain. In extreme cases, surgery may be required.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Falls, and the resulting injuries and complications that they can bring about, are a major cause of pain and disability among people aged 65 and over. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), behavioral changes and changes to your living environment are the most effective things that you can do to prevent falls. Embracing a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, exercise, and no smoking encourages healthy aging, which can indirectly reduce the risk of falling. Rearranging the home environment to remove fall hazards such as slippery rugs, and installing good lighting and handrails, can also help prevent falls. Having regular checkups and promptly seeing specialists when needed is important for overall health as well. Foot and ankle pain often contributes to falls, so if you are experiencing foot and ankle issues, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
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.
Patients who have corns on their feet are often aware of the discomfort they may cause. A corn is generally caused by excessive friction that may come from the shoes and socks that are worn. There are two types of corns that can develop on the feet. Hard corns can develop on top of the toes, or on the bottom of the feet. The center of the corn can be removed, and may take several weeks to heal. If the corn forms between the toes, it is identified as a soft corn, and can cause severe pain while walking. It may be prevented by wearing shoes that have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. If you notice you have either type of corn on your feet, it is advised that you speak with a podiatrist who can begin effective treatment as quickly as possible.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
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.
Stress fractures occur as small hairline fractures that form after repetitive stress or injury and gradually get worse. Some examples of this repetitive stress include running, marching, and various sports such as basketball and soccer. Some signs of a stress fracture include significant pain, swelling, difficulty walking or exercising, and pain during activities. X-rays will be needed in order to make a proper diagnosis, and in some cases, more detailed scans will be necessary. In order to properly treat a stress fracture in the foot, it is important to consult with a podiatrist. A podiatrist will be able to assess the injury and determine what steps will need to be taken for the fracture to heal correctly.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.
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.
Read more about Stress Fractures of the Foot and AnkleThe condition that is known as cracked heels can cause the skin to lose flexibility. The heels endure the weight of the body, and consistent pressure may cause the skin to develop deep cracks, which are often referred to as fissures. This foot ailment may occur for several reasons. These can include standing for long periods of time throughout the day, or from wearing shoes that have an open back. Medical conditions such as eczema or psoriasis may also lead to the development of cracked heels. Additionally, the fat pads in the heels of overweight people may be affected, which may gradually cause cracks in the skin of the heels. Moderate relief may be found when the feet are frequently soaked in warm water, followed by applying a good moisturizer. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that this condition is monitored by a podiatrist, who can recommend effective treatment and prevention options.
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.
The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a quick and non-invasive form of vascular testing that your podiatrist may perform during a routine visit. It is frequently used to assess the presence or severity of peripheral artery disease, a potentially dangerous condition that results in poor circulation to the lower limbs. The ankle-brachial index test is performed in several steps. Similarly to typical checkups at your physician’s office, first, the doctor will measure your blood pressure around your upper arm. Then, the doctor will measure your blood pressure around your ankle. The two numbers are compared to find the ankle-brachial index value, a number that is used to determine the presence or severity of peripheral artery disease. The lower the ABI value is, the greater the chance that you have arterial disease. If you suspect you have poor circulation to your lower limbs, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist, who can perform an ankle-brachial index test, as well as other vascular tests to assess blood flow to your feet and ankles.
Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Vascular Testing?
Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.
How Is it Conducted?
Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.
The most common tests include:
These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.
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.