Items filtered by date: March 2015

brokentoeEarlier this month, Atlanta Hawks forward Michael Scott fractured his left big toe and will have to sit out for the next couple of games. Scott’s injury was caused during their loss against the Nuggets and was originally only thought to be a sprain. As soon as the forward returns to Atlanta to see the team’s doctors, the Hawk’s will find out when their key player will return. It is possible that Scott could be out until the play offs.

A broken toe is a very serious condition that should be treated as soon as possible. If you are experiencing problems with a broken toe contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor 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

  • throbbing pain
  • swelling
  • bruising on the skin and toenail
  • the inability to move the toe
  • toe appears crooked or disfigured
  • tingling or numbness in the 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 Basking Ridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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amkleprobStudies have shown that women are at a greater risk of developing stress fractures than men. Reasons for this increased risk include hormonal differences, increased bone density, and higher rates of inadequate nutrition. While athletes in general are at highest risk after changes in intensity, frequency or duration of their workouts; in women, irregular menstrual cycles and weight less than 75 percent of ideal body weight are factors that make for an increased risk for stress fractures. Stress fractures are small cracks that develop in the bone after being stressed, and are most common in the foot, ankle, and lower leg but can occur on bones throughout the body.

Stress fractures can become painful if left untreated for an extended period of time. If you would like assistance in treating a stress fracture in the foot or ankle, consult with Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor can determine the severity of your condition and provide you with quality care.

Coping with Podiatric Stress Fractures
Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken as a result of overexertion or underuse.  As a result, the ankles and feet lose support when walking or running from the ground. Since these bones are not protected, they receive the full impact of each step. The stress on the feet causes the bones to form cracks.

What are Stress Fractures?
Stress Fractures are very common among those who are highly active and involved in sports or activities that make excessive use of their legs and feet. Stress fractures are especially common among:
-athletes (gymnasts, tennis players, basketball players)
-runners/joggers
-osteoporosis patients
-those who engage in high-intensity workouts


Stress Fracture Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures, and can be either constant or periodic. The pain is usually sharp or dull, accompanied by swelling and tenderness. Engagement in any kind of high impact activity will exacerbate the pain.

For more information about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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rheumatoid-arthritis2 22-year-old Carl Griffiths of Britain is unable to play for his rugby club because he is unable to find a pair of boots that fit his size 21 feet. For the past 3 years, Griffiths played for Trimsaran rugby club with size 18 boots. His toes would curl up at the ends his shoes, which have finally fallen apart after being held together with black sticky tape. Griffiths has yet to find a sports club that makes size 21 boots, causing the player to seek out outside help to find boots in his size. “Not being able to play because of not having shoes is just aggravating,” Griffiths stated.  “At least when you have an injury, you know you just can’t play for a while. But when I’m out just because of not having shoes that fit, it’s just really frustrating.”

Wearing the right shoe size is the first step one should take to ensure optimum foot health. Consult with Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

Sometimes it may be difficult finding the right shoe size especially because shoe sizes tend to vary depending on the brand and company you are looking for. A size 6 for one brand may be a size 7 in another. Although many people know their exact shoe size, it can range within 2 sizes depending on where they shop.

So it is important not to always go for a size 7 just because you think you might be a size 7 universally. It is best to try on the shoe and walk around for a bit to see how it fits and how it feels. Comfort is essential and the fitting has to be well otherwise it can lead to blisters, bruises at the back of the ankle and it can also hurt your toes if the shoe is too tight for example.

People walk a lot, so it is important for you to find what is comfortable when it is possible.

For more information about Getting the Right Shoe Size, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact our office in Basking Ridge, NJ.  We offer all the newest in diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle conditions.

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broken-ankleEarlier this year Justin Bieber broke his foot while playing soccer with staff and guests at the Parrot Cay private island and resort in Turks and Caicos. Many game viewers took to social media to show fans how well he was playing when the unfortunate occurred. Bieber also posted his own photos to Instagram and Twitter to show the bruised side of his left foot where the injury was sustained. Bieber was quickly sidelined where he was treated by a professional at the resort. Although injured and on crutches, the 20 year-old artists was still dedicated enough to stop and take photos with a few excited fans.

A broken foot requires immediate attention and treatment. If you suspect you have a broken foot, see Dr. Christine Quinn of Basking Ridge, NJ. Our doctor will examine your injury and provide you with quality treatment.

Identifying and Dealing with a Broken Foot

When bones in the foot are bent, stretched, or crushed in an unnatural way, they can sometimes break or fracture. Doctors can often determine how the break occurred based on its severity and location.
There are many common symptoms of a broken foot to look out for. Those who experience significant trauma to the feet should check for:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue (foot)
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

If one or more of these symptoms persist, one should have x-rays taken by a medical professional. Cold or numb feet, blueness of the skin, cuts, and deformities can be indications of a foot that is very badly broken. It’s advised to see a doctor right away if these conditions are observed.

Care for a broken foot depends on the type and severity of the injury. Often times aids likes crutches, casts, and splints will be administered. Surgery is also a possibility, although this is reserved for very bad cases. One can also apply ice and keep the foot elevated to reduce swelling. Rest is important during the recovery stage so that the break doesn’t become any more aggravated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Preventing running injuriesBelow freezing temperatures outside doesn’t mean runners should avoid the outside at all, the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) states, it just means runners should take more precautions to prevent any injury. NATA also suggests when running or working outside to dress in layers, take breaks and warm up periodically, eat a well-balanced diet, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol. The most common health injuries that stem from exercising outside during cold weather are hypothermia, frostbite, and injuries to the extremities such as trench foot and chilblain. When experiencing frostbite symptoms of swelling, stiff, burning, red, or gray skin, the skin must be immediately warmed. If after a few minutes the skin does not return to normal, submerge the extremity under warm water for 30 minutes. Avoid massaging or using a heating pad on the area. After the skin has been exposed to wet and cold temperatures for more than an hour, chilblain can occur as small, itchy, or red bumps.

Running can be a great way to keep your body healthy and in-shape, but it can also lead to injuries if not careful. If you have a running injury or have an interest in preventing one, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Dr. Quinn can instruct you on proper running techniques and help you keep your lower extremities safe.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. Physical therapy can help you learn the best exercises to heal runner’s knee.

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 due to nutritional imbalances related to bone health, 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.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.

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