Items filtered by date: February 2016

Running shoes that specialize in motion control may help control the risk of running injuries, according to a Luxembourg study. Those who run often and have flat feet or whose feet have a pronation, in which the feet rolled inward, benefited from motion control shoes. The study found that only those who had these particular conditions would be able to benefit from running shoes with motion control. Shoes that feature motion control had “a piece of plastic near the middle and a harder piece of foam on the inward side of the sole.” The study suggests that motion control can be more beneficial than shoes with no motion control.

Runners can still be prone to running injuries even with proper precautions. If you are suffering from a running injury, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will diagnose and 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 Basking Ridge, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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There are many different kinds of treatment options for toenail fungus, and a new paint-on product has just become one of them. “Some 35 million people in the U.S. suffer from onychomycosis,” and these infections can lead to further health complications for those who may have diabetes or other health problems. Have your doctor properly diagnose your toenail fungus condition before resorting to medication. Other treatment options for toenail fungus include oral anti-fungal prescriptions and “fungus-zapping lasers”.

While toenail fungus is troublesome to eradicate, doing so is not impossible. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a problem which affects many people and is hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating toenail fungus.

Antibiotics & Treatments

Lamisil – is the most commonly effective treatment for toenail fungus. It is available as an antibiotic Terbinafine tablet and cream. Terbinafine is a chemical component which kills fungal growth on the body. Applying regular doses will gradually kill the fungal growth. It is important to keep the area clean and air free.

Talcum powder – applying powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well

Alternative Treatments

There are always surgical procedures that are available for toenail fungus. Some people would like immediate quick removal of toenail fungus. Surgeons will be able to cut through and remove the growth using laser surgery. It is important not to try and remove it yourself. Once removed, your old shoes will need to be replaced to avoid reinfection.  

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

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Senior forward Amile Jefferson of Duke University has been out indefinitely due to a right foot injury. Jefferson has been cited as the team’s most productive player in the past. He averaged 11.4 points and 10.3 rebounds in Duke’s first nine games and was among the best offensive rebounders in the country. Duke’s program is not unfamiliar with players suffering significant injuries. During the 2012-13 season, Ryan Kelly had missed 13 games. Before that, Kyrie Irving had suffered a right toe injury.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries need proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. If you have any concerns, consult with Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Sport Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports-related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

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In recent years, many parents are noticing a “floating toe” in their children. This means that at least one toe on the foot is not touching the ground. The condition is usually harmless, but can cause foot pain, future foot problems, or a lack of balance. “When children have floating toes, the area of the sole of their foot touching the ground is smaller and harder for them to maintain their balance,” stated Takuma Usada, director of Toranomon Chiropractic Office in Tokyo. One concern is that floating toes occurs due to a lack of foot usage in present day children. Having children participate in foot usage activities may help prevent the condition.

Looking out for potential foot and ankle injuries as well as general health is vital in maintaining proper development in children’s feet. If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet in childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care from birth to school-age.

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

• Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet
• Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. Be sure the child wears comfortable and protective shoes so that they can grow into their feet properly.

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet

• Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus
• Be watchful of any pain or injury
• Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible
• Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play

Children of all ages are constantly developing and growing, and as a parent you want to make sure that nothing is hindering their maturation.

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

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Last month Gavin Escobar of the Dallas Cowboys had surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon. Escobar had suffered the injury during the Cowboys game against the New York Jets. A long rehabilitation lies ahead for Escobar. The Cowboys athlete went into 2016 on his final year of his contract and has yet to play on the offense for the team. Escobar’s career currently is in flux, but Cowboys coach Jason Garrett believes “[Escobar] did a good job blocking in training camp and showed he could run routes and catch the ball.”

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel bone of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

- Inflammation

- Dull to Severe Pain

- Increased blood flow to the tendon

- Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot

- Snapping sensation

- Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise

- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If unable to immediately see your podiatrist, remember to Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate until then.

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

Read more about Achilles tendon injuries.