Items filtered by date: May 2021

Warts that grow on the soles of feet are known as plantar warts. These fleshy, grainy patches of raised skin are known for their characteristic tiny, black dots that appear at their centers. Plantar warts are caused by the contagious human papillomavirus (HPV) entering the feet through a crack in the skin. Unlike other types of warts, plantar warts grow inwards, which can make walking uncomfortable. Warts on the feet generally respond well to treatment. If you have plantar warts that are causing you pain or discomfort, are discolored, show signs of infection such as bleeding, scabbing, and pus drainage, or if you have diabetes or an immune deficiency, you should see a podiatrist who can treat the warts and teach you how to prevent recurrences.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor 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 office located in Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that grows on the feet in between the toes. This fungi is very contagious and often grows in warm and moist environments, which allows it to accumulate in the warm areas between the toes as well as in areas such as communal locker rooms, showers and public pools. Athlete’s foot is usually indicated by mild scaling on the feet with potential redness and itching. Patients who believe that they have Athlete’s foot should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment method. Antifungal medications will likely be needed to fight the infection, and measures to keep the feet clean and dry will also be necessary.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Orthotics are inserts for your shoes that provide additional support, cushioning and structure for your feet. There are over-the-counter varieties as well as custom-made orthotics. Custom orthotics from a podiatrist are specifically sized and manufactured for your individual foot structure and specific foot malady. They may help correct any misalignment issues or alleviate certain foot disorders such as plantar fasciitis—when the connective tissue on the bottom of feet (from heel-to-toe) becomes painful and inflamed. Since every person’s feet are different, a custom orthotic can offer better, more targeted structure and support than a one-size-fits-all OTC insole. If you have any pain in your heel or feet, make an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam and diagnosis, and to see if custom orthotics can provide the relief you need.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor 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 Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Poor circulation is a term used to refer to reduced or inadequate blood flow to one or more areas of the body. One condition that can cause poor circulation is peripheral artery disease (PAD), in which the arteries that supply blood to the limbs narrow and harden due to a buildup of plaque along the artery walls. Often, people with PAD are unaware that they have this condition because they do not experience any visible symptoms. However, once PAD has progressed, symptoms can become more apparent. Symptoms of poor circulation include numbness, coldness, and skin discoloration in the lower limbs, leg pain and cramping, and slow healing of wounds on the feet. A podiatrist can screen you for PAD and other circulatory problems that affect the lower limbs and can help you maintain the health of your feet.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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