Items filtered by date: November 2022

Tuesday, 29 November 2022

Is Having Flat Feet a Problem?

Having flat feet is when one stands on a flat surface and their entire foot is in contact with that surface, with no visible arch. This condition used to be considered a problem and even used to bar one from military service. While flat feet can be an indicator of poor biomechanics or walking style, they do not always cause problems. Babies are born with flat feet and do not have a foot arch until it is filled with fat as they develop. If the arch drops later in life, it is known as acquired flat foot.  This is sometimes associated with problems, like excessive pronation or the foot rolling inward and lowering the arch closer to the ground. Problems with the feet can lead to problems elsewhere in the body, such as knees, hips, and the back. If you have flat feet and they cause you pain, see a podiatrist for an examination and guidance.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

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Tuesday, 22 November 2022

When a Broken Foot Is Untreated

When an individual breaks or fractures their foot, it can be important to seek out immediate medical attention so that a professional can treat this injury. This is because leaving a bone fracture in the foot untreated can wreak havoc on the feet. Specifically, untreated bone features in the feet might lead to some kind of long-term nerve damage. Autonomic, motor, or sensory nerves may be damaged. Additionally, it is possible that an untreated bone fracture could ultimately lead to an infection of the bone. In severe cases, sometimes even the bone marrow may become infected. More broadly, leaving a bone fracture untreated could lead to improper healing that results in misalignment. See a podiatrist today for more details.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

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If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 15 November 2022

Common Causes of Toe Pain

Toe pain can arise from a variety of causes, but the most common include ingrown toenails, bunions, and blisters. Various types of arthritis and diabetes can also lead to toe pain. If you feel your toe is painful to the touch, shoes should be checked for a proper fit. They may be too tight, not supportive enough, or have heels that are too high. Resting and elevating the foot may also help relieve temporary toe pain. When there is redness, warmth, or swelling, there could be an infection requiring immediate medical attention. If you are having pain in your toes and it is not subsiding or is worsening, consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and provide the appropriate treatment for you. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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The majority of people may understand the need to take care of their bodies, but may neglect their feet. They carry the weight of the body, and daily care is needed to help prevent the feet from developing unwanted conditions. There are simple and effective methods that can help to pamper and protect the feet, and it is beneficial if they are incorporated into everyday practice. The feet will feel good when they are washed and dried daily, followed by applying a good moisturizer. Ingrown toenails may be avoided when the toenails are trimmed properly, and this is generally done on a weekly basis. It is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in places such as public swimming pools and locker rooms, as this may possibly prevent athlete's foot and toenail fungus from developing. Environments of this type are where the fungus that causes these foot conditions live, and flip-flops or water shoes are encouraged to be worn while frequenting them. Additionally, wearing shoes that fit correctly may help to prevent a multitude of foot conditions. If you would like more information about simple everyday foot care tips, please consult with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

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Tuesday, 01 November 2022

Jumping Rope and Foot Pain

Jumping rope is an excellent cardiovascular exercise. It helps with endurance and agility, and can even strengthen the calves and supporting muscles. Despite these benefits, some people who jump rope complain of having foot pain when jumping. Reasons for this might include the arches of the feet having dropped from the feet not supporting weight properly. If shoes are worn while jumping, they might be ill-fitting, or the insoles might need to include additional arch support. If shoes are not worn, it might help to wear them, again paying attention to having supportive insoles. A condition known as plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the arch-supporting ligaments that extend from the heel to the back of the foot, might have developed and pain might be felt in the heel area. Making sure to rest and stretch between workouts is important. Paying attention to good form through weight and balance distribution will help. If you jump rope for fun or exercise and you are experiencing foot pain, see a podiatrist today.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports 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, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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