Wayne Foot & Ankle Center, P.A. Blog

The Painful Lump Under Your Foot: A Callus or a Wart?

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

To the untrained eye, calluses and warts are difficult to tell apart. The appearance can be very similar. However, calluses and warts are two very different conditions that result from separate causes. While some of the symptoms of the two conditions overlap, others are different.

A callus is a thickening of the skin that results from friction. It usually grows on a bony prominence. Plantar warts, on the other hand, are small growths on the skin caused by a virus. Plantar warts usually grow in clusters on the sole of the foot. They have a flat, smooth surface with the wart lying under the skin. As a New Jersey foot doctor, I see many people who believe that they have a painful callus when actually it is a plantar wart.

It is important to determine if the spot on your foot is a wart or a callus because the treatments are different. First your podiatrist will want to know how much pain it is causing you. Calluses can cause pain, but plantar warts are more likely to do so. Our patients usually describe the pain associated with a plantar wart as stepping onto a small, sharp pebble.

Getting Rid of Your Plantar Warts
The severe pain caused by a plantar wart can limit your activities. Do not let a plantar wart slow you down! The podiatrists at Wayne Foot & Ankle offer the most effective treatments for plantar warts. We work with you to create a custom treatment plan that best serves you.

We take your health and the health of your feet very seriously. We now have two offices to better serve you in Wayne and Hewitt. Call 973.595.8900 today to make an appointment.

The Pain of an Overgrown Nerve

Wed, 16 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The pain associated with the condition known as Morton's neuroma is most often felt under the foot. You may feel as if there is a rock in your shoe or fold in your sock. This sensation is usually located on the ball of your foot and/or in between the third and fourth toes. Other signs and symptoms of Morton's neuroma include:

A burning or sharp pain under the foot
Pain that gets worse when you walk
Pain that increases when the ball of the foot is squeezed
A tingling or numbness in the ball of the foot and/or toes

Diagnosis Is the First Step Toward Relieving Your Pain
Without a proper diagnosis, treatments waste your time, money and do nothing to stop your pain and discomfort. As a New Jersey foot doctor, I have the experience needed to properly diagnose your pain and get you on the path to recovery. With effective treatment you can end your battle with Morton's neuroma and move on with your life, pain-free.

If you do have Morton's neuroma, we offer a full range of treatment options. Working with you, we will create a custom treatment plan for your neuroma. At Wayne Foot & Ankle, we are not one-size-fits-all podiatry office. It is important to our Wayne foot experts that we craft a unique plan that will work for you.

To make an appointment with a podiatrist who truly cares for you and your feet, call 973.595.8900 today. In addition to our Wayne office, we now have an additional location in Hewitt. We are confident that from your first appointment you will see and feel the difference a compassionate, experienced podiatrist can make.

What You Need to Know Now About Your Broken Foot

Fri, 11 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

You hurt your foot. Not sure if it's broken or sprained, you decide to wait it out and see how it goes. There are many reasons why this is a terrible idea.

If you wait to have your injured foot evaluated by a Wayne foot doctor, you run the risk of suffering from both short- and long-term pain and discomfort. The complications that can result from an untreated broken foot include:

Failure of the broken bone to heal properly: The bones either do not fuse back together or fuse in a way that causes weakness in the bone. Surgery may be required to repair an improperly fused foot bone.
Arthritis- If the line of your fracture enters the surface of a joint it can cause arthritis in the joint. It usually takes years for the arthritis to develop. If you now have pain in a joint that was injured a long time ago, you should be examined.
Compartment syndrome- Certain types of fractures with significant swelling of the foot can lead to compartment syndrome. This condition is a medical emergency and most often necessitates immediate surgery.

If You Have Injured Your Foot
As with any injury, it is always best to see a medical professional as soon as possible. Fractures in the foot are no different than other injuries; the sooner you are diagnosed and treated, the sooner you can begin your recovery.

Call 973.595.8900 to make an appointment with a Wayne podiatrist who has the experience to treat even the most complicated cases. Do not trust your feet to second best. Make your appointment today.

Does stretching my calf muscles really help treat my heel pain/plantar fasciitis?

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

YES!!!

...but how?
It is first important to learn about the anatomy of the lower leg and foot to fully understand why those pesky stretches help cure and prevent heel pain and plantar fasciitis.

1) The calf muscles, otherwise known as the gastrocsoleus muscle complex, ends as the achilles tendon. This tendon attaches to the back of the heel bone (calcaneus), and allows us to push off of our toes during our gait cycle.

2) The plantar fascia attaches from the underside of the heel bone to forefoot. This attachment creates a triangle like structure with the plantar fascia as the base, the calcaneus as one arm and the forefoot as the other arm. This provides stability to the arch of the foot.

3)The achilles tendon has attachments that go from the back of the heel to the underside of the heel and connect to the plantar fascia! Therefore, if you have a tight calf muscle it pulls on the achilles tendon, which in turns pulls on the plantar fascia. The tight muscle also creates strain by pulling the back of the heel bone upward which causes a stretch in the plantar fascia. All the additional strain to the plantar fasciitis will cause inflammation of the area and PAIN!

It is very important to follow the instructions of calf stretching in order to stop plantar fasciitis from progressing and to prevent it from reoccurring! This means stretching everyday and possibly multiple times per day.

Other treatment modalities in combination to calf stretches will provide the most effective and long lasting pain relief. So, if you are plagued with heel pain and/or plantar fasciitis, please call 973.595.8900. We will gladly schedule an appointment for you with an experienced Wayne, NJ foot doctor.

High Heels Among the Top Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Sat, 05 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

High heels are very cute but often very bad for feet.

When it comes to the sources of ingrown toenails, many podiatrists have observed that high heels are one of the more common culprits. The fashionable footwear causes the toes, the big toe in particular, to press against the top of the shoe. Over time, this pressure pushes the toenail into the flesh of the toe, causing a painful ingrown toenail.

In addition to the heels themselves, tights, support stockings and pantyhose are also to blame. They push on the nail and cause it to grow into the surrounding skin. Really, any shoe or sock that puts pressure on the toe can lead to this condition.

Why Ingrown Toenails Are Such a Big Deal
If you have ever had an ingrown toenail, you know how painful it can be. Left untreated, ingrown nails often become infected. This infection has the potential to affect not only the toe, but the entire body. What started as a simple ingrown toenail can quickly cause a serious, life-threatening medical condition.

In diabetics and others with a compromised immune system, these risks are even greater. If you have diabetes, be sure that any and all foot injuries are checked out by an experienced Wayne, NJ podiatrist.

The foot doctors at Wayne Foot & Ankle hope that you never have to suffer from an ingrown toenail. If you do, be sure to seek treatment. We urge you not to wait until the toe is infected. Doing so can cause permanent damage or a dangerous infection.

Please call 973.595.8900 today to make an appointment with a Wayne foot doctor who truly cares for you and your feet.

Thanks, Dad! I Love the Ingrown Toenails You Gave Me!

Tue, 01 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Your mom and dad have given you lots of helpful things: advice, food, shelter, and gifts at Christmas. They may have also given you something you definitely don’t want—a predisposition for ingrown toenails.

Your nail shape can put you at risk of getting an ingrown toenail. Our Wayne, NJ podiatrists have found that the following nail shapes and types are common in people with ingrown toenails:

Toenails that curve down on the sides, often pushing into the side of the toe
Toenails that are thick and thereby difficult to cut properly
Toenails that are wider than normal, often looking too big for the toe

Thickening and widening of the toenail can be caused by a fungal infection of the nail. For some people, their toenails are just made this way. When nails are naturally wide or thick, there is not a lot you can do to change this feature. Even if you have been given this genetic trait, it doesn’t mean that you have to suffer from multiple ingrown toenails.

Hope for Even the Most Chronic Cases
At Wayne Foot & Ankle, we work hard to determine the best ways to help you. We do not rely on one-size-fits-all foot care. Instead we offer custom treatment options that work for your feet.

Call 973.595.8900 to make an appointment with a Wayne, NJ podiatrist with the experience and knowledge to get your feet healthy and keep them that way. Your feet deserve the best treatment possible; please call today.

Is there are pebble in my shoe or is that a neuroma?

Tue, 01 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Some people describe the feeling as though they are walking on a small pebble; others feel pain in the ball of their foot. This pain may feel like a burning, radiating, and/or sharp pain when walking or squeezing the foot.

What is a neuroma?
A neuroma is a proliferation of supportive cells known as Schwann cells that are normally attached to the nerve. This proliferation increases the size of the nerve to the point where it becomes too large for its’ allotted space. Therefore, the nerve is compressed which causes pain.

What causes a neuroma?
-Overuse by repetitive movement
-Direct trauma
-Variations in normal anatomy.

Where does a neuroma form?
A neuroma can present in different locations, but is prone to form in certain areas of the foot as a result of normal anatomy. The two main nerves that run on the bottom of the foot reconnect at the ball of the foot between two metatarsal bones. This area is known as the third intermetatarsal space. Due to two nerves joining into one, the size of the 3^rd interdigital nerve will be inherently larger. Therefore, any cause of proliferation of the Schwann cells will have an increased chance of pain in that location. A neuroma is so common to that location it was named, “Morton’s Neuroma.”

What type of treatment exists?
Conservative treatment may include purchasing wider shoes, applying extra padding, custom made orthoses, and/or injections.

Injections:
-Anesthetic injection will help to numb the area by reducing pain signals.
-Corticosteroid injection will reduce inflammation associated with the repetitive motion/trauma.
-Combination of the anesthetic and corticosteroid injection may be used.
-Sclerosing alcohol agent, over several injections, can deaden the nerve and relieve the pain.

If conservative treatment fails, surgical options may also be explored.
-Nerve Decompression: Incising a tiny ligament between the two metatarsal heads allows for nerve decompression. With the ligament severed, it allows more space for the nerve during motion.
-Nerve excision: Complete removal of the neuroma may also be performed in order to eliminate all symptoms and to prevent recurrence.

If you experience regular foot pain or discomfort, it is important to see a specialist. Untreated foot disorders, such as neuromas, can worsen over time. For answers to your most complex foot and ankle questions, please call 973.595.8900 and make an appointment with a Wayne foot specialist who truly cares for you and your feet.

What could be causing my active child's heel pain?

Tue, 01 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Heel pain in an active young boy (10-12years) or girl (8-10) years could be due to Sever's Disease otherwise known as calcaneal apophysitis. However, do not be too alarmed. The name’s “bark” is worse than the actual problem’s “bite.”

What is Sever's Disease/ Calcaneal apophysitis?

Sever's Disease/ calcaneal apophysitis is inflammation of the calcaneal apophysis as a result of repetitive microtrauma in active children.

Background information:
Our heel bone is also called the calcaneus, and it is where our Achilles tendon attaches. The Achilles tendon, otherwise known as the gastrocsoleus tendon, is what allows us to point/plantar flex our foot. This plantarflexion is the motion that allows us to push off the ground to walk, run, and play.
A part of normal development is that the calcaneus develops from two bone centers that fuse when we are around 15-17years old. The first center is almost the entire calcaneus, and the second is a vertical sliver of bone that the Achilles tendon attaches to. This vertical sliver of bone appears around the age of 7 to 9 years and is connected to the larger body of the calcaneus by fibrocartilage until ossification occurs. This connection is called an apophysis.
Therefore, active children have an increased chance to develop inflammation in the heel because of the repititive pull of the Achilles tendon on the apophysis.

Causes:
All children have a calcaneal apophysis, but only a select few develop symptoms of apophysitis. This may be a result of biomechanical abnormalities such as a flat-foot, lack of flexibility of Achilles tendon complex, increased activity, start of a new sport, high-impact sports, improper shoegear, and running on hard surfaces.

Symptoms:
Your child may feel a sharp or aching pain in one or both heels when walking, running, and playing sports. The pain usually decreases with rest or when walking on the toes. Pain when resting, at night, or associated with trauma or swelling may have other etiologies and should be explored further.

Diagnosing:
The patient's history/physical exam, clinical exam, and possible ancillary imaging will allow the clinician to make a proper diagnosis of Sever's Disease.

Treatment:
Symptoms from Sever's Disease usually subside after fusion of the apophysis.
-Mild heel pain: icing, anti-inflammatory medication, and stretching
-Moderate heel pain: decrease activity level, better quality shoes
-Severe heel pain: immobilization until symptoms decrease
Most patients are able to return to sports activities in 2-8 weeks.

It is important prevent severe pain from Severs disease by starting treatment programs early. Call 973.595.8900 to make an appointment with a Wayne, NJ podiatrist with the experience and knowledge to get your Child's feet healthy and keep them that way.

When a Crush Injury Causes a Chronic Wound

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A crush injury can happen to any part of the body, but frequently occurs in the feet. Construction accidents, motor vehicle accidents, and agricultural accidents are common culprits. Even household accidents can result in a crush injury.

When the injury is severe enough, it can lead to permanent damage. One of the complications of a crush injury of the foot is a chronic wound. Most people think that only those with diabetes suffer from wounds that do not heal. The truth is that non-diabetics develop chronic wounds too. They are all too common in patients with injuries to the feet.

Why a Crushed Foot Is Susceptible to a Chronic Wound
If the crushed foot swells too much, it can cause damage to the blood vessels, nerves and muscle tissue. The name of the condition that causes this type of damage is compartment syndrome. When the blood vessels are affected, a region of the foot does not receive the blood flow it needs. Inadequate blood flow does not provide the soft tissue with enough oxygen. Wounds require oxygen from the blood to be able to heal. Without proper oxygenation, the tissue cannot regenerate.

The best way to avoid developing chronic wounds is to seek immediate treatment of any crush or smash injury to the foot. Prompt medical intervention can restore circulation to the foot to support wound healing.

The Wayne, NJ foot surgeons urge you to seek medical care for any concerning wounds. Call us today at 973.595.8900 to make an appointment.

I Smashed My Foot; Do I Really Need to See a Foot Specialist?

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

When a person sustains any type of injury, it is always hard to know if you need to see a doctor. With crush injuries, for example, you may wonder, “Do some crush injuries heal on their own?” The answer is yes, but only the extremely minor cases. Most foot injuries are more serious, such as getting slammed in a car door, being run over or having something dropped on it. In these cases, you need to be evaluated by a medical professional.

Why Is This?
Crush injuries that are not treated properly have the potential to cause lifelong pain and impairment. This ongoing pain is often caused by nerve damage, undiagnosed fractures or untreated injuries to the ligaments in the foot.

The force of the object that crushed your foot inflicts more damage than what you see on the surface. You are looking down at a swollen, bruised foot, but the injuries inside your foot may be much worse than you imagine. One of the most damaging of these internal injuries is compartment syndrome.

Compartment syndrome occurs when a portion of the foot swells to the point that damage is done to the nerves and muscles in the area. You may think that the foot swelling is a normal aspect of the injury. The truth is that if you have compartment syndrome and don't seek treatment, you run the risk of permanent damage.

If you have smashed your foot, our Wayne, NJ podiatrists urge you to seek treatment immediately. Do not delay proper treatment. Call 973.595.8900 to speak with a foot specialist armed with the knowledge and specialized skills to ensure the best possible outcome for your injured foot.

Forget "Ohm," the Mantra for Beating Athlete's Foot Is "Dry"

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Peek into a yoga class, and you might see a room full of calm people, quietly chanting, “Ohm.” This is a good practice for those wanting to live a more peaceful existence. However, our Wayne, NJ podiatrists are more concerned about the peaceful existence of your feet.

To this end, we encourage patients who suffer from athlete's foot to try a new mantra: “Dry.” This mantra should be used each and every time there is the possibility of foot moisture. Common causes of moisture on the feet include:

Wet shoes (most often work boots or athletic shoes)
Damp socks
Sweaty feet
Showers and baths
The constant wearing of shoes with poor circulation

Why Is “Dry” So Important?
Keeping feet dry is important because the fungus that causes athlete’s foot survives best in a moist or damp environment. Even a little dampness in between your toes can quickly lead to the growth of the fungus.

The best ways to keep your feet dry are:

Only wear shoes and boots that are totally dry. If your shoes frequently get wet from water or sweat, consider buying an extra pair and rotating them.
Dry feet thoroughly after a shower. Pay extra attention to the space between the toes, a favorite hiding spot for moisture and fungus.
Change socks often. Your feet sweat, even if you don’t feel it. Change socks at least once a day.
Apply a drying powder to shoes and socks.

If you implement the steps above to achieve your goal of “Dry, dry, dry,” you will be well on your way to an existence free from the stress of athlete’s foot.

Can’t kick the fungus? Some cases of athlete’s foot are hard to beat and don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments. Do not hesitate to call 973.595.8900. Make an appointment with a Wayne, NJ foot specialist who can help get rid of the fungus for good.

Prevention Tips to Treat Athlete’s Foot and Keep it Away

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A quick internet search will give you many solutions to get rid of your athlete's foot. From bizarre to mainstream, the "effective" treatment options are endless.

Don’t waste money on creams and ointments that do not get rid of your athlete's foot for good. Take the advice of Wayne, NJ podiatrists provided in the following list of easy and inexpensive prevention tips. In this case, prevention is most certainly worth a pound of the cure.

Keep shoes dry- Even if your feet do not sweat much when you exercise, thoroughly dry your shoes after your wear them. Put them on the heater vent or open them up and put them in a well-ventilated area to ensure that they dry out.
Change out of sweaty socks- As soon as you get home from work or the gym, take off your socks. Either go barefoot to let your feet dry out or put on a clean pair of socks.
Powder your feet- Apply a simple drying powder to your feet, socks and shoes. Make sure that these are already dry or the powder will be less effective.
Dry, dry and dry some more- After a swim or shower, whether public or private, rinse and dry your feet.
Cover your feet- Wear shoes when in public restrooms, showers and poolside. This protects you from the fungus responsible for athlete's foot.

When You Just Can't Beat Athlete's Foot

The problem with athlete's foot is that left untreated, it can cause a serious secondary infection. If you have trouble getting rid of athlete's foot and keeping it away, speak with an experienced podiatrist in Wayne, NJ.

At Wayne Foot & Ankle, we are dedicated to your health and your well-being. Don't let athlete's foot cause you pain and discomfort; call 973.595.8900 today.

Stop Wasting Money on Ineffective Athlete’s Foot Treatments

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Chronic, recurring athlete’s foot affects athletes and non-athletes as well. As a person who seems to be losing the battle with athlete’s foot, you know that many over-the-counter athlete’s foot treatments are ineffective. As you try brand after brand of creams and powders, you start to feel as if you are throwing your money away, and you are.

Over-the-counter athlete’s foot treatments are created to treat a broad range of fungus. The fungus that is causing your athlete’s foot may not be affected by the drugstore treatments you have been using. If this is the case, you really have been wasting your money on treatments that were bound to fail. Our Wayne, NJ foot specialists don’t want you to fail; we want to get rid of your athlete’s foot for good.

Do Not Despair! You Can Be Free of Athlete’s Foot

The staff at our Wayne, NJ podiatry office has the tools and resources to cure your hard-to-treat athlete’s foot. We use state of the art diagnostic tools. Working closely with a laboratory, can pinpoint the exact type of fungus causing your athlete’s foot.

With this information, we craft a treatment plan. We prescribe a medication, either oral or topical, that kills the fungus that has been destroying the health of your feet.

To make an appointment with a Wayne, NJ podiatrist who truly cares for you and your feet, call 973.595.8900. Do not continue to live with the burning, itching, peeling and cracking that has been affecting your feet. Get your feet healthy and happy; call today!

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: nerve pain in the ankle and foot

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Carpal Tunnel syndrome, located in the hand and wrist is a relatively well-known problem. What is largely unknown is that similar problems can also be found in the foot as well. This is known as tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is an entrapment of the posterior tibial nerve and associated nerve branches in the foot. The posterior tibial nerve, tibial artery, and three muscular tendons run through a tunnel of fibrous tissue behind the medial ankle, and course through the inner/bottom of your foot. Anything that causes restriction in the tunnel can apply pressure to the nerve causing pain to the individual. The pain is caused by many factors. A common cause is overuse, which can be a pairing of abnormal biomechanical function of the foot along with long hours of standing and/or walking. TTS may also be due to impingement of the nerve from normal anatomy, space occupying lesions, trauma, or systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.

Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome include forefoot pain, which can be felt in the “ball” of the foot as well as in the medial ankle and arch. The pain is often described as burning, numbness, and tingling sensations. It is important to seek treatment when experiencing these symptoms because tarsal tunnel syndrome can be progressive.

Conservative treatment includes an anesthetic block of the nerve, corticosteroid injections, and functional orthotics. Surgical treatment may be needed in more severe cases to release structures that may be restricting nerve movement or occupying the tarsal tunnel.

At Wayne Foot & Ankle, our podiatrists are highly trained in diagnosing and treating foot pain. If you have any questions or are suffering acute or chronic foot pain, please call 973.595.8900. We will gladly schedule an appointment for you with an experienced Wayne, NJ foot doctor.

Don't Be So Callus!

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A callous person is one who is unfeeling, cruel or emotionally hardened. Perhaps this is how your feet feel: patches of hard, thick, unfeeling skin. But don't assume that your calluses don't care about you!

Unlike a callous person, the calluses on your feet and toes are actually forming to protect you. Calluses develop to ward off the effects of overly tight shoes, gait problems or an abnormality in your feet or toes. Calluses are unsightly, and may bother you when you walk. Nonetheless, the callus is actually trying to save you from skin cracks, blisters and infections caused by pressure points.

Just Because the Callus Is Helping, Doesn't Mean It Has to Stay

However protective your calluses may be, there are things you can do to limit their growth. As we said, a callus forms to protect your feet from pressure points. To reduce calluses, you must reduce pressure. The first step is changing your footwear to roomier shoes that don't press or pinch your toes and feet.

In addition, an evaluation by an experienced Wayne, NJ foot doctor can uncover any underlying foot problems that are causing the calluses to grow. Hammertoes and bunions commonly cause calluses and corns to develop, as does an abnormal gait. In these cases, the callus is a symptom of a deeper foot abnormality. Without treatment, the abnormality has the potential to cause much more pain and dysfunction than the callus itself.

Are you tired of dealing with recurring calluses? If you have corns or calluses that cause you pain or discomfort, do not hesitate to contact us at 973.595.8900. Make your appointment with a skilled Wayne, NJ podiatrist who is dedicated to improving the health of you and your feet.

Treat Today’s Sprain to Prevent Tomorrow’s Ankle Instability

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

When you twist your ankle, your first concern is the pain. Sprained ankles hurt! Understandably, most people with this injury want to end the pain as soon as possible. While immediate pain relief is important, we want you to think long-term. Consider the days, weeks and months after the initial injury. Are you taking the right steps today to prevent further ankle problems in the future?

Safeguarding the Long-Term Health of Your Ankle

Frequently, we see patients who have sprained their ankle multiple times. With those prior sprains, they treated themselves at home without consulting a professional. Now, several sprains later, they can tell that there is something seriously wrong with the injured ankle.

It is true that some mild sprains can be treated at home with rest, ice, and elevation. However, if you have a bad sprain or you frequently injure the same ankle, you should be evaluated by a podiatrist. Too often, home treatments are not enough to fully heal the ankle. This improper healing stretches out the tendons that hold the ankle together. Loose tendons make for an unstable ankle that is more susceptible to repeat sprains.

An inadequate ankle rehabilitation following an ankle sprain can lead to a condition called Chronic Ankle Instability. This is a serious condition that, compared to a simple sprain, requires extensive attention. Treating Chronic Ankle Instability involves months of rehabilitation. Occasionally, more aggressive treatments are needed, such as casting or surgery.

If you or your child have sprained an ankle, our Wayne, NJ foot specialists urge you to make an appointment today. Do not risk the stability and strength of your ankle. Call 973.595.8900 to see a podiatrist who is concerned about you and your feet.

It is almost summer! What can I do for my thick and yellowed toenails?!

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

With sandal weather and beach vacations approaching, the idea of exposing thick and yellowed toenails is not comforting. So what is causing this change in your toenail? The answer is most likely….FUNGUS.

Fungal infections are very common in the lower extremity. Fungus can infect the skin causing an itchy, red, flaky rash; it can also infect the bed of skin beneath your toenails. This infection of the nail bed causes the displeasing changes to the nail itself.

Other infections and systemic diseases can cause nail changes as well, so it is important to see a trained podiatrist for testing. Your podiatrist will painlessly take clippings from your nail and send them for fungal testing. If the results come back positive, you have several options to choose from to treat this nagging problem.

1)    Palliative Treatment: You may opt to not take any medication or undergo any procedure. Your podiatrist will be able to help you keep the nail at an appropriate length and width.
2)    Topical Antifungal: Clear nail-polish-like lacquer is available to provide a local and conservative measure to try to clear up the infection.
3)    Oral Antifungal: Oral antifungal medication is the best chance you have for clearing up the infection. Your podiatrist may order a blood test to make sure you are an appropriate candidate for this medication.
4)    Nail Removal: If you don’t like the idea of taking medication or living with the fungal nail, permanent nail removal could eliminate the problem completely. Do not be discouraged though, fake nails covers are available just for this situation.

It is important to see your podiatrist to receive appropriate nail treatment. If you have any questions about nail care, please call 973.595.8900. We will gladly schedule an appointment for you with an experienced Wayne, NJ foot doctor.

Women: Are You Being Affected by a Disease You've Never Heard Of?

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Most women over the age of 50 know that heart disease affects them as much as it does their male counterparts. However, another disease that affects many women frequently goes undiagnosed due to lack of awareness.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a disease in which plaque accumulates in the arteries of the legs. The blockages can cause pain and discomfort when moving. It is also associated with a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and amputation.

Why the Disease Is Under-Diagnosed in Women

Studies have shown that women are more likely than men to be asymptomatic. This means that when women have PAD, they do not show any obvious signs or symptoms of the disease. If you are a woman over 50 with any of the following risk factors, you need to be seen:

Currently smoking or recently quit smoking
Diabetes
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Inactive lifestyle
History of stroke or heart disease

Getting the Correct Diagnosis

Being proactive about your health has the potential to save your life. Making an appointment with our Wayne, NJ podiatrists is the first step toward preventing a dangerous heart attack or stroke.

Using the most effective diagnostic tools, our Wayne, NJ PAD experts will determine if you are suffering from PAD. If so, we will create a custom treatment plan that has your needs, your lifestyle and your overall health in mind.

The sooner you are diagnosed, the sooner you can put a stop to the damaging effects of the disease. For medical care you can trust, call 973.595.8900 to make an appointment.

How Orthotics Solve the Problem of Achilles Tendonitis in Athletes

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Pain in the Achilles tendon—along the back of the lower leg near the heel—can transform your life. Unfortunately, it’s not the kind of transformation you want. Achilles tendonitis can slowly turn even the most active person into a couch potato. However, you do not have to suffer with Achilles tendon pain and your condition should not sideline you for good.

Effective Treatment Is Key

Too many runners have been told that the only way to stop their Achilles pain is to stop running. Most often this could not be farther from the truth. While a rest period may be advisable, there are many highly effective treatment options that our Wayne, NJ podiatrists recommend to athlete patients.

For many runners and other athletes, a custom-made orthotic is the treatment. Orthotics can stop pain in the Achilles tendon, allowing athletes to continue participating in the sport they love. The key to the success of an orthotic is its ability to address underlying structural abnormalities in the foot or ankle.

A custom-made orthotic, along with the advice of an experienced Wayne, NJ podiatrist, has the potential to save your athletic career. You can ditch the pain in your heel for good. To learn more about the most effective ways to end pain associated with Achilles tendonitis, call our office today at 973.595.8900.

In addition to providing compassionate care, our podiatrists have written a short book for anyone with foot or ankle pain. In this book, you will learn more about common foot ailments and other foot topics. Call us today for your free copy of Happy Healthy Feet- A User’s Guide to Foot and Ankle Health.

Why are those stilettos not fitting as well lately?! Bunions Bunions Bunions!

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

What is a bunion?

The fancy description of a bunion is: hallux abducto valgus. The hallux is also known as the 1^st or big toe. Abducto means that the great toe is being pulled towards the other toes (and sometimes overlaps them.) Valgus is a rotation of the toe so that the nail is pointing towards the midline of the body. These three things put together are called a bunion or a Hallux abducto valgus (HAV).

Some people are bothered by the boney prominence that will not fit in the expensive high heel shoes and others may be bothered by pain. The bone that connects to the big toe is pushed out from the foot towards the midline of the body. This is what causes the big bump on the inside of the foot. However, on the end of the bone is a slick protective material called hyaline cartilage, which main purpose is to allow movement of the great toe. When this cartilage is pointing away from the toe, the toe will flex and extend on areas of bone not meant for movement. This movement can cause degradation of the cartilage and spur formation, which both can cause pain.

Genetics and abnormal foot biomechanics play a large role in who will develop a bunion. Genetics is something we cannot do anything for, but abnormal biomechanics is something that we can treat. Hyperpronation of the foot is when the ankle tends to sit more to the inside instead of being directly underneath the leg. Hyperpronation of the joints in the foot can cause and increase in mobility of the bones in the foot, which can result in a bunion formation.

PREVENT:
To prevent a bunion may be difficult if it runs in your family. However, to prevent increase pain or severity it is beneficial to see a podiatrist for custom foot orthotics. Orthotics will help prevent deformity due to hyperpronation. The staff at Wayne Foot & Ankle have the expertise to treat painful bunions. Do not hesitate; call973.595.8900 today to make an appointment at our centrally located Wayne, NJ podiatry office.