Items filtered by date: December 2022

Cracked heels is a common foot condition that is unsightly and often causes pain and discomfort. There are several reasons for cracked heels to develop. Once this is known, effective preventive methods can be implemented. Weight gain, walking barefoot, or standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day may cause cracked heels. Remedies can include having extra cushioning in the shoes if it is mandatory to stand all day, losing added weight, and wearing shoes that can protect the feet from outside environments. Some people have medical conditions that may lead to getting cracked heels, consisting of psoriasis or eczema. Taking prescribed medications may help the body’s immune system to improve, which may prevent cracked heels. If you have developed this condition, it is urged that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can recommend relief options, and inform you of additional prevention techniques.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Princeton Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

Toenail fungus can become painful and turn into an infection. This condition usually starts as white or yellowish spots on the tips of the toenails, eventually causing unsightly thickening, discoloration, and crumbling. Anyone can get toenail fungus, but some populations are more at risk than others. For example, those over 60 are more apt to suffer from this condition because as they age, their nails become drier, more brittle and cracked and fungi can sneak through. Those who sweat more than usual have a prime breeding ground for toenail fungus. Wearing tight shoes and thick socks can make feet sweat more and invite fungus to grow inside. If one has had toenail fungus before, there is a high likelihood of getting it again. Walking barefoot in humid and wet public places, such as swimming pools or locker rooms, can cause toenail fungus to spread. If you have signs of toenail fungus, seek the counsel of a podiatrist as soon as possible so that the condition will not worsen or spread to others.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Princeton Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot 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.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Princeton, and West Windsor, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

While pain in foot joints is not unusual, particularly if you participate in high-impact activities like running, persistent aching, pain, and stiffness in joints may be a sign of arthritis. Arthritis usually affects people more as they age, and it can lead to disability if not tended to early on. Arthritis is classified as inflammatory arthritis or osteoarthritis, OA, which is the most common form of arthritis. It is a degenerative disorder caused by trauma, overuse, or wear and tear on foot joints. It often affects weight-bearing joints like the big toe. Inflammatory arthritis is a systemic disease where the mechanisms that normally protect the body attack their own joints and tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most well-known of this type. With this type of arthritis, joint problems will often affect both feet at the same time. If you have continuing aching pain and stiffness in your feet, please see a podiatrist for an evaluation.
 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Princeton Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Princeton, and West Windsor, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Several different kinds of foot afflictions can distort how the bones of the feet are supposed to naturally look. Hammertoe is one such foot condition. This condition occurs when a toe is misshapen because it points upward at the middle joint. As a result, the hammertoe resembles a kind of hammer. After visiting a trusted medical professional such as a podiatrist, one can take steps to correct a hammertoe. For example, a hammertoe correction surgical procedure can straighten the toe. During this procedure, joint or bone tissue may be removed to facilitate the straightening of the toe. Also, affected tendons that are causing the bending of the toes might be loosened during this procedure. If you have a hammertoe, contact a podiatrist today to review your options for correcting the condition.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Princeton Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Princeton, and West Windsor, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.