Items filtered by date: September 2022

Not surprisingly, a woman’s body changes dramatically over the course of her pregnancy, and as the body changes, the feet do as well. One notable change that can occur during a woman’s pregnancy is flat feet, the loss of the natural arch of the foot. Flat feet can develop as a result of the extra weight that a pregnant woman carries and/or changes in the body’s relaxin hormone. Further, when the arch of the foot flattens, a pregnant woman might also notice her feet roll inward when walking. This is known as over-pronation. To combat the effects of flat feet during a pregnancy, a woman may choose footwear that is specifically designed to provide ample support to the arches of the feet. Additionally, a pregnant woman might even wear orthotics to provide support when the natural arch is lost. If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, consider making an appointment with a podiatrist who can advise you on changes to your feet during pregnancy.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Princeton Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

The common reasons why people incur a broken toe is from dropping a heavy object on it, or stubbing it into a piece of furniture. Additionally, some patients may endure a toe injury, and the result may be a broken toe. Common symptoms that many people experience can include a popping sound as the toe snaps, and pain that becomes worse when the toe is moved. Additionally, bruising and swelling are common symptoms of a broken toe, and in severe cases, the affected toe may look deformed if it is displaced. A simple diagnosis consists of having an X-ray taken, and this can be helpful in determining how severely the toe is fractured. An effective treatment plan is called the buddy taping method, and this is done by taping the broken toe to the toe next to it. This is often successful in providing the stability that is needed as the healing process occurs. The foot and toe will feel better when it is frequently rested and elevated, and this may help to alleviate a portion of the swelling. If you have broken your toe, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can offer you a treatment method that is correct for you. 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Princeton Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

When an individual develops a heel spur, a bony outgrowth on the heel points towards the arch of the foot. This outgrowth is made of a calcium deposit, and it may be pointy, hooked, or flat in shape. X-ray scans can reveal the heel spur to be up to a half of an inch in size. If you are someone who engages in significant amounts of physical activity or frequently walks on hard surfaces, you may be at an increased risk of developing heel spurs. Living with a heel spur can feel different from case to case. For example, while it can be painful for some people, others report experiencing no symptoms. However, if your case of heel spurs is painful, you could notice a kind of sharp pain in the heel. Typically, this pain can be most pronounced in the morning when you take your first steps of the day. You may also feel a diminished kind of ache in the heel throughout the rest of the day. It is also possible that the front of the heel can be swollen and inflamed. Sometimes the heel spur might even cause sensations of tenderness in the affected area. If you believe that you may have a heel spur, contact a podiatrist who can help you with your condition. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Princeton Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices located in Princeton and West Windsor, NJ . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

When muscles, ligaments, or tendons in the feet become imbalanced from improper footwear, genetic foot conditions, diabetes, or neurological damage, a hammertoe may develop. This is a contracture deformity of joint(s) in a toe, causing it to become bent or curled, rather than laying flat and pointing forward. Hammertoes are a progressive disorder. At first, they are flexible (moveable), but may become rigid (fixed) if left untreated. Aside from being unattractive, hammertoes can cause corns and calluses to develop, as the bent toe can rub repeatedly against footwear. Hammertoes can also lead to other, more serious, complications such as bunions, arthritis pain, and  metatarsalgia. Treating a hammertoe in its early stages is important, before it becomes rigid and may require surgery. Contact a podiatrist as soon as you notice that your toe seems stuck in a bent position. Depending on the severity, pain, and cause of your hammertoe, your podiatrist may be able to treat it conservatively with orthotics and a change in footwear, specific exercises, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and more.

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

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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