Items filtered by date: December 2023

Corns on the feet are a prevalent and often painful foot condition that can affect anyone. These small, thickened areas of skin typically develop in response to excessive pressure or friction, often found on the toes or the soles of the feet. Corns are the body's defense mechanism, building up layers of skin to protect against irritation. They can be hard or soft, depending on their location and the amount of pressure they endure. One of the primary causes of corns is wearing ill-fitting footwear, especially shoes that are too tight or have high heels, as they squeeze and rub against the feet. Abnormalities in foot structure, such as bunions or hammertoes, can also lead to increased pressure and corn formation. Additionally, activities that involve repetitive friction, like jogging or walking long distances, can contribute to corn development. Understanding the definition and causes of corns on the feet is the first step in preventing and managing this uncomfortable condition. Wearing proper footwear, regular foot care, and seeking professional guidance from a podiatrist can help to alleviate the discomfort and ensure your feet remain healthy and pain-free. If you have developed corns on any part of your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you effective prevention and relief tips.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Princeton Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Running enthusiasts often face the challenge of foot and ankle injuries, with plantar fasciitis being a common adversary, constituting approximately 25% of running-related issues. This condition involves inflammation of the thick band of tissue, the plantar fascia, connecting the heel bone to the toes. To mitigate the risk of plantar fasciitis and other foot and ankle injuries, careful consideration of footwear is essential. Choose running shoes with proper arch support and cushioning, as inadequate footwear contributes significantly to plantar fasciitis. Regularly replacing shoes is also needed to maintain their effectiveness. Further, gradual progression in running intensity or distance is vital, as abrupt increases can strain the plantar fascia and lead to injury. Incorporating a pre-run stretching routine targeting the calves, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia enhances flexibility, reducing the likelihood of injuries. Equally important is a focus on foot strengthening exercises, such as toe curls and resistance band exercises, which contribute to better support and reduce the overall risk of foot and ankle issues. By understanding and addressing these factors, runners can take proactive steps to keep their feet pain-free, ensuring a sustained and enjoyable running experience. If persistent discomfort arises, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for personalized guidance on managing plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is 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.

Arthritis, a condition commonly associated with joints like the knees, hips, and hands, can also affect the toes, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty in movement. Toe arthritis primarily targets the big toe, but other toes can be affected as well. This condition arises from the wear and tear of toe joint cartilage and inflammation. Symptoms include persistent toe pain, swelling, and inflammation, often accompanied by redness in cases of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, may lead to bone spur formation, further restricting movement. Other symptoms of toe arthritis include limited range of motion, difficulty and pain in bending the big toe, permanent downward bending of the toe. Increased pain during weight-bearing activities, and deformities like hammer toe, are other factors. If you suffer with toe pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podatrist to see if arthritis is the culprit and get treatment that will relieve discomfort.

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 term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is 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.

Overpronation, a common foot condition involving excessive inward rolling, requires careful attention to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. The primary approach to overpronation involves adopting supportive footwear, which may include specialized shoes to minimize excessive movement and provide stability in the heel and midfoot. For those with moderate to severe overpronation, custom orthotics, tailored to the individual's foot shape, provide personalized assistance in reducing overpronation. Targeted exercises are believed to help in correcting overpronation. The short-foot exercise, involving lifting the arch of the foot off the ground, is particularly beneficial in addressing overpronation. In rare cases of severe overpronation, surgical intervention may be necessary. Reconstruction surgery aims to realign bones, providing better arch support, and may involve the use of stabilizing metal implants. If overpronation affects your well-being, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a gait analysis, examination, and a treatment plan targeted to your particular condition.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.