Items filtered by date: March 2023

There are a variety of nail diseases that impact the health, strength, and appearance of toenails. An ingrown toenail is when the toenail grows into the surrounding skin. It can cause pain and swelling, and in some cases, it can become infected. Causes of ingrown toenails include having a genetic predisposition for them, cutting the toenails wrong, and wearing tight shoes or socks. Sometimes relief for an ingrown toenail can be found by soaking the nail in warm water three to four times a day and wearing comfortable shoes. If you have an ingrown toenail, and especially if you notice that is infected or oozing pus, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

You may look great in those high heels or strappy sandals, but studies show that women who wear these types of shoes are at much higher risk of future heel and ankle pain. When you take a step, the foot absorbs a certain amount of shock from your body’s weight. Sneakers and other types of athletic shoes contain enough cushioning to handle the shock and protect the foot. However, this is generally not the case with women’s shoes, and for this reason women report heel and ankle pain in far larger numbers than do men. In fact, more than 60 percent of women who report hind foot pain have worn high heels and pumps at some point in their lives. Therefore, it is believed that past wearing of this type of shoe is a key factor in developing foot pain later in life. If you are having heel and ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for guidance on proper footwear and other treatment options. 

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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 and ankle needs.

Ankles can become swollen for several reasons. Among other things, ankle swelling can occur during pregnancy, from a sprained ankle, or lymphedema. Swelling of a woman’s ankles during pregnancy is normal, however, severe swelling can indicate the onset of preeclampsia. If one sprains their ankle, a ligament is torn or injured and likely causes swelling. Lymphedema occurs when there is a collection of lymph fluid in the tissues due to lymph problems and there is an interference with proper blood flow to the ankle. Repeated swelling of the ankles can lead to instability and even arthritis. If your ankles have been swollen for a long time, or if the swelling worsens, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an examination and recommended treatment options.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Princeton Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

The beach is undoubtedly a very popular vacation destination for many different individuals. Many people look forward to getting the chance to walk on the beach and feel the sand between their toes during beach vacations. However, if an individual is walking significantly long distances on the beach without wearing any shoes, this might lead to foot pain. In other words, not wearing proper footwear during long walks on the beach might contribute to strains and injuries in the feet. If you are only walking a short distance, however, it might not always be necessary to wear footwear. If you are walking barefoot on the beach, you might also be especially mindful of protecting your feet from debris and objects like shells and broken glass. If you want to learn more about protecting your feet on the beach, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Princeton Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.