Items filtered by date: May 2023

One of the most common foot injuries is a broken toe. A broken toe can occur for several reasons, including stubbing it into furniture, a heavy object falling on it, or repeated force. Prolonged repetitive movements can gradually turn into a stress or hairline fracture. Existing medical conditions like osteoporosis may cause the bones to weaken, and a break may be more likely. A broken toe is diagnosed after an X-ray is taken then proper treatment can begin. For mildly fractured toes, the buddy taping method is often effective. Buddy taping is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. This may temporarily feel uncomfortable, despite the stability it provides. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist to confirm the diagnosis and start the best treatment for you.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you are someone that enjoys wearing sandals and flip flops during the warm summer months, then it is helpful to be aware of the connection between these shoes and cracked heels. Although these shoes may seem stylish, they often do not provide feet with the support they need. Non-supportive shoes can essentially cause the feet to become more susceptible to cracked heels as a result of the weight that is not distributed equally. Extra pressure which is exerted on the feet can cause the skin to expand and crack. Therefore, if you are someone looking to prevent the onset of cracked heels, you may consider avoiding shoes like sandals and flip flops. For more information and treatment, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor 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 office located in Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bone spurs can form on any joint, but the feet are a common location, especially for patients who are 60 years old or above. The reason for this is that bone spurs, medically known as osteophytes, generally take years to grow. They are most often found on the ankle, heel, or big toe. Bone spurs form when bones rub against each other, which is generally the result of wear and tear of a joint, combined with the loss of the cartilage that separates the bones. People with osteoarthritis frequently develop bone spurs. Young athletes may develop bone spurs from injuries that occur during sports. Symptoms of a bone spur include aching pain that worsens with activity, swelling, tingling and numbness, or stiffness. In many cases, however, bone spurs may form without displaying any symptoms at all. An X-ray is thought to be the best way to determine if you have a bone spur. Treatment for bone spurs may include wearing protective padding in the shoes, having cortisone injections, losing weight, and doing certain foot exercises. In some cases, surgery may be a remedy. For more information on how to deal with bone spurs, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor 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 office located in Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The nerve between the third and fourth toes is affected by the foot condition known as Morton’s neuroma. An injury can cause this nerve to become compressed, or the neuroma may happen as an effect of a separate medical condition, such as a bunion or hammertoe. Additionally, a common reason for Morton’s neuroma to develop is from wearing shoes that are especially tight in the toe area. High heels can fit into this category, and relief may be found when lower-heeled shoes are worn. This condition can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it may help to take pressure off of the affected foot by wearing a boot or using crutches. Some people experience a burning sensation with Morton’s neuroma, in addition to having it feel tingly or numb. Patients may feel like there is a pebble or marble in their sock and may be surprised when there is nothing there. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Falling is the leading cause of injury the majority of emergency departments handle. Common injuries from falling can include hip fractures, bruising, or head injuries, which can be serious concerns among the elderly population. People who are older can notice their eyesight may have become poorer, and it is beneficial to have routine eye examinations which can replace existing eyeglasses. Having regular physical examinations is an effective method in updating prescribed medicine, which may be helpful in preventing falls. There are effective fall prevention methods that can be implemented in the home. These can include repairing broken steps that lead into the house, and it can be helpful to check existing lighting surrounding the front door. Additionally, in the kitchen area, scatter rugs can be replaced with rubber backed rugs that can better stay in place. Many people install grab bars in the toilet and shower area, and keep a non-slip rubber mat in the bathtub or shower. If you would like more information about effective fall prevention methods, it is suggested that you discuss this with a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful tips.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.