Wearing properly fitting shoes is essential for maintaining foot health and preventing discomfort. Feet should be measured while standing, as weight-bearing can affect their shape and size. It is important to measure both feet and choose shoes based on the larger foot if there is a difference. Since foot size can change over time due to aging and ligament flexibility, relying on old measurements may result in wearing ill-fitting footwear. Shoe sizes vary by brand, so focusing on overall fit is recommended. Shoes should be tried on later in the day to account for natural swelling and be worn with the socks typically used with that type of footwear. There should be about half an inch of space in the toe box to prevent crowding and an eighth of an inch at the heel to avoid irritation. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot shape, recommend appropriate footwear, and address pain or conditions caused by poor shoe choices. If your shoes are causing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without 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.

Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling in the joints, often in the big toe. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms crystals in the joints, triggering an inflammatory response. Symptoms typically include intense, throbbing pain, especially at night, and the joint may become hot and tender to the touch. The main cause of gout is high levels of uric acid due to a high purine diet, rich in red meat. Other causes are alcohol, and sugary foods, dehydration, or genetics. Over time, untreated gout can lead to the formation of nodules, or tophi, which are hard, painless lumps that develop around the joints, often in the toes, fingers, or elbows. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing gout through blood tests and joint fluid analysis. Treatment may include medications to reduce pain and inflammation, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications to manage uric acid levels. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.

Bunions tend to worsen over time and are more prevalent in women due to a combination of genetic, structural, and footwear-related factors. Aging weakens connective tissues, leading to joint instability and increased toe misalignment. Women are particularly at risk because of shoes with narrow toe boxes and high heels, which place excessive pressure on the forefoot and push the big toe out of alignment. Hormonal changes may also contribute by affecting ligament flexibility. As bunions progress, they can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Choosing supportive, wide-toe shoes and avoiding prolonged use of restrictive footwear can help slow progression. Strengthening foot muscles with targeted exercises may also provide relief. For persistent discomfort or severe deformity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can offer personalized solutions, including orthotics, padding, or surgical options to improve comfort and function as the condition advances.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.