Items filtered by date: August 2017

Hammertoe is a condition that occurs as a result of the middle toe joint becoming dislocated. While it can affect any toe on the foot, it usually occurs in the second or third toe. If you suspect that you have hammertoe, you should treat it as soon as possible since it can lead to other conditions including calluses, sores, and blisters. In terms of its causes, hammertoe can result from arthritis, high arches, or pressure from tight shoes. A simple fix for people who have hammertoe due to the shoes they wear is to wear shoes that fit properly. If you have high arches in your feet that caused your hammertoe, you should look toward getting insoles for treatment. In some cases, there isn’t a simple option for treatment and surgery may be necessary.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please 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.

A new injection therapy under development by Centrexion Therapeutics has been fast-tracked by the FDA as having great potential in treating Morton’s neuroma. This condition has no FDA approved treatment and Centrexion hopes to change this. Morton’s neuroma is an inflammation of the nerve in the ball of the foot which can cause sharp and burning pain. This is common among women who wear high heels. The drug, known currently as CNTX-4975, treats Morton’s neuroma by being directly injected into the site of the pain. This treatment deactivates the nerve receptor in the foot, which stops the pain without surgical removal of the nerve. The FDA has yet to approve the treatment but that could change within the next few years.

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.

It is crucial that you take care of your feet, especially if you plan on spending the majority of your summer using them. One of the biggest tips that you should follow is to avoid walking barefoot as much as possible. If you walk around without shoes, you are more likely to develop plantar warts, sunburn, and athlete’s foot. If you plan on getting a pedicure this summer, you should make sure the salon you go to is very sanitary. If unsanitary equipment is used on your feet, you may get nail fungus or a bacterial infection. Lastly, you should choose to wear footwear that not only fits properly, but is suitable for the type of activity you want to partake in. Walking shoes should be worn if you are going on a walk, and running sneakers should be worn if you are going on a run.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Toenail fungus may appear as a yellow or white patch on your nail. It is important that you try to treat your fungus in its early stages before it begins to make your nail crumble. In worse cases, the fungus may start to spread to your skin as well as other nails that surround it. People who are older or have a weak immune system are much more prone to toenail fungus than anyone else. Those with diabetes or those who have a genetic history of the infection are also more likely to get it. Treatment for toenail fungus often depends on the severity of your case. Mild cases of the fungus may be treated with topical medications, while more severe cases may need oral therapy or laser therapy.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-flops are one of the most convenient footwear options because of how easy they are to slip on and off your feet. While you may be tempted to wear them during the summer, you should avoid, or at least severely limit, doing so because they can cause a variety of problems. Wearing flip-flops can injure your Achilles tendon, lower back, and it may trigger plantar fasciitis. While flip-flops can be dangerous to wear on an everyday basis, they may not be as harmful if only used for short periods of time. If you want to wear flip-flops, you should look for a pair that has cushioning and offers arch support for your feet.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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.