Items filtered by date: August 2020

We should all be wary of cuts, scrapes, and wounds on our feet, but diabetics need to be especially careful. Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that form mainly on the bottoms of the feet of people with diabetes. These wounds are slow to heal and may become infected. Therefore, it is important for diabetics to take special care of their feet. Daily inspections of the feet to check for scrapes, sores, and blisters, can help detect any problems early on. If you find an open wound, wash it well with saline or clean tap water, then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound. Cover the wound with a bandage to protect it, and change the bandage every one to two days, making sure to clean and disinfect the wound again. Keep pressure off the wound as much as you can to aid in healing. If you have diabetes and struggle with diabetic foot ulcers, see a podiatrist who can help you take care of your feet.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

Blisters are small, fluid-filled bumps on the skin that form in response to trauma. The most common cause of blisters on the feet are shoes rubbing repeatedly against the skin. However, there are a variety of other reasons you may have developed a blister. These can include burns or sunburns, frostbite, eczema, allergic reactions, exposure to poison ivy, viruses that cause chicken pox or cold sores, and various diseases or infections. If you have a foot blister and can’t pinpoint the cause, or if your blister is draining pus, red in color, warm or painful, or if you have a fever, diabetes, or circulatory problems, it is strongly recommended that you visit a podiatrist. A podiatrist can examine and treat blisters on the feet and provide the appropriate treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

Dry, flaky heels can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Common causes of this condition are walking barefoot, taking hot showers, being on your feet for prolonged periods of time, wearing ill-fitting shoes, and not drinking enough water. Exfoliating and moisturizing your feet can be done at home and may provide some relief. However, in more severe cases, a visit to the podiatrist may be warranted. If you have painful dry heels or notice deep cracks, bleeding, or signs of infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. 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

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

Obesity can impact the health of your body in a variety of ways. But did you know that it can also impact the health of your feet? A recent study of over 2000 people found that overweight and obese people were more likely to experience foot pain. Furthermore, as BMI increased, so did the likelihood of experiencing foot pain. The explanation for this may be fairly simple. The feet support the weight of the entire body. As that weight increases, the feet are put under more pressure and strain, which can eventually lead to pain. If you experience foot pain, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist, who can provide a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options for you.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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.

Did you know that your shoe size can change even in adulthood? Many people may actually be wearing shoes that are too big or too small because they are unaware of changes in the size of their feet. Wearing the wrong size shoe can lead to a variety of foot problems, from heel pain to hammertoes and everything in between. For this reason, it is important to have a proper shoe fitting. This can be achieved at a brick-and-mortar shoe store, where salespeople can assist you in finding the right size, and where you can try on the shoes for yourself before you buy them. Going shoe shopping later in the day, when your feet are at their largest, can help ensure that you purchase shoes that will fit your foot properly throughout the whole day. A podiatrist can also help you find the right shoes, can prescribe custom orthotics to correct certain foot problems, and can offer treatment for various foot conditions as needed.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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.