Items filtered by date: March 2022

Many people enjoy wearing flip flops for their various colors and simplicity. There are benefits that avid flip flop wearers recognize, including their versatility, comfort, and relaxing qualities. Additionally, they allow the feet to breathe, and the toes typically have adequate room to wiggle in. They are easy to wear for their lack of laces, and can be good for children who have not learned how to tie shoes. There are some flip flops that are designed with an arch, in addition to being made of comfortable material. Many people enjoy wearing them to the beach, pool, or performing local errands. Of course, while there are benefits there can also be risks, such as blisters. Staggering how often you wear them can help avoid this. If you would like to learn about  how wearing flip flops may be good for your feet, a podiatrist can provide you with the necessary information.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. 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

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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.

When you sprain an ankle, it means that a ligament that connects the ankle bone to the foot and provides joint stability, has been over-stretched and torn. Depending on the severity of the injury, your ankle will swell and become inflamed, and bruising and discoloration will follow. Also, it hurts when you move the foot or put weight on it. The three grades of sprains are 1) mild stretching of the ligament with no joint instability, 2) partial tear with little or no instability, and 3) rupture of ligament with loss of stability. Lateral sprains are the most common, caused when the outside of the foot rolls over, thereby stretching the ligament. Less common is a sprain along the inner side of the ankle (known as a high-ankle or syndesmotic sprain). This type of sprain involves ligaments that attach to the tibia and fibula bones of the lower leg. It occurs when the foot is twisted, usually during a sports activity, such as football, hockey or skiing. If you think you have sprained an ankle, it is a good idea to stay off it for 72 hours, while also applying ice, wrapping it to keep down the swelling, and elevating it while sitting. If symptoms worsen, it is suggested that you seek professional help from a podiatrist for a complete diagnosis and treatment plan. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.

When a fungal infection develops in your toenails the effects are usually easy to spot. The toenail typically changes both in color and consistency – appearing thickened, yellowish, crusty, and brittle. Several anti-fungal creams are available over the counter, although they may take many months to eradicate the infection. Nail-softening creams can allow you to scrape off the infection, though caution is recommended because fungal infections are highly transmissible and can spread to other parts of your body, such as your fingernails. In the meantime, try to keep your feet clean and dry, avoid sharing towels, change your socks daily, and wear protective foot coverings in locker rooms, pools, and showers. If the infection persists or worsens, it’s a good idea to consult a podiatrist who can prescribe stronger medication, check if any underlying conditions may be exacerbating the infection, and determine further treatment options.

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.

Obesity is a growing problem with effects that can damage the health of your whole body. The feet and lower limbs are often affected by obesity. One survey found that 51% of adults who described their foot health as “fair” or “poor” were obese. Increasing BMI is strongly associated with increased foot pain and disability. Being significantly overweight can put excess pressure on the feet, straining the ligaments, muscles, bones, and joints that allow you to stand, walk, run, and move about during your daily activities. Maintaining a healthy weight, conversely, can improve your foot health, helping you avoid pain, injury, and disability. For more information about the relationship between body weight and foot health, please consult with a podiatrist.

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.

Warts on the sole of your foot or toes, known as plantar warts or verrucas, are caused by a viral infection of the skin. The virus enters your body through a cut, scrape, or other small opening in the skin and produces one or more grainy, flesh-colored warts with small black dots in the center. Most warts are painless, though some may be uncomfortable if they are located on a weight-bearing area, like the heel or ball of the foot. Fortunately, most plantar warts go away on their own, but this can take quite some time, ranging from months to years. To speed up recovery, you may wish to seek treatment from a podiatrist. It is also a good idea to consult with a podiatrist if you have a medical condition like diabetes or immune insufficiency, which can make plantar warts a more serious concern. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate 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 and ankle needs.