Items filtered by date: June 2024

Post-traumatic wounds over the top part of the foot are injuries that occur after a traumatic event, such as an accident or severe impact. These wounds can be caused by cuts, crush injuries, or severe abrasions. When they happen, it is essential to treat them properly to prevent complications like infection or poor healing. Handling these wounds involves cleaning and dressing them to prevent infection. In more severe cases, where the skin and tissue are significantly damaged, podiatrists may use skin grafts, local tissue flaps, or free flaps for reconstruction. Skin grafts involve taking healthy skin from another part of the body to cover the wound, but they might not be as durable in the long term. Local or distant flaps are often preferred because they provide better long-term results and lower chances of permanent tightening of the skin. Reconstruction should focus on maintaining the foot's form, function, and appearance. If you have sustained such an injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for individualized treatment to achieve the best outcome.

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.

Plantar warts are small, grainy growths that appear on the soles of the feet, typically caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. This virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions, often in warm, moist environments like public showers, gym locker rooms, or pools. Plantar warts are characterized by their rough texture and may have small black dots on the surface, which are clotted blood vessels. They can cause discomfort or pain, especially while walking or standing. The pressure from bearing weight on the feet can cause the wart to grow inward beneath a hard, thick layer of skin, making it more painful. Common symptoms include a painful, thickened spot on the sole, a rough surface, and difficulty in walking comfortably. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is suggested that you seek prompt attention from a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment techniques.

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.

Preventing blisters is important for maintaining healthy feet. One way to avoid the development of blisters is by wearing well-fitted shoes that don't rub or cause friction against your skin. Additionally, it is suggested to change socks throughout the day, as wet or sweaty feet are more likely to blister. If you are aware of a spot that may become sore when engaging in daily activities that can cause friction, such as walking, or running, consider padding the inflamed area to reduce pressure. Applying cushioning pads where blisters commonly form can provide extra protection and reduce friction. Keeping up with foot hygiene can also decrease the risk of developing a blister on the foot. Keep your toenails trimmed and smooth to prevent them from catching on your socks or shoes, which can cause rubbing and blisters. If you notice any redness or hot spots on your feet, take immediate action to prevent blisters from forming. If you have a blister, especially if it is large, painful, or showing signs of infection, it is suggested to visit a podiatrist for safe treatment.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. 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 are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

Taking care of your feet is essential for preserving your ability to walk and stay active. The feet, complex structures with 26 bones, numerous muscles, ligaments, and tendons, support your entire body. Neglecting foot health can lead to common problems like blisters, calluses, bunions, and more serious conditions such as plantar fasciitis or arthritis. Good foot health is vital for maintaining mobility and proper posture. Healthy feet allow for an active lifestyle, which is vital for overall well-being. At different ages, foot care needs vary. For children, it is about ensuring proper growth and development. For adults, it is about maintaining strength and flexibility. For seniors, preventing falls and managing chronic conditions becomes essential. Daily foot care should include washing and drying feet thoroughly, moisturizing to prevent dryness, trimming nails properly, and wearing appropriate footwear. Regular self-checks can catch issues early. If you would like to learn more about everyday foot care, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can address specific problems and educate you on comprehensive foot care.

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.