The ankle is a complex structure composed of three bones known as the tibia, fibula, and talus along with ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Ankle stability is very important, as this joint needs to be able to withstand 1.5 times the body’s weight when walking and 8 times the body’s weight when running. Because the ankle is so critical in movement and bearing weight it can be prone to certain painful injuries such as ankle sprains, fractures, nerve compression, and tendonitis. Ankle pain can also be caused by certain diseases that attack joints such as arthritis, gout (a form of arthritis), and diabetes. Ankle pain and discomfort can vary depending upon the source ranging from stiffness, warmth, redness, and inflammation, to varying degrees of pain and/or immobility. If you have any kind of ankle pain, have a podiatrist examine you and diagnose your condition. Proper treatment is critical to relieve pain and help your ankle to heal properly.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

Having little or no arch in the foot can indicate flat feet. Flat feet can be observed while standing on the floor and checking to see if there is an arch present. People with this condition will see that their foot is lying flat against the floor with little or no space where the arch should be. Most babies are born with flat feet and the arch gradually develops at approximately age 10. Adults who have flat feet may have inherited them or have endured a foot injury. Additionally, there are existing medical conditions that can cause flat feet. These include arthritis, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida. People who are obese may notice they have acquired flat feet as a result of the weight the feet must bear. Some patients feel their weight is not distributed properly and the foot may roll inward. If you have flat feet, please consult with a podiatrist who may suggest wearing orthotics and can also show you how to perform specific exercises that can help with discomfort.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of 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.

A common foot infection is known as athlete’s foot. Its medical term is tinea pedis, and it is caused by a fungus. This type of fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, including public shower room floors, and locker rooms. It is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these types of areas, and to refrain from sharing socks, shoes, and towels. Common symptoms that are associated with athlete’s foot consist of itchy feet, the soles may turn red and become dry, and the skin may crack between the toes. A proper diagnosis can include having a podiatrist examine the feet, often followed by having a sample taken of infected skin. Many times medication is prescribed that can provide mild relief for the itching and scaling. Effective prevention methods include washing and drying the feet daily, followed by wearing a clean pair of socks, and alternating the shoes that are worn. Additionally, it is beneficial to wear shoes that are made of breathable materials and to avoid wearing shoes made of vinyl. If you have questions about relief for athlete’s foot, please confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Arthritis is an ailment that affects joints and results in pain, swelling, and stiffness. It can occur throughout different parts of your body as well as in your toes. Arthritis in the toes can make walking and balancing hard. The toe can hurt when it is lifted or when walking, but also sometimes when it is at rest. With big toe arthritis, there can be an inability to bend the toe upwards. In fact, it might bend down and be unable to lay flat. Not only is there often swelling and inflammation of the big toe joint, but sometimes a bump might form from the joints rubbing together. There are various forms of arthritis that can affect the toes. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage between joints to break down and rub against each other. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis and can affect several small joints in the foot at the same time, including the toes. Gout, psoriatic arthritis, and infectious arthritis that can impact the toes as well. Doing regular exercises, wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes, and maintaining a proper body weight can help to prevent toe arthritis. Rigid orthotics, steroid injections, and anti-inflammatory medications might help with pain, but sometimes surgery is necessary for relief. If you have arthritis that is affecting your toes, and less invasive options are not providing relief, see a podiatrist who can talk to you about surgical options that may help.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.