Items filtered by date: December 2018

Ballet dancers may often experience painful and uncomfortable blisters, which may be a result of the type of ballet shoes that are worn. Most blisters develop because a portion of the skin rubs on the shoe, and this may cause friction to occur. It’s important to find a pointed shoe that fits perfectly, and this is often accomplished with the help of trained professionals. Research has shown it may be helpful to sprinkle powder inside the shoes, and this may aid in absorbing excess moisture, which may help in the prevention of blisters. If a blister has developed, and ballet dancing must continue, it is imperative to determine if the liquid inside the blister is clear. This must precede any lancing technique, followed by utilizing an antibiotic ointment, which may aid in preventing an infection. If you are frequently developing blisters that need treatment, it is advised to consult with a podiatrist who can properly assist you.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay 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 one of our offices located in Caldwell, and Galloway, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are small bone segments that are connected by joints in the toes of each foot. A condition that is referred to as hammertoe occurs when the joint in one of the toes becomes deformed and causes the toe to bend downward, resembling a hammer. Additionally, it may typically affect the toe next to it, and may become painful and uncomfortable. There are several reasons why hammertoe may develop, including wearing poorly fitting footwear, which may generally include shoes with inadequate room for the toes to move freely in, medical conditions such as arthritis, or a genetic disposition. If you feel you may have developed hammertoe, an examination is needed so a proper diagnosis can be determined, which is generally performed by a podiatrist. Treatment options may then be discussed that can include performing gentle foot stretches, which may help to relax the tendons surrounding the affected joint, or having your toe splinted, which may aid in straightening the toes out.

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

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Caldwell, and Galloway, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The act of falling can cause serious repercussions, and it is advised to learn about ways that prevent this from occurring. There are several consequences that may happen when a fall is endured, and this may include bone fractures, head or brain injuries that may be of a serious nature, or painful and uncomfortable cuts or bruises. Research has shown that approximately one third of seniors who reside in the United States will fall during the year, and this may cause many people to refrain from the activity that may have caused the fall. There are simple techniques that may be implemented, which may diminish the number of times falling may occur, and these may include removing any clutter that may be present, repairing carpeting that may have loosened, or removing any throw rugs that may be slippery. Additionally, it may be beneficial to install grab bars in the shower area, wear clothing that fits properly and does not drag on the floor, and install proper lighting, which may improve overall vision. If you have fallen, and have injured any part of your foot, it is suggested to seek the counsel of a podiatrist, so a proper examination can be performed.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Douglas Mckay from New Jersey . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Caldwell, and Galloway, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you have ever experienced a condition that is known as heel fissures, you are most likely familiar with the discomfort it may cause. This unsightly ailment may also be referred to as cracked heels, and may cause difficulty in walking and standing. This condition may develop in anyone and may typically occur if standing is done for most of the day, or if open-back shoes are worn, which may provide minimum support. Additionally, people who are obese may notice symptoms of cracked heels and this may be a result of the additional weight the heels must endure. These signs may include the skin on the heel appearing thickened and dry, and small cracks in the skin may begin to form. Research has shown there may be measures that can be taken to prevent cracked heels from developing, which may include washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by utilizing a good moisturizer, and wearing shoes that provide adequate support for the heel. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested to speak with a podiatrist, so the correct treatment can begin.

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. Douglas Mckay 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 one of our offices located in Caldwell, and Galloway, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.