Items filtered by date: February 2023

Most women who are pregnant experience some type of foot problem. The most common are swelling, collapsed arches, plantar fasciitis, and dry or cracked heels. Swelling in the feet is generally the result of constricted blood flow to the lower extremities, caused by pressure on the veins in the pelvic region. This results in a condition called edema, where blood and fluids collect in the feet and ankles. A podiatrist can offer simple solutions to this problem. Added weight during pregnancy often results in a collapse of the arches, which may affect stability. Wearing supportive shoes with ample arch support is often recommended by podiatrists. Pain in the heel is generally caused by tears to the band of tissue under the feet, called plantar fascia. Proper footwear and performing a series of exercises can help relieve the pain. Finally, cracked heels may result from a change in hormonal balance during pregnancy that causes a loss in elasticity and moisture in the feet. This can be solved by moisturizing the feet daily. For further help with any type of foot pain during pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Douglas Mckay from New Jersey . Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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 and ankle needs.

Heel spurs are often uncomfortable, and patients may benefit from performing certain types of stretches and exercises. These may help to lengthen the plantar fascia, which can reduce stress on the heel. Calf stretches can be effective in finding relief from heel spurs. This is done by standing on a step and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. The foot can be slowly rocked back and forth, which can help loosen the plantar fascia. An additional stretch for plantar fascia is done by sitting on the floor with the affected foot crossed over the opposite knee. This is followed by taking a towel or similar object, wrapping it around the sole of the foot, and stretching the foot towards the body. Heel spurs may be prevented by wearing shoes that fit correctly and by limiting time walking and standing on hard surfaces. If you have a heel spur, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment and prevention methods.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay from New Jersey . Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices located in Caldwell, and Galloway, NJ . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

The metatarsals are the five long bones beneath the toes of the foot, also known as the midfoot. When the area between the toes and the metatarsals becomes painful, it is a condition termed metatarsalgia. Symptoms are inflammation, bruising and swelling. These in turn may result in numbness and tingling in the toes. Pain is typically felt in the ball of the foot. Better cushioning in the shoes and resting the feet more are some ways to reduce the pain. Causes of metatarsalgia include distance running and engaging in sports such as tennis, soccer, football, and baseball. Wearing poorly fitted shoes is another major cause of metatarsalgia. Culprits include high heels, shoes with a narrow toe box and sports shoes that lack ample cushioning. These types of shoes typically force the weight forward in a way that the ball of the foot is impacted. Other causes of metatarsalgia include bunions, hammertoes, and high arches, all of which can tend to alter proper foot alignment and gait. If the ball of your foot is aching on a regular basis, please consult a podiatrist for information on treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Douglas Mckay from New Jersey . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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 several reasons why people may experience toe pain. These can include having a broken toe, an ingrown toenail, or the painful foot condition that is known as gout. Nerve pain can develop from having tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can lead to toe pain. Pain that affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes may come from having Morton’s neuroma, which generally develops from frequently wearing high heels. Another painful foot condition is known as tennis toe, and is quite unsightly. This condition causes blood to pool under the toenail, and happens from constantly jamming the toe against the top of the shoe. The nail will turn a red and black color, and prompt medical attention is required to prevent toe joint pain. If you have toe pain for any reason, it is strongly urged that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and treat it accordingly. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay of New Jersey . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.