Items filtered by date: January 2024

Foot pain can be a common issue, often arising from various causes, such as sports activities, prolonged standing at work, or wearing ill-fitting shoes. It can range from minor discomfort to debilitating pain, and its roots can be diverse. Overuse, strain on tendons or ligaments, fractures, or arthritis are some of the contributing factors. Arthritis can significantly impact foot health. Osteoarthritis, or OA, the most common type, can affect the foot's 33 joints, leading to pain and misalignment. Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, an autoimmune form, often starts in small hand and foot joints, causing pain and swelling. Psoriatic arthritis, or PsA, affects skin and joints, causing unique issues like dactylitis and plantar fasciitis. Gout, characterized by uric acid crystals, can cause sudden, intense pain, generally in the big toe. In systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, foot pain is often overlooked. Lupus-related arthritis, muscle, nerve, and soft tissue issues can lead to foot problems. Immunosuppressant medications increase the risk of complications, making proper footwear and podiatric care vital for lupus patients. If you have foot pain of any sort that is not a one-time issue, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay from New Jersey . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is 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.

Plantar warts, caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, are thick, rough skin growths found on the bottom of the foot. While they are benign, the discomfort they can cause is far from trivial. Plantar warts typically form on pressure points such as the heel or ball of the foot, entering the skin through cuts or scratches. Direct contact with an infected surface or person can also lead to their development. Treatment options include keratolytic therapy, cryotherapy, immunotherapy, and laser therapy.  In severe cases, surgery is needed. Keratolytic therapy employs acid medication to thin the wart, prompting the outer skin layer's shedding. Cryotherapy involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, creating a red blister that eventually leads to the wart's natural removal. Immunotherapy, using creams or shots, enhances your immune system to combat HPV and eliminate the wart. Laser therapy utilizes focused light to cut away the wart, while surgical removal, performed by numbing the skin and burning the area, becomes necessary in some cases to prevent recurrence. If you have been infected with plantar warts, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine your foot and suggest the treatment option that is best for you.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay 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 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.

Talipes equinovarus, commonly known as clubfoot, is a congenital foot condition characterized by abnormal positioning of the foot and ankle. In this disorder, the foot turns inward and downward, creating a distinctive appearance where the sole faces inward and the heel points upward. The precise cause of talipes equinovarus remains unclear, though a combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to contribute. Early diagnosis is vital for effective management, often involving a series of manipulative techniques, casting, and, in some cases, surgical intervention. Left untreated, talipes equinovarus can lead to gait abnormalities and hinder normal physical development. Though the condition poses challenges, advancements in medical interventions provide hope for improved outcomes. If your child has been born with this foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you seek the expert advice of a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment methods.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome 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.

Plantar fasciitis, a common foot ailment affecting people between 25 and 65 years old, results from the overloading or overstretching of the plantar fascia, which is the supportive tissue beneath the foot's arch. A podiatrist may offer a variety of treatment options tailored to manage the pain of plantar fasciitis and help toward healing. Rest and support are integral to short-term management. Utilizing a walking boot and crutches allows the foot to rest, aiding in the recovery process. Corticosteroid injections become a consideration in cases of severe pain and inflammation resistant to other conservative treatments. However, caution is warranted due to potential weakening of the plantar fascia and the risk of rupture, which can lead to chronic pain and foot flattening. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a noninvasive procedure used by some podiatrists to stimulate healing in plantar fascia tissue. However, its effectiveness varies among individuals. Low-level laser therapy is sometimes employed by podiatrists to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis, offering relief for up to three months. In cases where nonsurgical treatments prove insufficient, foot surgery may be considered. But it typically is reserved for situations where significant improvement has not been observed through other methods. To find out more healing from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment plan.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay from New Jersey . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is 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.

Heel pain is a prevalent issue that affects people of all ages, whether you are an athlete, a busy professional, or a parent. Plantar fasciitis is the most common complaint of heel pain. It occurs when excessive pressure on the feet damages the plantar fascia ligament, resulting in pain and stiffness. This condition is often associated with activities that put stress on the feet, like running or standing for extended periods. The next most common causes of heel pain are sprains and strains, which are injuries to the body. These ailments can range from minor to severe and are often the result of physical activities or accidents. A fractured heel can be caused by accidents, falls, or severe trauma. This is considered a medical emergency and requires urgent care. If you experience sudden, severe pain in your heel, in addition to swelling and difficulty bearing weight, it is beneficial to seek immediate medical attention. Achilles tendonitis is another common reason for heel pain, caused when the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel becomes inflamed due to overuse injuries. Finally, bursitis is an inflammation of the fluid filled sacs surrounding joints, where tendons, skin, and muscle tissues meet bones. It can lead to heel pain and discomfort. If you have any type of heel pain that inhibits your daily life, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay of New Jersey . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please 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.