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(908) 381-8160Berkeley Heights

December 2019

Monday, 30 December 2019 00:00

Signs You May Have an Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails are a painful, and often an uncomfortable condition that can develop for a number of reasons. Most commonly, they will form due to tight or improperly fitting shoes, an infection, trauma, hereditary reasons, or not trimming your toenails correctly. You may notice you have developed an ingrown toenail by recognizing redness, swelling, a tender feeling on the surrounding skin, the toenail being oddly shaped, or slight bleeding or pus coming from the toenail. Some patients have found relief by packing, taping, or using nail braces to alleviate the pain. Some doctors may suggest partial or full removal of the nail, depending on its severity. For more information about ingrown toenails, we recommend you consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and advised treatment plan.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Janet Leicht of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Berkeley Heights, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ingrown Toenail Care
Monday, 16 December 2019 00:00

Who Does Sever’s Disease Affect?

The medical condition that is referred to as Sever’s disease generally targets teenagers. It can occur when the heel bone grows faster than the tendons, ligaments, and muscles in the leg, and this can possibly cause them to stretch beyond their normal range. This condition can affect teens who frequently participate in sporting events that involve running and jumping activities. Patients who experience this type of injury may have symptoms that can consist of swelling in the heel area, pain and discomfort when the foot is touched, and it may be difficult to walk. Treatment options can include elevating the affected the foot which may help to reduce swelling, performing specific stretches that can strengthen the foot, and in severe cases, the child may have a cast. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can offer proper treatment solutions.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Berkeley Heights, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about Sever's Disease
Monday, 09 December 2019 00:00

Where Is Pain from Cuboid Syndrome Located?

There are several bones that are located in the middle of the foot. They are referred to as the cuboid bones, and cuboid syndrome may develop as a result of inflammation. This may come from repetitive motions that can occur from frequently participating in specific sporting activities, or if the ankle is sprained or injured. Research has indicated that this may be a common injury among ballet dancers. The pain is often felt on the outer edge of the foot, and many patients notice there is discomfort in the middle of the foot. The foot can appear swollen, and walking may be difficult. Treatment typically begins with ceasing the activity that caused this condition to occur, and mild relief may be found when specific foot stretches are performed. If you feel you may have cuboid syndrome, it is strongly suggested that you seek professional advice from a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment options.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Berkeley Heights, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about All About Cuboid Syndrome
Wednesday, 04 December 2019 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Sunday, 01 December 2019 00:00

The Location of the Sesamoid Bones

The bones that are found under the big toe are known as the sesamoid bones. They are located within the tendons of the big toe, and can become inflamed. When this occurs it is called sesamoiditis. This can happen as a result of a stress fracture, or from a medical condition such as osteonecrosis. Additionally, the sesamoid bones can become damaged from overuse if sporting activities are frequently practiced. When a new exercise regime begins, it is beneficial to start slowly, and gradually build intensity. Another effective way of protecting the sesamoid bones is by alternating the type of exercises that are done. If you feel you have developed this ailment, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Janet Leicht of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

  • Sudden increase in activity
  • Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
  • Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Berkeley Heights, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Sesamoiditis
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