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(908) 381-8160Berkeley Heights

June 2020

Many people enjoy hiking. Blisters can develop as a result of the miles that are walked on uneven surfaces, and they can be uncomfortable. Excessive friction is a reason blisters can form, which can be caused by wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. A blister is defined as the body’s natural ability to heal damaged skin. A small bubble that is filled with protective fluid forms over the affected area, and will gradually drain as new skin forms. Research has indicated the importance of properly caring for your feet before beginning a hike. These methods can include treating an existing foot fungus, walking barefoot to toughen the skin, and keeping the toenails trimmed. If a blister develops, it can help to protect it with an elastic bandage while hiking is pursued. If you would like additional information about blisters, or if you have a blister that has become infected, please consult with a podiatrist.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Janet Leicht 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 our office located in Berkeley Heights, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Monday, 22 June 2020 00:00

How Are Broken Toes Treated?

The bones that are located in each toe are known as phalanges. They can easily fracture if a heavy object falls on one or more of them, or if a toe is stubbed against a piece of furniture. Common symptoms many patients experience can include bruising, redness, and swelling, in addition to difficulty walking. Treatment can begin after a proper diagnosis is performed, which generally consists of having an X-ray taken. Treatment may consist of implementing a process that is referred to as buddy taping. It is a procedure that tapes the affected toe to the toe next to it, and this can be helpful in providing the stability that is needed as the healing process occurs. A broken toe is considered to be severe if the bone protrudes through the skin, and surgery may be necessary for complete healing. If you have fractured your toe, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so they can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

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Monday, 15 June 2020 00:00

Types of Ankle Sprains

A common injury among athletes is an ankle sprain. There are several types of ankle sprains that can occur. These can consist of injury to the ligaments on the outside of the ankle, which is called a lateral sprain. When the toes turn out while they are pointing up, the medial portion of the ankle can become hurt, and this type of sprain may take longer to heal. A sprain that occurs to the front or back ligaments is referred to as a syndesmotic sprain. Common symptoms that patients can experience with ankle sprains can include severe pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Relief may be found when the impacted foot is elevated, as this may help to diminish a portion of the swelling. Additionally, existing bruising may be controlled when an ankle wrap is used, or a protective boot is worn. If you have sprained your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine what the best treatment is for you.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.

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Monday, 08 June 2020 00:00

How Fungal Toenail Infections Occur

Fungal nail infections can occur in both the toenails and fingernails, and the infection causes the nails to become discolored, thickened, and brittle. Fungal nail infections are caused when various fungi, including mold and yeast, that live in moist environments enter the nails through small cracks. Fungal nail infections and skin infections, such as athlete’s foot, often occur together. Fungal nail treatment and antibiotics are likely needed in order for the infection to be properly treated. If you are experiencing a fungal nail infection, it is important that you visit a podiatrist.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Janet Leicht of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

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Monday, 01 June 2020 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Monday, 01 June 2020 00:00

How Does Cuboid Syndrome Occur?

Cuboid subluxation is another term for the medical condition that is known as cuboid syndrome. It can happen when one of the cuboid bones slightly shifts, and a noticeable sign can be mild pain under the pinky toe. Additional symptoms can include a limited range of motion, swelling surrounding the impacted area, and the toes may feel weak.  A common reason why this condition may occur can be from an ankle sprain, or from activities that invoke strain on the ligaments and bones. Other reasons why cuboid syndrome may occur can include walking or running on hills, wearing shoes that do not offer adequate support, or from being overweight. Moderate relief may be found when the foot is elevated, and additional support may be obtained when the foot is taped. If you feel you have developed this syndrome, it is advised that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer treatment options that are correct for you.

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.

 

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