Items filtered by date: December 2022

Research has shown that approximately one third of people who are 65 years old will have some type of foot pain. The feet can become stiff and achy, which may be a result of becoming more sedentary than in past years. A common foot condition is a bunion, which is generally caused by wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. It is characterized by a bony lump that forms on the side of the big toe, and may cause pain while walking. Additionally, a corn can develop for the same reason, and despite its small size, may cause considerable discomfort. The skin on the heels may become dry, and cracked heels is a condition that is common as the aging process occurs. Severe cracks in the skin are called fissures, and may bleed, if not promptly treated. Having an ingrown toenail can wreak havoc in attempting to complete daily activities, as a result of the pain it can cause. This is defined as the nail growing into the skin, instead of over it, and surgery may be necessary for a complete recovery. If you are in this age group and are experiencing any kind of foot conditions, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can provide you with effective relief options.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Hamilton, Toms River, and Plainsboro Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Injuries to the Achilles tendon are some of the most common problems among runners. The Achilles tendon, medically known as the calcaneal tendon, is located at the back of the heel. It is the strongest tendon in the body, connecting the heel bone to the muscles in the calf. When the Achilles tendon is torn or ruptured, it can be extremely painful and inhibit daily activities. In some cases, the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, thought to be caused by overuse. This will result in tenderness to the touch, as well as pain when first waking up. Also, the calf, ankle and heel will feel stiff. Many times, after engaging in a run, the tendon pain subsides for a while, but increases again later. Stretching the tendon further may actually increase the problem, experts contend, by hardening and shortening the calf muscles. Instead, taking a break from running and beginning a course of  strengthening exercises is recommended. It is a good idea for anyone with Achilles tendon problems to consult a podiatrist for an examination, a diagnosis, and suggested treatment options.  

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Hamilton, Toms River, and Plainsboro Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

It is easy to pick up an athlete’s foot infection, even if you are not an athlete. This annoying skin infection, termed tinea pedis, is caused by a fungus that thrives in moist, warm environments. The most likely places to become infected with athlete’s foot are swimming pools, showering areas, and gym locker rooms. If you share a showering area or towel with someone who has athlete’s foot, the risk of becoming infected increases, as the fungus is highly contagious. Athlete’s foot is easy to recognize. The skin between the toes or on the bottom of the foot is likely to become itchy, and scaly, and may form blisters. Avoid touching the area with your bare hands as the infection can easily spread to other body parts. To prevent contracting athlete’s foot, wear protective shoes at pools, public showers and locker areas. Keep your feet clean and dry. Don’t share towels. If a case of athlete’s foot becomes severe, has spread, or recurs, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for treatment options.  

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Mercer Ocean Podiatry.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Hamilton, Toms River, and Plainsboro Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot deformities are among the most common deformities in newborns. Most of the foot problems newborns face are treated non-surgically. Such newborn deformities include clubfoot, which describes an array of foot deformities that lead a newborn’s feet to be twisted, pointed down, and inward. Approximately half of the babies with clubfoot have it on both feet and boys are more apt to have clubfoot than girls. This affliction does not cause a baby pain, but it can lead to long-term difficulties with walking. If treated with stretching exercises, casts, or surgery, a clubfoot deformity can be corrected in early childhood. If you are pregnant and expect your baby to be born with clubfoot, or you have such a newborn, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible for treatment to prevent any long-term impact from this condition.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctors 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 our offices located in Hamilton, Toms River, and Plainsboro Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.