Items filtered by date: January 2023

Pregnant parents look forward to counting their baby's 10 perfect fingers and toes. Anything else is rare, but it does happen. Fairly common is seeing a newborn baby’s feet point in opposite directions. This can be due to the baby being squished in the small womb. Other times it can result from the child’s development or as part of a genetic condition. The two most commonly seen foot deformities in newborns are metatarsus adductus and calcaneovalgus. Both involve the baby’s foot positioning and how they were molded inside the womb. These conditions usually improve without treatment and do not cause long-term problems. However, there are more serious congenital disorders of the feet that do require treatment. If you know your child will be born with any kind of foot deformity or discover this at birth, see a podiatrist as soon as possible to have your baby’s feet examined and to obtain suggestions or treatment needed.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Toms River Podiatrist . 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 office located in Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions are a bony kind of bump that can develop on the outer side of the big toe or the pinky toe. Bunions have the potential to cause the individual a significant amount of discomfort. Bunions are typically something that patients will want to treat, and there are many ways in which one might go about treating their bunions. For example, an individual with bunions might choose to use the power of foot baths. Sometimes, individuals suffering from bunions can experience some kind of stiffness in their big toes due to the bunion. Immersing the feet in a warm foot bath can significantly help to mitigate feelings of stiffness. If a warm bath for the feet is not possible, then one might substitute a warm foot bath with a steamed towel. It usually helps if the towel is moist as well. If you are suffering from bunions, contact a podiatrist today for an appointment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Toms River Podiatrist . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Practicing exceptional foot care is crucial for all people, especially for diabetic patients. This consists of examining the soles of the feet daily for existing cuts and scrapes, and using a mirror can be helpful in accomplishing this. Wearing shoes that fit correctly, properly trimming the toenails, and maintaining proper circulation are important methods to implement for optimum foot health. Diabetes is a result of elevated blood sugar levels and may be the result of foods that are eaten. Having healthy eating habits may be instrumental in lowering these levels and controlling diabetes. Two medical conditions that may affect diabetic patients are referred to as loss of protective sensation (LOPS) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). The former occurs when there is a lack of feeling in the feet, and the patient may be unable to feel pressure or pain. The latter condition decreases blood flow to the feet, possibly causing sores and cuts to heal slower. Diabetic patients are strongly suggested to be under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective management tips for controlling diabetes. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Toms River Podiatrist . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Obese individuals can be more susceptible to developing any number of foot conditions. This is because having an unhealthy level of extra body weight can wreak havoc on the feet and lower legs in different ways. One often overlooked consequence that obesity can have on the feet is swelling, or edema, in the feet. When a person carries an excessive amount of body weight around, they are essentially putting more pressure on the joints, especially those in the feet. Obese individuals can put an extreme amount of pressure on the ankle joints in particular. As a result, there can be a significant amount of fluid retention in the affected areas, as well as the storage of hormones in fat cells. Consequently, the body can experience a pesky kind of swelling in the ankles, feet, and lower legs. If you are someone that struggles with obesity, contact a podiatrist today to learn what you can do to combat any foot swelling that you are currently experiencing.  

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Toms River Podiatrist . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

One of the most important functions that a good pair of shoes serves is to essentially protect the toes from injury. The toes are resilient yet very delicate parts of the human body. Good shoes have a toe box that can insulate and protect the toes from falling objects or from being stubbed. One of the many downsides of wearing open-toed sandals like flip-flops is that this kind of shoe ultimately does not protect the toes at all. Flip flops, in other words, leave the toes completely exposed. Not only does this make the toes more vulnerable to becoming injured, but it also exposes them to the elements and the weather, which has its share of problems and complications. Medical professionals recommend limiting the time in which flip-flops are worn to ensure adequate protection of the toes. If you are someone that enjoys wearing flip-flops, contact a podiatrist today to see what can be done to protect the feet.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Toms River Podiatrist . Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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