Corns and calluses can be best explained as hardened tissue on the skin, formed when the skin is subject to repeated pressure or friction. The balls of our feet are most susceptible to developing corns and calluses, however they can form anywhere. A particular well-known cause of corns and calluses are ill-fitting shoes. Suggested methods for preventing corns and calluses are to wear padding or even orthotics in your shoes. Calluses can also be removed with a surgical procedure by your podiatrist. If you are bothered by corns or calluses, consult with a podiatrist to determine if surgical intervention is necessary.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What are they? And how do you get rid of them?

Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns

There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

– Well-fitting socks
– Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
– Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Salicylic acid can help in getting rid of these corns because it dissolves keratin, which is the protein that makes up a good majority of corns. Podiatrists recommend that people with diabetes not use salicylic acid but should consult with their podiatrist regarding the treatment of corns.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Corns on the Feet.

If you find yourself engaging in vigorous activity, but only on the weekends, this is something you should be aware of. Achilles tendon injuries like Achilles tendonitis, or a ruptured Achilles tendon, can happen very quickly. For us non-professional athletes that don’t have time in our busy schedules to reach pinnacles of muscular strength, we are more susceptible to these acute injuries. The Achilles tendon connects the heel bone to the calf muscles and is essential to being able to walk. If the tendon ruptures, surgery will be necessary in order to repair this very painful injury. Achilles tendonitis is when the tendon becomes inflamed, typically due to overuse or not stretching beforehand. Both of these conditions can be treated by a podiatrist and if you experiencing intense heel pain you should consult with one immediately. In order to avoid these injuries, strengthening the tendon by gradually stressing them over time may be helpful. And always remember to stretch!

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your 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 cause severe 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 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 one of our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Achilles tendon injuries.

There is no shortage of annoying health problems in the world. Whether it be a mild cough or a case of the hiccups that seems to never go away, there is probably some sort of remedy available. Foot blisters are one of these such annoyances. They seem to be most common after buying a new pair of shoes. If the shoes are too small, or just don’t fit your foot in the right way, you might have blisters in your near future. If your feet rub against the shoe too much, a blister will likely form. If this happens, make sure to treat the affected area with antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a bandage. If the condition persists, it may be time to go shoe shopping again.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about blisters on the feet

Hammertoes occur when there is an imbalance in the muscles and ligaments that would normally hold the toe straight. This results in the toe bending over time and ultimately becoming deformed. Hammertoe typically affects the second, third, fourth, and fifth toes, not the big toe. If discovered and managed early, treatments can be non-invasive and the hammertoes may be able to be corrected without surgery. Although hammertoe may be a congenital disorder in some, usually the cause is either a previous toe injury or wearing ill-fitting shoes. The toes can become cramped and start to bend gradually if there is not enough space for them. This is especially the case for people with longer than average toes. If you notice your toes are bent up in a cramped position, seek medical attention. Catching this early is crucial.

Making sure that your children maintain foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

• Genetics – people who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
• Arthritis – because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
• Trauma – direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
• Ill-fitting shoes – undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

• Orthotics – custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
• Medications – oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
• Surgery – in more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read More about Hammertoes

If you have dried, cracked heels, you may also suffer from pain, especially when wearing tight footwear that puts stress on the heels. The following are some home remedies that can be used to treat cracked heels. Cocoa butter and shea butter can both be applied and left on overnight to help nourish dry skin. Additionally, castor oil, another natural moisturizer, contains omega fatty acids that help provide extra hydration. Coconut oil is another remedy that is ideal for any type of dry skin. Vitamin E oil and petroleum jelly are also great for hydrating cracked skin.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are unappealing, and make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Not only may they look bad, but they can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How do you get them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief, or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – wearing socks with medicated creams, helps lock in moisture so it can stay on longer.

Moisturizers – applying it both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – these remove dead skin, and then you can massage cream onto your foot. This way the cream will be absorbed. The skin needs to be exfoliated; therefore the outer layer dead skin needs removal.

Change in Diet

Eating healthy, with a well-balanced diet, will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to what kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements will also help with skin tissue.

Most importantly seek a health professional for foot care if something is wrong or doesn’t seem to be working. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about cracked heels

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that is often the source of many cases of heel pain. Just as the condition has many different causes, it also has many different treatments. One treatment that may be effective is yoga, which allows for the stretching of the feet. Suggested poses include the downward facing dog and crescent lunge, stretches that can be felt through the calves and heels; and the toes pose, which stretches the feet immediately. To determine the best treatment for your case of plantar fasciitis, first consult with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

Children’s soccer has become an increasingly popular sport in the United States, making children more prone to foot and ankle injuries. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that injuries can occur when players collide and even when running, twisting or landing. Boys are more likely to incur ankle injuries especially when turning or stopping. Since children are constantly growing, some may experience irritation on the growth plate of the heel resulting in heel pain. Anti-inflammatories, ice, and stretching can help reduce this pain. However, consulting a healthcare professional is always the best bet when injuries occur. Participating in conditioning exercises, wearing proper cleats, teaching proper techniques, and maintaining field conditions can assist in preventing injury.

Making sure that your children maintain foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Keeping Children’s Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet in childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care from birth to school-age.

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

• Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet
• Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet

• Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus
• Be watchful of any pain or injury
• Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible
• Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Keeping Children’s Feet Health

Plantar warts are growths on the feet caused by a virus. The virus can be contracted in moist, warm environments like gym locker rooms or around an indoor pool. If you have cuts on your feet take extra special care to avoid any contact with these surfaces. Make sure to change your socks daily and never share them with others. Plantar warts are typically not painful at first, but as they grow they can hurt when you walk. If you notice the wart while it is small, there are various types of home remedies that may be effective. However, once the plantar wart grows larger, a podiatrist will be your best option.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat 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

• Legions 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, will 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 New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about plantar warts.

A new over-the-counter treatment for heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis has received clearance from the United States FDA. The ActiPatch, created by BioElectronics Corporation, is being marketed as an adjunctive or alternative therapy to pain killers. BioElectronics Corporation is a maker of wearable pain therapy devices, with other devices including Smart Insole Heel Pain Therapy. ActiPatch is “a drug-free, wearable nonprescription medical device that provides 720-hours (90, 8-hour treatments) of on/off therapy.” The ActiPatch is just one possible future method for easing heel pain. Consult with your podiatrist to determine what heel pain treatments are most suitable for you and your concerns.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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 thing of the past.

With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Heel Pain