Items filtered by date: April 2021

Monday, 26 April 2021 00:00

How Does Athlete’s Foot Develop?

The fungus that causes athlete's foot lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. These can include public swimming pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. It is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these places, and this may help to prevent the fungus from entering the body through tiny cracks in the skin of the feet. Common symptoms of this uncomfortable foot condition can consist of severe itching between the toes and on the bottom of the feet, and the affected area can become red and tender. Effective preventive techniques can often include refraining from walking barefoot, and wearing shoes and socks that are made from breathable materials. Additionally, it may help to keep the feet and nails as clean as possible. If you are afflicted with athlete’s foot, please speak with a podiatrist who can offer you remedies that can help athlete's foot.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

 

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Children, like adults, can incur sudden foot and ankle injuries while going about their daily activities. Sudden injuries, also known as acute injuries, can occur due to an abnormal movement of the foot or ankle or following a direct blow to the foot. In some cases, a sharp object may puncture the skin of the foot or ankle, creating a puncture wound. Acute injuries can be severely painful and lead to swelling and bruising. Common acute foot and ankle injuries in children include bruises, puncture wounds, injuries to the ligaments, tendons, joints, or muscles, and broken or dislocated bones. If your child complains of foot or ankle pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during 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. Here are some things to consider...

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 for 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 our offices located in Wayne, Montclair, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Thursday, 15 April 2021 00:00

Do You Suffer From Painful Feet?

Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!

Monday, 12 April 2021 00:00

Managing Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common overuse injury of the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. When this ligament becomes inflamed, it causes heel and arch pain and may impact your ability to perform daily activities and exercise. There are many potential treatments available for plantar fasciitis. Some effective treatments include taping the affected area and doing exercises to stretch and strengthen the plantar fascia. For more information about plantar fasciitis and to find out which treatment option is right for you, please consult with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors 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 our offices located in Wayne, Montclair, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 05 April 2021 00:00

Basic Care to Keep Feet Healthy

The majority of people take their feet for granted, until a foot condition occurs. The human foot consists of twenty six bones, in addition to several ligaments and tendons. It is beneficial to practice daily foot care, as this can help the feet to function properly. They are considered to be the foundation of the body, and it is important to keep the feet healthy. This can be accomplished by washing and drying the feet thoroughly, and applying a good moisturizer afterwards. This may help to prevent cracked heels from developing, which can cause pain and discomfort. When the toenails are trimmed properly, ingrown toenails may be prevented from forming. If you would like additional information about how to keep your feet healthy, please consult with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

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