Items filtered by date: September 2021

A podiatrist is a doctor that specializes in the treatment of foot conditions. There are many issues with the feet that can develop that a podiatrist should address. For example, if you have a wound or sore that won’t heal, a podiatrist should examine it, especially if you have diabetes. Any joint pain, pain with elevated legs, pain that increases with activity, or severe pain that lasts more than a day, can be from a variety of issues. Numbness, tingling or a burning can indicate neuropathy. Any discolorations in the feet or toes should be looked at as well because of the possibility of an infection. Lastly, if you are starting to run more often, a podiatrist can help identify potential problems and give advice to avoid them. If you have any other questions about issues regarding your feet, don’t hesitate to ask your podiatrist.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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 a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

Sesamoiditis is a foot condition in which the sesamoid bones, located in the ball of the foot just beneath the big toe, become injured or inflamed. If you have sesamoiditis, it is very important that you rest the affected foot, however, this can be somewhat difficult without proper planning. To give your foot time to heal, you will likely need to avoid putting pressure and weight on the foot as much as possible. In the early stages of healing, when the sesamoids and surrounding areas are inflamed, it may help to also avoid bending the toes. Do simple ankle stretches and strengthening exercises to maintain your ankle mobility. Good ankle mobility can help keep excess pressure off of your sesamoids when you walk. Finally, wearing the right shoes can be very helpful during the healing process. Choose shoes with a wide toe box and without high heels. A podiatrist may also suggest orthotics. If you have sesamoiditis, please consult with your local podiatrist. 

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.

It is generally easy to notice a bunion when it has developed on your foot. A bunion is a bump that forms on the side of the big toe that can make wearing shoes difficult for the majority of the day. A common reason why bunions can form is from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in.  Additionally, they may form from genetic reasons. If the bunion grows, it can change the shape of the foot, and larger shoes may need to be purchased. Ballet dancers are often at risk of developing bunions because of the constant stress the feet endure while practicing specific poses. Pregnancy can lead to the formation of bunions, which may come from hormonal changes that can affect the feet. Mild relief may be found when a protective pad is worn over the bunion, and this can be helpful in protecting it against friction that can come from wearing shoes. If you notice a bump has formed on your foot, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis and offer you correct treatment methods.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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.

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

If your child has a red, blistering rash on their feet, a sore throat, and a fever, they may be suffering from hand, foot, and mouth (HFM) disease. HFM is a viral infection common in early childhood. It is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids. The blisters associated with HFM disease are typically red with a small, fluid-filled bubble on top, although they can also be flat. These blisters may peel, leaving behind ulcers. HFM blisters often appear on the soles of the feet. While HFM usually clears up on its own, your child may experience pain or discomfort from HFM blisters on their feet. Keeping their feet clean and applying antibiotic ointments over popped blisters can help prevent infection. If your child has a rash or blisters on their feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.