Items filtered by date: August 2023

Suffering from a broken ankle can disrupt daily life and recreational pursuits for several months. Recovery duration hinges on the severity of the broken ankle. Complex fractures may necessitate surgery, while in simpler cases rest and immobilization may be adequate. Surgical interventions, such as metal supports, may entail longer recovery times. Medical attention is advised if pain persists, worsens, or health issues occur including discharge from surgical wounds, swelling, skin discoloration, or sensory changes. Post-fracture walking aids, such as crutches, canes, or walkers, can help to safeguard the mending bone. Performing home exercises can help to boost ankle strength and mobility. Gradual transitioning to weight-bearing activities is essential in regaining strength. Step-ups on a raised surface and heel raises on a chair can help to facilitate recovery. Other methods that promote recovery can include using mobility aids, avoiding bearing weight prematurely, and maintaining optimal nutrition. To help prevent future ankle injuries, it is beneficial to allow the ankle to heal fully before returning to normal activities. If you would like more information about how a broken ankle can recover, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

Selecting the right running shoes is a crucial step in ensuring a comfortable and injury free running experience. Various types of running shoes cater to different needs and preferences. Neutral running shoes are suitable for those people who have a natural gait, providing balanced cushioning. Stability shoes offer added support to prevent overpronation. Motion control shoes are designed for severe overpronators, offering maximum stability. Trail running shoes are equipped with rugged soles for off-road terrains. When choosing running shoes, it is beneficial to consider factors such as foot arch, pronation type, and intended terrain. Remember to prioritize comfort, proper fit, and the specific demands of your running style. Investing time in finding the right shoes ensures your running journey remains both enjoyable and injury free. If you would like to have more information about how to choose the right running shoes, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with useful tips. 

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

Toe pain can disrupt your daily routine and affect mobility. Common causes for toe pain consist of ingrown toenails, bunions, and gout. An ingrown toenail can develop from wearing shoes that are too tight, or it may happen from trimming the toenails incorrectly. A bunion is described as a bony lump that forms on the side of the big toe and can cause a moderate level of discomfort. Gout is considered to be a form of arthritis that often affects the joints in the big toe, possibly causing debilitating pain. It is crucial to uncover the cause of the toe pain, and this can precede the correct treatment. Resting the affected foot can help reduce existing swelling caused by toe pain. Some toe pain may be alleviated by wearing shoes that fit correctly and performing specific types of stretches that can improve flexibility and reduce pain. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct structural issues. It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the underlying cause of your toe pain and provide personalized treatment for recovery.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Ingrown toenails can cause immense discomfort and frustration. Understanding the different types and underlying causes can help prevent and address this uncomfortable foot condition. The edge of a toenail that grows into the surrounding skin is referred to as a distal ingrown toenail and is considered to be the most common type. When the nail grows into either side of the skin, this is known as a lateral ingrown toenail. Common symptoms can include redness, swelling, and it may become infected. If the toenail is not trimmed properly, it may result in a portion of the nail penetrating the skin, which is known as a partial ingrown toenail. People who wear shoes that do not fit correctly, in addition to those with a foot injury, may find they have developed an ingrown toenail. If you have this foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options that may include minor surgery for partial removal. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.

The majority of people experience immediate symptoms when they break a toe. There is often bruising, swelling, and it can be difficult to walk. It can happen for various reasons, including a heavy object dropping on it, or if it stubbed into a piece of furniture. Additionally, falling may cause a toe to break, and people who have osteoporosis may be more susceptible to sustaining this type of injury. If the toe is severely broken, a protruding bone from the toe may cause it to look deformed. This type of fracture requires prompt medical attention, and surgery may be necessary to heal and restore the toe to its normal position. A diagnosis generally consists of having an X-ray taken, and this can help to determine the severity of the fracture. Mildly broken toes can be treated by using the buddy taping method. This is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the treatment option that is right for you.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.