Items filtered by date: December 2024

Plantar warts are small, rough growths that appear on the soles of the feet, caused by the human papillomavirus, known as HPV. These warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact or by walking barefoot in public places like swimming pools and locker rooms. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with diabetes, HIV, or undergoing chemotherapy, are more likely to develop plantar warts. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments, making feet particularly vulnerable. Plantar warts can be painful, especially when pressure is applied while walking, and may appear with tiny black dots at their center, which are blood vessels. While treatments like salicylic acid can help, they often take time and may not work for deeper or larger warts. A podiatrist can offer a proper diagnosis and suggest effective treatment for plantar warts. Treatment options include cryotherapy, laser therapy, or minor surgical removal for faster, more lasting results. If you have a plantar warts, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our doctors from New Jersey and New York. Our doctors will assist you with all of 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

• Lesions 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, can 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 our offices located in Little Silver, NJ and New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments surrounding the ankle are stretched or torn. The two primary types of ankle sprains are inversion and eversion sprains. An inversion sprain happens when the foot turns inward, causing damage to the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. This is the most common type of ankle sprain. An eversion sprain occurs when the foot turns outward, injuring the ligaments on the inside of the ankle. Symptoms of both types include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Inversion sprains are often caused by rolling the ankle during sports or physical activity, while eversion sprains can result from a misstep or uneven surface. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our doctors from New Jersey and New York. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Little Silver, NJ and New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents, especially those active in sports. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel bone, known as the calcaneus, becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress and tension from the Achilles tendon. Symptoms include heel pain, swelling, and difficulty walking, particularly after physical activity. A podiatrist can help in managing Sever’s disease. They can accurately diagnose the condition, ruling out other causes of heel pain. Treatment often includes customized orthotics, heel lifts, or cushioning to reduce stress on the growth plate. They may also recommend stretching exercises to improve flexibility in the calf and Achilles tendon. Activity modification or temporary rest from sports might be advised. If your child has persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to ease their discomfort and prevent long-term complications.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our doctors from New Jersey and New York. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Little Silver, NJ and New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the nerve becomes thickened or irritated, often due to pressure or compression. The main symptom is a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, which may radiate to the toes. People with Morton’s neuroma may also experience tingling, numbness, or a feeling of a lump in their shoe. The primary causes of Morton’s neuroma include wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, abnormal foot mechanics like flat feet or high arches, or running and sports activities that put repeated pressure on the forefoot. Treatment options include conservative measures, such as switching to supportive footwear, using custom orthotics, and getting corticosteroid injections, as well as more advanced treatments like surgery. A podiatrist can diagnose Morton’s neuroma and recommend the best treatment to relieve pain and prevent recurrence. If you suspect Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert care and guidance.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our doctors of New Jersey and New York. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Little Silver, NJ and New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Corns and calluses are common foot conditions that develop due to friction and pressure on the skin. Corns are small, hardened areas of skin that typically form on the top or sides of toes, while calluses are thicker patches of skin that usually appear on the soles of the feet. Both conditions are the body’s natural response to protect itself from rubbing or pressure, often caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, abnormal gait, or high-impact activities. Symptoms include thickened skin, tenderness, pain when walking, and in some cases, redness or inflammation. While mild treatments like padding or foot creams might help, improper removal can worsen the condition. A podiatrist can provide safe, effective treatment by carefully trimming corns and calluses, recommending custom orthotics to alleviate pressure, and offering advice on proper footwear. If you have persistent foot discomfort, or if corns or calluses are affecting your daily life, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert care and relief.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our doctors of New Jersey and New York. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Little Silver, NJ and New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.