Toenail Fungus and Dietary Habits
The medical condition known as toenail fungus is often noticed by discoloration of the toenails. The nail may appear to be thick and yellow, and in severe cases sometimes the nail may become brittle and fall off. Some patients find it helpful to incorporate anti-fungal foods as part of their daily eating habits. Research has suggested it may be beneficial to eat foods that are made with specific ingredients and oils that may improve the quality of the bacteria in the gut. Some of the foods that may help to keep the body healthy can include fresh vegetables, chicken, and fish. Eating these types of foods may be instrumental in improving the immune system and are often considered when beginning treatment for toenail fungus. If you are afflicted with this ailment or have recurring fungal toenails, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine what the best treatment methods are for you.
If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Symptoms
- Warped or oddly shaped nails
- Yellowish nails
- Loose/separated nail
- Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
- Brittle, broken, thickened nail
Treatment
If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.
Prevention
In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.
In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
How Orthotics Can Help Prevent Running Injuries
Runners’ feet can take a beating striking the ground roughly 800 times for every mile they run. Even the best running shoe may not offer the support and cushioning necessary to avoid pain or overuse injuries to the arches and heels such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, metatarsalgia, and more. The lack of proper foundational support leading to these conditions can also negatively affect knees, hips, and the lower back. Custom orthotics may prevent and also treat overuse injuries and can even correct imbalances in a runner’s stride which can lead to foot pain and other issues. If you are a runner, consider contacting a podiatrist who can examine your feet, create custom orthotics to support your individual foot structure and address your specific foot condition.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar Fasciosis
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Are Fallen Arches and Flat Feet the Same Thing?
Fallen arches is a term used to describe flat feet that develop during adulthood. This is in contrast to flat feet that are present from early childhood, when the arch of the foot simply doesn’t form. Fallen arches, on the other hand, are not caused by the arch of the foot not developing, but rather by the arch forming and then collapsing over time. This is often due to weakening of the ligament that supports the arch. When the ligament loses its strength, it can no longer hold up the arch and the arch slowly lowers, creating a flat foot. Fallen arches can occur slowly due to the natural wear-and-tear caused by aging, or may be related to an injury. Another common cause is pregnancy, where hormones relax ligaments throughout the body, including those in the feet, which can lead to structural changes. Fallen arches can cause symptoms that range from mild discomfort to significant chronic pain. If you are experiencing foot pain, please consult with a podiatrist.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
- Pain around the heel or arch area
- Trouble standing on the tip toe
- Swelling around the inside of the ankle
- Flat look to one or both feet
- Having your shoes feel uneven when worn
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Three Groups of Peripheral Nerves
The condition that is known as neuropathy is generally referred to as peripheral neuropathy. It often affects the nerves in the feet, and can produce symptoms that can include numbing and tingling sensations. Additionally, many patients have a loss of feeling in the feet, and muscle weakness may develop. Research has indicated there are three groups of peripheral nerves. Nerves that promote feeling are known as sensory nerves, and movement nerves are referred to as motor nerves. Bodily functions that consist of sweating and digesting food fall into the autonomic group of nerves. Once a proper diagnosis is performed, which may involve having a blood test performed or spinal fluid extracted, treatment can begin. If you are experiencing symptoms of neuropathy, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
- Numbness
- Sensation loss
- Prickling and tingling sensations
- Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
- Muscle weakness
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?
Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.
Two Common Types of Ankle Injuries
The ankle is a complex joint composed of bones and ligaments. It is critical for movement and balance. Because the ankle works so hard during walking, running, and jumping, it can become sprained, or fractured—especially during sports and other physical activities. Sprains occur when the ligaments that connect ankle bones and provide stability become injured. This can happen when the ligaments are overly stretched, partially torn, or completely torn. Ankle sprains can cause inflammation, bruising, swelling, and pain of varying degrees. Fractures are actual breaks in one or more of the ankle bones and are usually due to acute trauma. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone that develop over time. Both types of fractures cause pain and swelling, although stress fractures may produce more gradual pain and less swelling than a regular break in the bone. A podiatrist can assess and diagnose any pain in the ankle and treat it accordingly.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
- Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
- Ankle sprains
- Broken ankles
- Achilles tendinitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Stress fractures
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Are You Experiencing Bunion Pain?
A bunion is a bony bump that can form at the base of the big toe joint. Many people believe that bunions are a strictly cosmetic issue, only affecting the way that the foot looks, but bunions can also be painful and lead to other foot problems that may interfere with your day-to-day life. A bunion can push your big toe towards the smaller ones, changing the shape of the foot and making the big toe joint sore, stiff, swollen, or inflamed. Blisters, corns, and calluses may form in between or on top of the toes as your shoe rubs against the bunion. All of these symptoms can lead to difficulty walking and going about your daily activities. Furthermore, bunions can increase your risk of other potentially painful foot problems, including hammertoes, bursitis, and metatarsalgia. Bunions tend to worsen over time, so if you notice a bunion forming on your foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment as soon as possible.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
- Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
- Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development
Symptoms
- Redness and inflammation
- Pain and tenderness
- Callus or corns on the bump
- Restricted motion in the big toe
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
What Is This Pain in the Ball of My Foot?
The metatarsal bones connect the toes with the mid-and-hind-foot bones. Because they are weight-bearing bones, they can become overly pressured, which can cause pain or burning in the ball of the foot, or a tingling/numb feeling in the toes. When this occurs, it is known as metatarsalgia. It is believed that women may be more at risk for developing metatarsalgia, along with those who wear high heels extensively or have a job that requires prolonged standing. Metatarsalgia may also be preceded by bunions or other foot conditions like hammertoes or Morton’s neuroma. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam. If you are diagnosed with metatarsalgia, custom metatarsal orthotics, shoe modifications, and other treatments may be used to help ease the pain you are experiencing.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
What Is Metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia is a common foot condition characterized by pain in the front of the foot. When the metatarsal bones are exposed to high levels of stress, they can become inflamed. This leads to symptoms such as sudden or gradually worsening pain in the front of the foot, and burning, aching, shooting, tingling, or a numb sensation in the foot. Metatarsalgia is often associated with other foot conditions, including Morton’s neuroma, metatarsophalangeal synovitis, avascular necrosis, sesamoiditis, and inflammatory arthritis. While anyone can develop this condition, athletes who enjoy running or other high impact sports may be more susceptible. If you have pain in the front of one or both of your feet, please seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat this ailment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
How Poor Circulation Affects The Feet
Poor circulation is a common condition that typically develops from other health issues such as diabetes, obesity, peripheral artery disease, blood clots, or heart conditions. Poor circulation limits the blood flow, and thereby the amount of nutrients, blood, and oxygen throughout the body, but most commonly to the lower extremities. If you have poor circulation you may experience numbness, tingling, pain, or muscle cramps in the legs and feet. A podiatrist can help you manage circulation issues that affect the feet, which is especially important for those afflicted with diabetes.
While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
- Pain
- Muscle Cramps
Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
More...
Common Running Injuries to the Feet
Running is a sport that can be great exercise and improve your overall physical fitness, but unfortunately, runners can be prone to foot and ankle injuries. Between 9% and 32% of running injuries affect the lower legs, 4-16% of running injuries affect the ankles, and 5-39% of running injuries affect the feet. Some of the most common lower limb injuries among people who run are Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and ankle sprains. Furthermore, runners may be prone to ingrown toenails, anterior compartment syndrome, and calf strain. If you are a runner, consult with a podiatrist who can advise you on how to prevent running injuries.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM of Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
When Cracked Heels Become Painful
Heel fissures (cracked heels) that deepen may not only be unattractive, but painful. Left untreated, they may form hardened calluses, bleed, or even become infected. Cracked heels are usually the result of dry skin. Sometimes, this is exacerbated by obesity—which can cause dry skin to stiffen and crack when it is overly stretched. Standing on hard flooring for prolonged periods, as well as wearing poorly fitting or open-back shoes, or having certain foot disorders, psoriasis, eczema, and other medical conditions may also contribute to the development of cracked heels. You can help prevent heel fissures from occurring by keeping your feet hydrated with emollient or humectant moisturizers, limiting your time in the shower or bath, and opting for warm, rather than hot, water. Severely cracked or bleeding heels should be cared for by a podiatrist who can help prevent them from becoming infected.
If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.
Ways to Help Heal Them
- Invest in a good foot cream
- Try Using Petroleum Jelly
- Ease up on Soaps
- Drink Plenty of Water
Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels
- Moisturize After Showering
- Skip a Shower
- Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
- Don’t Scrub Your Feet
If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
Causes of Cuboid Syndrome
There are several bones each foot is composed of. The shape of the cuboid bone is square and it is one of seven tarsal bones in the foot. It is found on the outside of each foot, and it links the metatarsals to the heel bone. When the ligaments that surrounds this bone are injured, it may lead to cuboid syndrome. This is a condition that can cause pain and discomfort, and it is often difficult to walk. It can be common among patients who participate in running and jumping sporting activities. Additionally, ballet dancers may be prone to this ailment, and this can be a result of the continual pressure the cuboid bone endures. Relief may be found when the affected foot is taped, and this can help to provide the stability that is needed to help accelerate the healing process. If you have pain on the outside of your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause of pain is, and recommend the right treatment options for you.
Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Harvey Jacobs, DPM from Quality Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.
Causes
The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:
- Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
- Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
- Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.
Symptoms
A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Somerset, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
