Items filtered by date: November 2022

A corn that develops on the foot can produce severe pain and discomfort. It happens as a result of excessive pressure that is put on a specific part of the foot from the worn shoes. The places where corns can develop are on the side of the pinky toe, the soles of the feet, or on top of the toes. Many people choose to wear shoes that are too tight because of workplace policies or for appearance reasons, and this may be why corns can develop. Patients who have corns that are not treated or removed may notice their gait or walking style is compromised, which is a defense mechanism against the pain. Mild relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water, and a pumice stone is used which may reduce the size of the corn. This is generally a temporary fix and the corn may reappear if not treated permanently. If you are afflicted with a corn, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can offer you several treatment options.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Jordan S. Steinberg, DPM of Florham Park Podiatry . Our doctor 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 office located in Florham Park, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The foot condition known as gout can be potentially disabling, and completing daily activities is often difficult to do. It is considered to be a form of arthritis, and may target overweight men who are over 40 years old. Additionally, genetic factors and existing medical conditions, such as kidney disease, may contribute to developing gout. It can attack any of the toes, and generally begins in the big toe. It is an ailment that is caused by excess uric acid in the blood, which deposits in the joints of the toes in the form of crystals. Many people have said the pain can become so debilitating that it can be difficult to walk up the steps, and a lightweight sheet that is on top of the affected toe may cause excruciating pain. Gout attacks may be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle. This can include reducing the intake of red meat, alcohol beverages, sugary drinks, and shellfish. Additionally, it is beneficial to incorporate a gentle exercise program into your daily routine, and this may help to shed additional weight. If you have had gout one time or frequently, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, and offer you helpful prevention tips.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jordan S. Steinberg, DPM from Florham Park Podiatry . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Standing for the majority of the day can wreak havoc on the entire body, specifically the feet.  The restaurant business, hospital employees, and retail positions are careers that often fall into this category. There are methods that can protect the feet during the work day. These can include resting the feet as often as possible, and stretching them while standing can help to keep the muscles and joints flexible. Many people choose to stand on a stress mat, which is constructed of rubber materials that can help to cushion the feet while standing. Additionally, it is beneficial to wear shoes that are comfortable and fit correctly, and this may reduce the risk of developing specific foot conditions. These can include corns, bunions, and heel problems that can range from heel spurs to plantar fasciitis. Soaking the feet in warm water after the work day will help to relax the muscles, and provide an overall good feeling to the body. If you would like to know more about how to protect your feet while working, please speak with a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful tips.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Jordan S. Steinberg, DPM from Florham Park Podiatry . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

As a car gets older, its parts start to wear out. This is also true with the feet. Foot problems begin to mount as one ages. This can be attributed to wear and tear, along with a number of other factors. The skin on the feet, along with other parts of the body, begins to lose its elasticity, creating an environment for infections or injuries. The fatty heel pad thins out, causing a loss of cushioning that may increase the likelihood of heel pain. Tendons and ligaments can become looser, leaving one open to strains and sprains. Further, the size of the foot may change as the feet naturally widen with age. It’s suggested that older adults check their shoe size before purchasing new footwear. Shoes that are too tight can invite foot and toe maladies. Finally, certain medical and health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and arthritis can affect the circulation of blood to the lower legs, feet, and toes. This can develop into neuropathy, which if not monitored, can lead to serious infections. As an older adult, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist to check out the health of your feet.  

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Jordan S. Steinberg, DPM from Florham Park Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

The foot condition known as hammertoe is considered to be a deformity. It can gradually affect the entire foot and generally begins by causing the second and third toes to bend downward. The joints in the middle toe bend upward, resembling a hammer. If left untreated, it can be painful to walk, and blisters, calluses, or corns may form on top of the toes. Hammertoe is caused by genetic factors and from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely. High heels may also fall into this category of squishing the toes, so it is best to avoid high heels when you are afflicted with hammertoe. Patients can find mild relief when protective pads are worn on top of the toes and when larger shoes are worn. Certain exercises and stretches may bring strength back to the toes, and wearing orthotics may help to maintain balance. If the condition is severe, it can be unsightly and uncomfortable, and surgery may be necessary. Surgery is an effective treatment method that can permanently straighten the toes. Please consult a podiatrist who can help you determine what treatment is best for your hammertoe.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Jordan S. Steinberg, DPM from Florham Park Podiatry . Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Florham Park, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.