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1648 US Highway 130
North Brunswick, NJ 08902

March 2020

A wart that develops on the sole of the foot is commonly referred to as a plantar wart. Standing and walking may cause the wart to grow inward, which can produce severe pain and discomfort. It may happen from being exposed to the type of fungus that is known as human papillomavirus, which is also known as HPV. Mild relief may be found when a protective pad is worn over the wart, as this may help to provide adequate cushioning as daily activities are completed. For stubborn plantar warts that do not heal, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can perform the necessary medical procedures, which may include the use of prescription medicines.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Robert Fink from Brunswick Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctor 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 office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Thursday, 26 March 2020 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, otherwise known as flat feet, is a foot condition that can be recognized when the feet have little to no arch and has developed during adulthood. This condition can be painful, and may occur when the posterior tibial tendon is inflamed, overstretched, damaged, or torn. When the arches of the foot fall, or are flattened, you lose the support you would normally get when walking. Those who are frequently involved in high-impact sports like basketball or tennis may have a greater risk of obtaining this condition. To help treat this ailment, it is suggested that you rest your feet, and refrain from activities that put weight on your feet. Some patients have also found physical therapy, as well as the use of orthotics to be helpful, as they provide extra support to make up for the fallen arches. For more severe cases, it may be beneficial to have surgery performed. For more information on flat feet and how to best treat them, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Robert Fink from Brunswick Foot & Ankle Group. 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 North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Many women enjoy wearing high heels, as wearing this type of shoe can often make the feet and legs look slender. If you choose to wear high heels, it is important to look for heels that are slightly wider, as this may be helpful in preventing unwanted foot conditions from developing. Patients may find it beneficial to wear cushions over their toes which can help to prevent corns from forming. Additionally, existing friction may be reduced when a lubricant or powder is applied to your foot or put inside the shoe. If you would like additional information about how to choose high heels that are right for you, it’s suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Robert Fink from Brunswick Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

  • Ankle Joints
  • Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
  • Balls of the Feet
  • Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
  • Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

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If a wound has developed on your foot, it’s extremely important that you identify which kind of wound it is and take the necessary steps to ensure it heals safely and properly. Oftentimes, wounds go unnoticed on the feet, which is why you should check them daily for any abnormalities. Some common types of wounds that can form include scrapes, abrasions, cuts, or puncture wounds. To care for your wounds, you should begin by washing the affected area with soap and water, followed by thoroughly drying the feet. An antibiotic ointment should then be applied, followed by fully covering the wound. If you find the damaged area has not stopped bleeding after a few hours, professional help should be sought, as stitches may be required. If you also experience redness, swelling, pain, drainage from the wound, or develop a fever, you should seek professional care, as this may be signs that the wound has become infected. In order to safely treat any wounds of the feet, consult with a podiatrist for professional care and an advised plan of action.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Robert Fink from Brunswick Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

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Monday, 02 March 2020 00:00

What Causes Corns?

Patients who have experienced corns on their toes are often aware of the pain and discomfort they may cause. A corn is defined as a portion of skin that has thickened as a result of excess friction. This can happen when shoes that are worn do not fit correctly. Common places for a corn to develop can be on the inside or top of the toes, in addition to the bottom of the feet. Some patients find moderate relief when the foot is soaked in warm water, followed by using a pumice stone to gently remove the corn. For severe or stubborn corns, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment options.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Robert Fink of Brunswick Foot & Ankle Group. 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 North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Corns: What Are They, and How Do You Get Rid of Them
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