1648 US Highway 130
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Onychomycosis, otherwise known as toenail fungus, is an infection of the toenails. This type of fungus is found in moist environments, consisting of public swimming pools, shower room floors, and locker rooms. The fungus enters the body through small cracks in the skin on the feet, and it is wise to wear appropriate shoes while in these types of areas. It is a common ailment, and generally causes no pain, although it can appear to be unsightly. The symptoms that are often associated with this condition often include yellowed nails that have become thick and brittle, and may begin to crumble. It may be more prevalent among the older population, and can be difficult to treat. Research has shown that there may be a correlation between toenail fungus and reduced blood flow, and it may help to increase circulation as part of the antidote for toenail fungus. This can be improved by consuming a healthy diet that is made up of low-fat and plant based foods, which may help overall health. Toenail fungus can be a stubborn condition, and can gradually worsen if left untreated. It is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist if you are afflicted with this ailment who can guide you toward the correct treatment options.
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 Dr. Robert Fink of Brunswick Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Symptoms
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 North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and they typically develop on the bottoms of the feet, usually on the balls or heels. These warts can, unfortunately, be particularly painful for some individuals when they walk or put weight on their feet. Since plantar warts are located on the bottoms of the feet, they may essentially grow inward in response to the pressure that is put on the soles of the feet. Plantar warts have a pernicious ability to spread to other parts of the feet and body sometimes very easily. For example, you might unknowingly be spreading your plantar warts if you touch the wart and then immediately touch another part of your body. Additionally, you may be spreading your plantar warts to other people if you share personal self-care tools such as razors or towels. It is not beneficial to your health if your plantar warts begin to spread. If this happens, a medical professional might advise you to use over-the-counter medications to address the problem. If you have plantar warts, you ought to contact a podiatrist especially if you notice that they are beginning to spread. A podiatrist is a foot specialist who can help you take specific steps to identify and address the problem.
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
Treatment
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.
The plantar fascia tissue attaches to the heel bone and stretches out to connect with the toes. When this band of tissue gets excessively and repeatedly stretched, it can stress the heel bone and tear its lining. This type of wear and tear on the heel bone can prompt a response in the body where calcium deposits build up over time creating spurs on the bone that can grow up to half an inch. Heel spurs may or may not be painful. They may go undiagnosed or overlooked because they can occur in tandem with the inflammatory condition known as plantar fasciitis. If your heel spurs are symptomatic, they may create sharp pain, heat, tenderness, and inflammation in the heel. People who are obese or who have osteoarthritis are more prone to developing heel spurs. Older adults and those who wear improper footwear are also more at risk. If you are experiencing heel pain or believe you may have heel spurs, make an appointment with a podiatrist who may need an X-ray to diagnose your heel spurs. Once diagnosed, your heel spur may be treated with rest, cold compresses, anti-inflammatory injections, pain medication, physical therapy, stretching, and more.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Robert Fink from Brunswick Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
A hammertoe is when a toe is stuck in an upward bent position at the middle of a joint. The top of the toe is bent forward and looks like a hammer, hence its name. It is one of the most common deformities of the forefoot and can affect balance as well as cause pain and trouble with walking and other activities. Hammertoes can happen when the small muscles on the bottom of the feet (intrinsic muscles) are weaker than the larger muscles on the top of the foot (extrinsic muscles). Hammertoe can often be a result of other issues, such as having flat feet with longer metatarsals or middle foot bones, having a bunion, having a medical condition such as diabetes or inflammatory arthropathies that affect muscles, tendons, and nerves in the feet, and wearing shoes that are too narrow or tight, forcing the toes down into the tip of the shoe. Beyond pain, if you have a hammertoe, you may experience swelling or redness of the toe, callus formation on the parts of the toe that rub against the shoe, and changes in walking patterns. Treatment includes wearing properly fitted shoes with wide toe boxes, doing toe stretching and other exercises to build up the strength of the intrinsic muscles of the foot, wearing cushions, pads, or insoles, taping, and possibly surgery. Early intervention is more likely to work since the toe joint will be more apt to be flexible. If you feel you have a hammertoe, and particularly if it is causing you discomfort, talk with a podiatrist about treatment that might work best for you.
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Robert Fink of Brunswick Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Treatment
If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.
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.
By the time you reach the age of 50, experts say that you will have walked around 75,000 miles. As a result, the general wear and tear on the feet becomes more apparent. Fat pads, skin, and bones get thinner. Feet that have been pushed into tight shoes for years become deformed. Tendons and ligaments lose strength and fail to rebound as quickly. Arches are apt to fall, causing flat feet that can result in longer feet and toes. But many older people continue to wear or buy the same shoe size. Osteoarthritis often sets in, causing inflammation in any number of the foot’s 33 joints. Older people with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, may develop neuropathy and peripheral artery disease, both of which can cause other serious foot problems. All that said, there are ways to lessen the effects of aging on your feet. Consider custom orthotics to counteract the natural decline in foot efficiency. Be on the lookout for sores that do not heal properly. Stretch or do mild exercises to promote circulatory health. Wear shoes that fit properly and offer ample support and cushioning. Pay attention to unusual or new foot pain. Finally, it is wise to consult a podiatrist for regular exams.
If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Robert Fink of Brunswick Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.
It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.
Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities.
Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.
Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
