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Managing Swollen Feet

Swollen feet are a common concern that can affect people of all ages, and may develop gradually or appear suddenly. The feet may look puffy, shiny, or discolored, and the skin may feel tight, warm, or tender when touched. Symptoms can include aching, reduced mobility, and difficulty fitting into regular footwear. Causes often include prolonged standing, wearing ill-fitting shoes, poor circulation, inflammation, fluid retention, or underlying medical conditions. A podiatrist can begin by evaluating the swelling, assessing circulation, reviewing medical history, and identifying any biomechanical factors that may be contributing to the problem. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment options may involve compression guidance, orthotics to improve support, and strategies to reduce daily strain. In some cases, imaging or referral for further medical evaluation may be necessary. Because timely care can reduce discomfort and prevent complications, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective relief tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. John Branwell of Kearny, New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

  • Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
  • Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
  • Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
  • Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
  • Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

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Causes of Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a disorder that affects the nail plate and can slowly spread if untreated. It often begins as white, yellow, or black spots on the toenail that gradually thicken, discolor, and distort the nail. This condition thrives in warm and moist environments, making prevention an important part of foot care. Helpful habits include trimming toenails straight across, discarding old shoes that may contain fungal spores, and wearing protective footwear in pool areas and shared locker rooms. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, provide targeted treatment, and guide long-term prevention to restore healthier nails. If you notice any of these symptoms on your toenails, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

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. John Branwell of Kearny, New Jersey. 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 contact our office located in Kearny, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Strategies for Foot Care in Seniors

Aging can affect the way the feet feel and move, and seniors often notice changes in balance, comfort, and stability as soft tissues lose elasticity and arches weaken. Joint stiffness, bunions, stress fractures, and changes in bone strength can make walking uncomfortable. This is especially true when shoes that lack adequate support or worn-down flip-flops place extra pressure on the toes and heels. Seniors are also more prone to conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis as the arches flatten and the ligaments stretch. Regular foot checks help identify swelling, changes in toe alignment, and areas of irritation before they worsen. A podiatrist can assess gait, evaluate the health of the toes, ankles, and arches, and recommend treatment to protect long-term mobility and keep the feet functioning well. If you are an older adult experiencing foot problems, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. John Branwell from Kearny, New Jersey. 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 Kearny, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Simple Footcare Habits That Make a Big Difference

Regular foot care helps keep you moving comfortably and prevents small issues from becoming painful problems. Clean your feet daily with warm water, then dry them well, especially between the toes, where moisture can linger. A gentle moisturizer keeps the skin soft, but avoid applying it between the toes to prevent irritation. Keeping toenails trimmed straight across helps reduce the chance of ingrown nails. Choosing shoes that fit well and offer good support protects your arches and reduces pressure points during daily activities. Inspecting your feet regularly allows you to notice changes early. Look for redness, swelling, thickened nails, or areas that feel tender. These small checks are especially important if you have diabetes or circulation concerns. When something feels off, early guidance can prevent long-term complications. If you notice persistent foot pain, skin changes, or have difficulty walking, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. John Branwell from Kearny, New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

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