Items filtered by date: August 2022

Tuesday, 30 August 2022 00:00

Dealing With Ingrown Toenails

When a toenail, most commonly on the big toe, becomes embedded in the skin surrounding it, it is known as an ingrown toenail. This results in pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection if not properly cared for. In some cases, an ingrown toenail can break the skin, leaving it vulnerable to infection. In the worst cases, an ingrown toenail can develop into lesions filled with fluid that can emit a foul odor. Causes of ingrown toenails include rounding the corners of the nail, pressure from tight footwear, and repetitive trauma sustained in certain sports. There are many more contributing factors to the formation of ingrown toenails. Among them are certain diseases, like diabetes, as well as obesity, poor foot hygiene, and genetics. At-home measures to correct this condition include soaking the feet in Epsom salt, trimming the toenails straight across, and wearing shoes that provide ample room for the toes to move. If ingrown toenails become a common occurrence, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for further treatment options. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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 and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 23 August 2022 00:00

Several Reasons That Foot Pain May Develop

The foot is a complex structure. There are several areas where foot pain can develop, including the toes, heels, soles, and arches. Pain can negatively affect the overall body and can cause difficulty in completing daily activities. A common cause of foot pain can be from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, frequently wearing high heels, or increasing speed and intensity too quickly while running. There may be existing medical conditions that can lead to foot pain. These include arthritis, foot ulcers, or clogged arteries in the legs and feet. Many pregnant women may have foot pain from the added weight of the fetus and thickened blood during pregnancy. Having an ingrown toenail is a common source of foot pain, in addition to having a bunion, hammertoe, or athlete’s foot. Mild relief may come from elevating the feet as often as possible, and using foot pads on the affected area may temporarily feel good. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat your condition. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. John Branwell from Kearny, New Jersey. 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 Kearny, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Saturday, 20 August 2022 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Tuesday, 16 August 2022 00:00

What Does an Ankle Sprain Feel Like?

Spraining your ankle is certainly not a pleasant experience. Not only can ankle sprains be painful, they can also take weeks to months to fully heal, depending on the severity of the sprain. Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments surrounding the ankle bones and joints become torn, stressed, or otherwise strained. If you suspect that you might have sprained your ankle, here are several symptoms that some patients might experience with an ankle sprain. First, an individual might be unable to put their weight on the affected ankle, and be incapable of walking or running. If you have an ankle sprain, you might also notice some degree of skin discoloration on the affected area or perhaps some bruising. You might even experience different sensations in the ankle, such as a feeling of swelling, tenderness, or stiffness. Ankle sprains happen to many different people, so if you think that you might be one of them, contact a podiatrist. Your podiatrist will be able to help you remedy the problem. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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 and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 09 August 2022 00:00

Fascinating Feet

The foot is a fascinating and complicated structure. The entire body is supported by the feet, which consist of 26 bones and numerous tendons, ligaments, and muscles. There are three parts to the foot: the rear, mid, and forefoot. The arch of the foot is instrumental in absorbing the impact that comes from walking and running and acts as a lever that can move the foot. While standing normally, the body is balanced over the center of the foot and this places the greatest amount of stress on the arch. This pressure moves to the heel, which can hold approximately 50% of body weight. Many things naturally happen when walking occurs. The arch and surrounding tissues must absorb the impact as the heel strikes the ground and eventually pushes off as the step is completed. This is typically a smooth and coordinated movement, and any glitches during this process may result in foot pain. Additional stress is put on the ankles and arches with heavy patients, as the entire body works harder while walking. If you would like to know more information about foot structure, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 02 August 2022 00:00

Gout or a Bunion May Cause Toe Pain

The big toe plays a significant role in helping to stay balanced as daily activities are completed. There are several reasons why pain in the big toe can occur, including gout, a bunion, bone tumor, or if a toe injury has occurred. It is important to obtain a proper diagnosis that can determine the cause of the pain which will precede beginning the correct treatment. The diagnosis process may consist of having an X-ray taken, or having a CAT scan or MRI performed. When pain is present in the big toe, larger shoes are often needed to make the foot feel more comfortable. For pain that is moderate or severe, the patient may benefit by performing specific stretches that may help to ease the pain. Additionally, it may help to implement a healthy eating regime, drink plenty of water daily, and participate in physical therapy if needed. If you have toe pain, it is advised that you have a consultation with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer the best treatment plan for you. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Kearny, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Toe Pain

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