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Bunionettes: The Pinky Toe Bunions

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

You may have heard of bunions, which sometimes pop up at the base of the big toe joint, but what is a bunionette? Bunionettes, also known as tailor’s bunions, are small, bony bumps that occur at the base of the pinky toe joints. Much like regular bunions, bunionettes can be painful, swollen, and red. Finding comfortable shoes that don’t rub up against the affected area may be difficult. Without treatment, bunionettes usually worsen over time. Fortunately, conservative treatments such as wearing wider shoes, a toe spacer, padding, and activity modifications, are often effective in managing the condition. Surgery to correct a bunionette may be beneficial for a smaller percentage of people. To learn more about bunionettes and what treatment methods are best for you, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Janet Leicht of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

Redness and inflammation
Pain and tenderness
Callus or corns on the bump
Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Monday, 26 July 2021

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

How to Trim Toenails

Tuesday, 20 July 2021

Ingrown toenails are a common and sometimes painful condition in which the edges of a nail grow into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This leads to tenderness, swelling, redness, and pain. In some cases, the area can even become infected. One of the main causes of ingrown toenails is trimming the toenails incorrectly. When you trim your toenails, you should use a nail clipper rather than scissors. Trim the nails straight across and not too short. Though it may be tempting for aesthetic reasons, do not round the edges of your toenails with clippers, scissors, or a nail file. Rounded edges make ingrown nails more likely. To complement your properly trimmed toenails, wear comfortable shoes with a wide toe box. Tight, narrow, or pointy-toed shoes can squish the toes together and push the nails into the surrounding skin. To learn more about how to prevent ingrown toenails, please speak with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Janet Leicht of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

Improper toenail trimming
Genetics
Improper shoe fitting
Injury from pedicures or nail picking
Abnormal gait
Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Defining Heel Spurs

Tuesday, 13 July 2021

The medical condition known as a heel spur can cause severe pain and discomfort upon rising in the morning, followed by a dull ache in the heel for the duration of the day. But not everyone experiences these symptoms, sometimes people have no symptoms and only detect a heel spur as the result of an X-ray. So now you're wondering, what exactly is a heel spur? A heel spur is defined as a bony protrusion or growth that is made up of calcium and develops on the underside of a person's foot. Despite its definition, a heel spur is usually smooth but can appear pointy or hooked. They typically develop as a result of repetitive trauma to the heel bone and existing inflammation can be connected to the pain. Mild relief may be found when resting the affected foot and it is said that performing gentle stretches can help in the recovery process as well. Some patients also find it beneficial to wear custom made orthotics as they can be helpful in providing additional support. If you are experiencing pain of any kind in your heel, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. In some cases severe heel spurs may need surgery for permanent removal, so it's best to be under the care of a foot specialist who can diagnose and treat your condition properly.

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. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. 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, please feel free to contact our office located in Berkeley Heights, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

How Podiatrists Can Help with Ankle Sprains

Tuesday, 06 July 2021

One of the most common injuries that occurs while playing sports is an ankle sprain. An ankle sprain occurs when a sudden twist or force over stretches or tears the ligaments that connect to the bones in the joints. Common indications of an ankle sprain include swelling around the ankle, bruising, pain, and difficulty bending the ankle. Patients who are unable to walk on their ankle, have significant swelling, or have symptoms that last for multiple days should consult with a podiatrist for treatment. Because it can be hard to differentiate between an ankle sprain and an ankle fracture, patients who are experiencing significant pain in the ankle should consult with a podiatrist. A podiatrist will be able to evaluate the injury through tools like imaging to accurately diagnose and treat the injury.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. Janet Leicht from 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 are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

Pain at the sight of the tear
Bruising/Swelling
Ankle area is tender to touch
In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

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