Items filtered by date: May 2024

Pediatric foot alignment deformities encompass a range of conditions affecting the structure and function of children's feet. These deformities can manifest in various forms, including flat feet, toe walking, in-toeing, and out-toeing. While some children may outgrow these issues naturally as they develop, others may require intervention to prevent potential complications. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical examination by a podiatrist, assessing gait patterns, foot alignment, and range of motion. In some cases, imaging studies such as X-rays may be utilized to further evaluate the condition. Treatment approaches vary depending on the specific deformity and its severity, ranging from observation and monitoring to orthotic devices, or surgical intervention in more severe cases. Early detection and intervention are essential in addressing pediatric foot alignment deformities, ensuring proper development and function of the feet as children grow and mature. If your child has been born with any type of foot deformity, it is suggested that you have a podiatrist on your healthcare team who can monitor and treat the specific condition.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of New Jersey. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, is a debilitating condition affecting the feet and other body parts. It often emerges following an injury, surgery, or trauma, although its precise origins remain uncertain. CRPS encompasses a range of symptoms, notably persistent and severe pain disproportionate to the initial injury. Sensory disturbances like burning sensations, tingling, or hypersensitivity are common, in addition to vasomotor symptoms such as changes in skin temperature and color, swelling, and alterations in sweating patterns. Additionally, CRPS can lead to motor and trophic symptoms, including muscle weakness, coordination difficulties, and changes in hair and nail growth. Treatment for CRPS typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating medication and nerve blocks. Podiatrists help in managing foot-related CRPS symptoms, offering specialized care like custom orthotics and tailored pain management techniques to improve mobility and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals grappling with this challenging condition. If you have symptoms of CRPS, it is suggested that you seek help from this type of medical professional.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of New Jersey. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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

Diabetic foot ulcers, a common complication of diabetes, are open wounds that develop on the feet or lower legs, often due to poor circulation, nerve damage, or trauma. These ulcers can be slow to heal and prone to infection, posing serious risks if left untreated. Proper care is essential for managing diabetic foot ulcers and preventing complications. Begin by keeping the ulcer clean and dry, washing it gently with mild soap and water, and patting it dry with a clean towel. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the ulcer with a sterile dressing to protect it from further injury and reduce the risk of infection. Avoid putting weight on the affected foot and wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes to minimize pressure on the ulcer. Regularly monitor the ulcer for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. If you are a diabetic and foot ulcers are a problem, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat these foot wounds and help you manage your diabetes.

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 one of our podiatrists from New Jersey. our doctors 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 Neptune City, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Blisters on the feet are often caused by friction from wearing ill-fitting shoes or engaging in prolonged physical activity. Corns can also result from burns, allergic reactions, or fungal infections. These fluid-filled pockets form as a protective response to pressure or irritation on the skin. While blisters are usually harmless, they can become painful if they rupture or get infected. Preventing blisters involves wearing properly fitting shoes, using moisture-wicking socks, and avoiding repetitive friction on the skin. Applying cushioning pads or bandages to high-friction areas can also help reduce the risk of blister formation. Podiatrists can provide treatment to relieve pain, prevent infection, and address underlying factors that contribute to blister formation, ensuring optimal foot health and comfort. If you have a foot blister that persists or has become painful or infected, it is suggested that you seek professional care from a podiatrist.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of New Jersey. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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