Bunions are bony bumps that can develop on the outside of a toe. Commonly, bunions form at the side of the big toe; however, when they develop on the pinky toe, they are called bunionettes. Also referred to as a tailor’s bunion, a bunionette often develops when the structure of the bones in the foot changes and the pinky toe begins to point inward. Individuals who have a bunionette can experience any number of symptoms. For example, bunionettes can cause redness, pain, and inflammation at the affected area. When diagnosing your bunionette a podiatrist may want to do an X-ray, because this procedure can reveal important information about the underlying bone structure in your feet. A bunionette may be treated in many ways, such as modifying one’s footwear or utilizing orthotics. Contact a podiatrist today for more information about bunionettes.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when a thick band of tissue, plantar fascia, that runs from the toes to the heel under the foot becomes inflamed. It causes a stabbing pain when you get up in the morning, but usually diminishes throughout the day. A number of exercises can help to stretch and strengthen the plantar fascia, thereby reducing pain. To stretch the area, first, while sitting in a chair, lift the big toe upward and gently massage the bottom of the foot. Repeat three or four times. Second, roll a tennis ball under your foot, back and forth. Third, standing up and holding onto a chair or wall for balance, push the toe of one foot against the heel of the other, stretching it. Hold for 30 seconds and then switch feet. Repeat. To strengthen the plantar fascia, sit in a chair and place a towel on the floor. Grab the towel with the toes and hold for 30 seconds. Change feet. This can also be done with a pencil. For more information on how to alleviate the pain of plantar fasciitis, please consult with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

The simple mishap of slipping on the floor or tripping on a rug can cause many injuries, including unwanted foot conditions. A fall may result in a broken foot or sprained ankle, and this may complicate daily living. Falling is a common occurrence among elderly people, and it may instill a fear of completing everyday activities. This fear of falling may lead to refraining from participating in an exercise program, which may cause the muscles to lose strength. There are several things that can cause falling to occur, in addition to simple methods that can be implemented which can help to prevent them. These can include scheduling regular physical and eye examinations that can update existing medications and eyeglasses, and removing frayed rugs from the living environments. Additionally, many seniors choose to have grab bars installed in the shower and toilet areas, and it can help to use a bathmat. If you would like more information about the importance of using effective fall prevention techniques, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Athlete’s foot is a fairly common affliction of the foot that primarily affects the skin. Caused by a fungal infection, athlete’s foot is developed when an individual’s skin comes into direct contact with an infected person. This condition can also occur when walking barefoot in warm, moist, public environments such as locker rooms and pool sides. Athlete’s foot might look significantly different depending on where the infection is located and which fungus has caused the infection. For example, when located on the top of the foot, athlete’s foot may appear to be red and patchy. In some individuals, the top of the skin might even look scaly. When located between the toes, athlete’s foot can make the skin look soggy or even split. It is important to note that when this condition affects the skin between the toes, it is quite common for the skin to be significantly itchy. Lastly, athlete’s foot can manifest itself on the bottom, or soles, of the feet. When it appears on the soles of the feet, the condition may appear to be a shade of pink or red. It will also tend to have a scaly texture. If you suspect that you have a case of athlete’s foot, contact a podiatrist to help you address your problem.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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