Items filtered by date: August 2024

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a condition where a fungal infection leads to discoloration, thickening, and crumbling of the nail. The primary causes are fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as public showers, swimming pools, and sweaty shoes. People with a weakened immune system or those who have diabetes are at higher risk. Symptoms can include toenails becoming yellow or white, thickening, and sometimes separating from the nail bed. To prevent toenail fungus, maintain good foot hygiene, keep nails clean and dry, and avoid walking barefoot in communal areas. Treatment options vary, depending on the severity of the infection. Antifungal creams and nail lacquers may be effective for mild cases. Laser treatments and nail removal are options for severe cases. For persistent toenail infections, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate 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 Glenn Aufseeser, DPM of Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toe pain is discomfort or soreness in one or more toes, commonly resulting from various conditions. Frequent causes can include injuries such as sprains or fractures, arthritis, bunions, hammertoes, and ingrown toenails. Toe pain can also arise from wearing tight or improperly fitting shoes, which can lead to blisters, calluses, and corns. For mild cases, resting the foot, wearing comfortable shoes, and taking pain medication may help to alleviate symptoms. For more severe pain, orthotic devices, prescribed medications, and in some cases, surgery might be needed. If you have persistent or severe toe pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist, who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM of Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 offices located in Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

In ballet, the coordination of foot bones is essential for achieving fluid and graceful movements. During a tendu, the foot extends and stretches, with the bones and tendons working together to create a smooth, elongated line. A plié involves bending the knees while keeping the feet firmly grounded, requiring precise articulation of the ankle and foot bones to maintain balance and control. Port-de-bras, the movement of the arms in coordination with the feet, enhances overall fluidity and expression. Effective foot and ankle articulation involves strengthening the muscles and tendons surrounding these areas to ensure flexibility and stability. Proper technique and consistent practice help ballet dancers achieve aesthetic, elegant movements and avoid injury through careful, controlled use of the foot bones and surrounding structures. If you are a ballet dancer, and have injured your foot or ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide treatment and guide you on how to perform specific stretches for optimal results.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM from Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 offices located in Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle swelling, also known as edema, is a familiar condition caused by various factors. The most frequent sources include injuries, such as sprains or fractures, which lead to inflammation and fluid accumulation. Prolonged standing or sitting, especially in hot weather, can also cause swelling due to fluid pooling in the lower extremities. Medical conditions like heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease can contribute to fluid retention and subsequent swelling. Additionally, chronic venous insufficiency and certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure, can result in ankle swelling. To address ankle swelling, elevate the legs to reduce fluid buildup and improve circulation. Compression socks can help prevent fluid accumulation, while regular movement and exercise promote blood flow. Maintaining a low-sodium diet can also help to manage fluid retention. If you have swelling in your ankles that persists, or that is accompanied by pain, redness, or warmth, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM of Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.