Items filtered by date: August 2019

Tuesday, 27 August 2019 00:00

Types of Orthotics

Orthotics are prescribed shoe inserts that can correct biomechanical foot issues. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot to see if a customized orthotic device is necessary, or if a standard shoe insert will suffice. Should you need orthotics, there are two different kinds. One type is rigid orthotics, otherwise known as functional orthotics. They are typically made from a material such as plastic, and are used in shoes with low heels in order to ease foot strain. The other type is soft orthotics, also known as accommodative orthotics. These provide a soft cushioning to help with issues such as plantar fasciitis or diabetic foot ulcers. These orthotics are bulky, so a special type of shoe may be required. Orthotics are typically more expensive than shoe inserts, but may last longer as they are made specifically for you. If you believe you may benefit from orthotics, or would like more information, you should consult with a podiatrist.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard from Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Marlboro and Watchung, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ankle Foot Orthotics for Athletes
Monday, 19 August 2019 00:00

Broken Toe Facts

Broken toes are often caused by trauma or injury. Repetitive movements can cause a break to turn into a stress or hairline fracture. Symptoms of a broken toe include pain, swelling, stiffness, bruising, and difficulty walking. The most common causes of a broken toe are stubbing the toe and dropping a heavy object on it. When compared to other parts of the foot, the toes are the most likely to get injured due to their location at the front of the feet. It is important to seek an opinion after the injury has occurred in order to ensure proper treatment and healing can take place. In order to diagnose whether it is a break or not, a doctor will ask questions of how the injury occurred and they will also administer an X-ray to confirm it. If you feel that you have sustained a broken toe, it is advised to consult with a podiatrist.


 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard from Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Marlboro and Watchung, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe
Tuesday, 13 August 2019 00:00

Treatment Stages for Bunions

If there is a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe, it is often referred to as a bunion. Pain and discomfort often accompany a bunion, and it may be difficult to wear shoes that are normally worn. This condition may develop as a result of genetic traits, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Research has indicated that there are phases of successful treatment methods. These can include eliminating the pain by performing specific exercise techniques, in addition to taking anti-inflammatory medicines. Once the pain and discomfort has subsided, it is beneficial to stretch the affected joints and muscles which may help to improve range of motion. For severe bunions, surgery may be required for permanent removal. If you are afflicted with a bunion, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard of Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. 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 one of our offices located in Marlboro and Watchung, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What Are Bunions?
Tuesday, 06 August 2019 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Tuesday, 06 August 2019 00:00

Different Types of Corns

Corns are hardened areas of skin that commonly form on the feet. Corns can be quite irritating, and come in three different forms. The first type is a hard corn, which is the most common kind. It is very small and concentrated. The second type of corn is a soft corn, which feels rubbery. The last type is a seed corn, and it is a miniscule bump found on the bottom of the foot. The good news is that corns are not dangerous. However, there are a few methods to deal with corns in case they are causing pain. First, soak your feet in warm water. You could also use a pumice stone, which is known to help with dry skin. Finally, apply lotion and wear corn pads to feel as comfortable as possible. If the corns become unbearable, or if you have a condition such as diabetes or peripheral arterial disease, you should allow a podiatrist to treat the corn. It is vital that you do not try to remove the corn by yourself. If you are suffering with this affliction, contact a podiatrist.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard of Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Marlboro and Watchung, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Understanding Corns and Calluses

Connect With Us