Items filtered by date: October 2022

One of the most common heel pain complaints from children is from Sever’s disease. Fortunately, this ailment has a relatively short life span and does not result in long-term damage. Sever’s disease generally affects physically active children between the ages of 8 and 14. It is common among children who do a lot of running and jumping during sports activities. Also known as calcaneal apophysitis, Sever’s disease occurs when the calf's bones grow faster than the Achilles tendon that attaches them to the heel. This disparity causes the tendon to become tight and results in soreness in the heel. When the disparity in the growth plate is resolved, the pain goes away. Symptoms include limping, pain or tenderness in the heel while active, and swelling in the heel area. The first, and most important, way to treat Sever’s disease is to cease the activity causing it to occur. If after a few weeks, pain and swelling are still a problem, it is a good idea to seek the counsel of a podiatrist for further examination and other treatment options that may be necessary. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in South Amboy and Edison, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Athlete’s foot is a highly contagious fungal infection, also called tinea pedis, that usually begins in between the toes. The fungus thrives in moist, warm, and dark places. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include an itchy rash that also may sting and burn. Further, it may develop into blisters that are filled with fluid and can become painful. In addition, the skin around the infected area can become dry, cracked, and scaly. The most common form of athlete’s foot is a toe web infection that often targets the spaces between the 4th and 5th toes. A moccasin-type infection usually covers the bottom edges of the heels and feet. A vesicular infection, characterized by small fluid-filled blisters, can form anywhere along the bottom of the feet. An ulcerative infection, which is both rare and extremely uncomfortable, consists of painful open sores that can form on the bottom of the feet or between the toes. Luckily, athlete’s foot is easily treatable with creams, lotions, powders, and sprays. If you are experiencing difficulty with an athlete’s foot infection, it is a good idea to visit a podiatrist for advanced treatment options. 

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 doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound 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 offices located in South Amboy and Edison, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The ankle joint, which connects the legs to the foot, is made up of several bones and the ligaments that hold them in place. If one of the ankle ligaments is overstretched or torn, it is called a sprain. This can happen by tripping and landing wrong on the foot, causing it to roll, twist, or turn in an awkward way. Most sprains occur on the outer side of the ankle. Symptoms include varying degrees of pain, swelling, tenderness and bruising. In severe sprains, the ability to bear weight and move the ankle joint is negatively affected. If you believe you have sprained an ankle, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist as soon as possible for a thorough examination. This may include having an X-ray or other imaging test performed to determine the severity of the sprain. It can take weeks, or even months, for an ankle to heal properly. If the sprained ankle is not given the proper amount of time to heal, it can be sprained again, causing serious or even chronic problems. Scheduling regular visits to a podiatrist after a sprain for an evaluation update is strongly advised.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

People who have bunions may be embarrassed by their appearance. It is defined as a hard lump that forms on the side of the big toe, and may gradually increase in size. It can develop for reasons consisting of genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. A severe bunion may cause the toes to shift toward each other, and it may cause difficulty in walking. There are some patients that have corns and calluses that develop on top of the bunion, and this can happen from friction as the toe touches the shoe. If daily activities are affected, surgery may need to be performed for permanent removal. A bunion may form from existing medical conditions, including arthritis, gout, and cerebral palsy. Many people notice their skin is red and swollen surrounding the bunion, and the big toe may be stiff. If you are aware of the beginning stages of a bunion, it is strongly urged that you consult with a podiatrist who can treat this type of foot condition. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors 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 offices located in South Amboy and Edison, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.