Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, usually occurs when tiny cracks in the nail or surrounding skin allow fungi to enter and grow. The most common types of toenail fungus include infections that start at the tip of the nail and move inward, infections that cause white patches across the surface, and infections that begin at the base of the nail and spread toward the tip. Symptoms include nails becoming thick, brittle, discolored, crumbly, or giving off an unpleasant odor. Risk factors for toenail fungus include older age, diabetes, poor circulation, and walking barefoot in public places like pool areas and gym locker rooms. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection by examining the infected toenail and testing a small sample, if needed. Treatment options generally start with antifungal medication, but in severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the infected nail. If you believe you have a fungal toenail infection, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

A shuffling gait is a walking pattern where a person takes small, dragging steps without lifting the feet fully off the ground. This abnormal gait can indicate underlying health conditions and often suggests issues with balance, coordination, or muscle control. One possible cause is ataxia, a neurological condition that impairs coordination and makes smooth walking difficult. Ataxia may result from damage to the cerebellum or other parts of the nervous system. Another related condition is foot drop, where weakness or paralysis in the muscles that lift the front of the foot causes dragging during walking. This can stem from nerve injuries or disorders affecting the muscles or spine. Identifying the cause of a shuffling gait is essential for effective treatment, improved mobility, and prevention of further complications. If you have a shuffling gait, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to monitor this condition.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  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 assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

Heel pain is often caused by plantar fasciitis or a heel spur. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. This condition usually causes sharp pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after long periods of standing. A heel spur is a bony growth that can develop on the underside of the heel bone, often resulting from chronic strain on foot muscles and ligaments. Although heel spurs may not always cause pain, when they do, the discomfort can feel similar to plantar fasciitis. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips for heel spurs and plantar fasciitis.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Peripheral neuropathy in people with diabetes often affects the feet, toes, and ankles, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or reduced sensation. This can make it difficult to detect minor injuries, which may become serious without proper care. For example, a small blister from wearing poorly fitting shoes or a cut from stepping on something sharp can go unnoticed and develop into a diabetic foot ulcer. Ulcers are slow-healing wounds that can become infected, especially when high blood sugar levels restrict blood flow to the feet. Reduced circulation limits the delivery of infection-fighting cells, increasing the risk of complications like gangrene. In cases where gangrene develops, surgery may be required to remove damaged tissue, and, in severe situations, loss of a toe or foot might result. A podiatrist can provide regular foot exams, remove damaged tissue, treat ulcers, and help manage infections before they progress. If you have foot issues caused by diabetes, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

A plantar fibroma is a benign growth that forms within the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. This firm lump is usually located in the arch and may gradually increase in size. While it is noncancerous, a plantar fibroma can cause discomfort, especially while walking or standing for extended periods. Symptoms often include a noticeable lump, aching pain, or a sensation of pressure when wearing shoes. The exact cause of plantar fibromas is not fully understood, but factors such as genetic predisposition, trauma to the foot, or underlying medical conditions may contribute. Early identification and appropriate care can help manage uncomfortable symptoms. If you have a lump on the sole of your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you relief and management tips.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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