Items filtered by date: November 2024

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on your feet, typically between the toes. It is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments like sweaty socks or public showers. Symptoms include itching, burning, peeling, and redness, often accompanied by cracked or blistered skin. Treatment generally involves antifungal creams, powders, or sprays that target the infection. Keeping your feet clean and dry, changing socks regularly, and wearing breathable shoes can help prevent and manage athlete’s foot. In severe cases, a podiatrist may prescribe oral antifungal medication. If you are struggling with persistent or recurring athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult this type of doctor who can offer advice on foot hygiene, and help you prevent future outbreaks, in addition to providing an appropriate treatment plan. 

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. John Branwell from Kearny, New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that develops due to repetitive force or overuse, often occurring in weight-bearing bones like the metatarsals. These fractures are common among athletes, particularly runners, and can also affect individuals who suddenly increase their physical activity. Key causes include improper footwear, inadequate training techniques, and conditions such as osteoporosis that weaken bones. Symptoms typically manifest as localized pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Swelling, tenderness, and bruising surrounding the affected area may also be present. Unlike acute fractures, stress fractures can develop gradually, making early detection challenging. Recognizing the signs and seeking prompt medical attention from a podiatrist is essential for effective treatment, which may include rest and immobilization to promote healing and prevent future injuries. If you have sustained a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you confer with this type of doctor who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. John Branwell from Kearny, New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can cause intense pain and discomfort, often affecting the heel. This condition arises when uric acid levels in the blood become elevated, leading to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints. Symptoms of gout in the heel typically include sudden, severe pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area. The pain may be most intense during the night or early morning, making it difficult to walk or put weight on the heel. Several factors can contribute to the development of gout, including a diet high in purines found in red meats, shellfish, and alcoholic beverages. Other risk factors include obesity, certain medical conditions, and genetic predisposition. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose gout in the heel, and offer you effective relief and treatment solutions.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. John Branwell from Kearny, New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

A pinky toe that is turned sideways can result from various factors, each contributing to its misalignment. Obesity often places excess pressure on the feet, leading to deformities as the body compensates for the added weight. Arthritis is another significant factor, causing joint inflammation and stiffness that can alter the toe's position over time. Genetics also plays a vital role, as inherited traits can predispose individuals to structural foot issues, including curved toes. Trauma, such as fractures or sprains, can further disrupt the natural alignment of the pinky toe, leading to lasting changes. There are different types of curved pinky toes, including those that point inward or overlap with adjacent toes. If your pinky toe is turned and is causing discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. John Branwell of Kearny, New Jersey. 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 office located in Kearny, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.