Blog Archive
Stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it can lead to serious pain, but how do you know if it’s broken or just bruised? And what can be done for a broken toe, anyway? Joseph DiMenna, DPM and Jacques Tran, DPM at Family Foot and Ankle Center of South...
If you have hammertoe, you may already recognize that something is wrong, but you don’t know what it is. Hammertoe has certain distinct symptoms, including that your toes may seem a bit deformed. It’s actually caused by a muscle imbalance and most often affects one of the middle three toes,...
Do you often wonder if there’s anything you can do about that toenail fungus that keeps returning? Fungus thrives in warm and damp environments, much like the inside of your shoe or between your toes. Fungus is also more likely to appear on toes because the toes are farther away...
Children are full of energy! Going out to play, running around the house, jumping up and down, and all other sorts of physical activities are just part of a normal day in the life of a kid. Their little feet can get them around quickly and get them in trouble...
When it comes to weight loss, it’s always about more than changing your physical appearance; it’s about prioritizing your overall health. Along with reducing the risk of chronic diseases and improving heart health, weight loss brings an important benefit that isn’t mentioned so often — less strain on your foot...
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects how your body uses or produces insulin, which is necessary to control blood sugar. When your blood sugar level is consistently high, it wreaks havoc on your body, including your nerves and blood vessels. Diabetes compromises circulation, especially to your legs and...
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that connect and support the ankle bones are stretched beyond their normal limits. Whether from a sports injury or a misstep on uneven ground, a twisted ankle resulting in a sprain can be a painful experience. The team at Family Foot & Ankle...
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Each year more than 2 million people in the United States are treated for it, and stabbing heel pain is a telltale sign. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options available to ease heel pain. At Family Foot and...
There’s nothing worse than living with constant pain in your foot, especially when it limits your daily activity. If you’re dealing with the discomfort of Morton’s neuroma, you’re not alone. This condition, characterized by the thickening of the tissue around a nerve in your toe, impacts your life. But don’t...
If you notice signs of an ingrown toenail, such as tenderness and redness around the edge of your nail, you might wonder if you need immediate medical attention or if it can wait. Ingrown toenails don’t heal on their own, but they can improve with at-home care. However, there are...
Infections are the result of bacteria, viruses, germs, and other microorganisms that infiltrate your body through any number of places, including your skin, mouth, and ears. They can also live as part of your microbiome until an imbalance or other factors cause it to be harmful. Infections can lead to...
Joint pain is a broad term covering various conditions, from injuries to arthritis. Regardless of what’s causing your joint pain, you can bet that what you eat or don’t eat is either helping or harming the situation. As podiatrists, we see plenty of people with joint pain at the Family...
Neuropathy, a condition characterized by nerve damage, can lead to discomfort, pain, and burning or tingling sensations in various body parts. Neuropathy can develop in any limb, but when it’s your feet, it can make moving from point A to point B tough. At Family Foot and Ankle Center of...
Ingrown toenails are a common foot issue, accounting for about 20% of foot-related doctor visits. But fortunately, ingrown toenails are a preventable and treatable problem. At Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey, our experienced team of providers uses a patient-focused approach. We take the time to educate you about ingrown toenail prevention while also...
It’s impossible to ignore gout symptoms, especially because they often come on in the middle of the night. But if you’ve ever felt like your toe is on fire, you can fight back. It often surprises people to learn that gout is a type of arthritis. While many joint conditions are due to...
Bunions are fairly common toe problems — about one-third of Americans walk around with one at the base of their big toe. You can get a bunion from wearing tight shoes that force your toes into a narrow box, having a family history, or an inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis. Whether you...
Maybe you’re not moving as well as you used to or experience some shuffling when you walk. These gait issues can arise for many reasons, but arthritis in your feet or ankles is a common cause. As experts in all things related to your feet and ankles, our team at Family Foot and...
If you develop Type 2 diabetes, you’re at a higher risk of developing further complications, particularly if your blood sugar stays unchecked. One serious condition adults with Type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of developing is neuropathy. While neuropathy can be dangerous, with proper care you can avoid developing the...
Summer is coming, and whether you’re hitting the beach or hanging out in your backyard, New Jersey is heating up, and chances are you’ll be bearing your feet — or at least wishing you could. When nail fungus commandeers your toes, you may be embarrassed to go out in public...
From walking to standing, running, jumping, or most any activity you do upright, there’s not much you can do without your feet. But sadly, that also means you’re likely to suffer foot problems, leading to conditions like bunions, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, gout, arthritis, metatarsalgia (stone bruise), plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinitis. Another...
Gout causes extreme pain in your joints, especially your big toe. Walking, wearing shoes, and even the feel of socks can aggravate gout pain and make it impossible to move around and do daily tasks. Gout occurs when you have too much uric acid in your blood. This uric acid...
Foot warts — also known as plantar warts — are caused by a highly contagious virus. Unfortunately, these warts can resist at-home treatments and become painful. In some cases, professional podiatric care is needed to relieve symptoms and get rid of the warts. At Family Foot and Ankle Center of...
Ankle sprains are common and unwelcome. Whether you sprain your ankle due to a sports injury, a work accident, or from walking down the stairs in your house, a sprain can upend your life. Suddenly, getting anywhere can become a lot more challenging. If you have places to be and...
The countless nerves running throughout your body perform multiple different functions, but they all fall under one of two categories. Your central nervous system involves your brain and spinal cord, and your peripheral nervous system connects the rest of your body to your central nervous system. Together, they communicate sensations...
Hammertoe is an abnormal bending of the toes that’s often painful and occurs more in women than men. A hammertoe foot deformity may occur due to an imbalance in the muscles, ligaments, or tendons that normally hold the toe straight. The good news is there are several options for managing hammertoe,...
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. It’s closely associated with other chronic conditions such as heart disease, and if you have diabetes, you’re much more likely to develop another condition or to experience complications such as vision loss or even amputation. But you can...
Foot imbalances are a major source of foot pain as well as pain in the knees, hips, and back. As the foundation of your body, your feet play the crucial role of supporting your weight and holding you steady. When one or both feet are out of alignment, the problems...
A toenail becomes ingrown when its corner edge curls down and grows into the bordering area of skin. This frequent foot problem affects the big toe most often, usually developing after the nail is either cut too short or trimmed to curve along the shape of the toe. Ingrown toenails are...
No sport comes with a no-injury guarantee, so it’s best to know what you’re up against when you lace up and take the field. If not, you run the risk of being sidelined by what could have been a preventable injury. Here, our team of experts at Family Foot and Ankle Center of...
A pedicure is a great way to indulge in a little self-care, get your feet ready for beach and sandal season, and keep your toenails looking neat and trimmed. However it’s important to take a few precautions to lower your risk of getting an infection or worse. At the Family Foot...
If your first few steps out of bed are enough to make you crawl back into bed, it’s time to talk about morning foot pain δΈ€ and the potential nighttime treatments that can provide you relief in the morning. While there are many causes of foot pain, plantar fasciitis is notorious for...
We have a number of joints, bones, and muscles to thank for our ability to walk in a fluid motion. Sometimes, however, as a part of being human, we may take an awkward step or have an accident while playing a sport, and later we feel the stinging or burning...
If your toes hurt, you might wonder if you have Morton’s neuroma. Neuromas are thickened masses of tissue that squeeze nerve tissue. This chronic condition frequently affects the area between the third and fourth toes, and wearing high heels or participating in high-impact sports can make it worse. The good...
Ankle injuries are extremely common, regardless of your lifestyle or activity level. Most ankle injuries are relatively minor and heal on their own with rest. But ankle fractures are much more serious, sometimes even requiring surgery. A fracture is another word for a break in the bone. A broken bone...
If your feet ache after a long day, it’s tempting to try off-the-shelf inserts for your shoes, but is that the best solution? Off-the-shelf orthotics might be convenient, but they won’t deliver the personalized support that custom orthotics do. Here at Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey, our...
Your toes and feet aren’t something you may worry about too often — except when you have embarrassing nail fungus. Fungus on your toenails isn’t just embarrassing though; you may also experience pain and discomfort as well. Treatment is necessary to rid yourself of this unsightly condition. At the Family...
Your feet bear the brunt of your weight all day, every day. This can lead to painful foot conditions, or just overall discomfort. Since you need to walk, finding some form of relief is vital to your busy schedule. Orthotics could be just what your feet need to keep going....
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 10 Americans suffers from diabetes, a condition in which the body isn’t able to adequately use glucose for energy. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you may be already aware of the harm that elevated blood...
Laser therapies now abound for many medical treatments, and that includes podiatry. You may have heard of laser surgeries or laser skin toning, but what about laser pain relief? There are now effective pain relief therapies available for a number of foot problems using FDA-cleared MLS Laser therapy, also known...
There’s no denying: high heels just aren’t as comfortable as other shoes. Even though high heels sales have been declining, approximately four out of 10 women still sport these trendy shoes daily. High heels might complete your ensemble, but they might be ruining your feet, too. Our podiatrists at Family...
Not only are your feet incredibly hard-working, they’re also prone to fungal infections that range from a mild nuisance to a downright pain in the foot. The two most common fungal infections that can strike your feet are toenail fungus and athlete’s foot, which have very different symptoms. At Family...
About 23,000 people in the United States sprain their ankles badly enough every day that they need to see a doctor. That fairly astounding figure doesn’t account for all of the other types of ankle injuries you can suffer. Our expert team of podiatrists diagnoses and treats ankle injuries at...
There are over 100 different types of arthritis. The two most common varieties are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by the natural deterioration of your joints with age, and rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which your body mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints. No matter...
Morton’s neuroma refers to the chronic swelling (or thickening) of the tissue that surrounds the nerves between your third and fourth toes. It can cause burning sensations, pain, numbness, and the sensation that you’re walking on a pebble. The podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey are...
Over 8 million people in the US have gout. This inflammatory form of arthritis happens when you have too much uric acid in your blood. And while all forms of arthritis can impact your feet, gout can especially. At Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey, our expert podiatrists...
Diabetes affects more than 30 million people in the United States. It’s a dangerous disease that, if not managed correctly, can cause a host of debilitating and deadly complications. Foot infections are a common diabetes complication. In fact, diabetic-related foot complications account for more than 50% of foot amputations in...
Plantar fasciitis causes a distinct, stabbing pain in your heel that’s especially noticeable first thing in the morning but can plague you all day long. The condition occurs when your plantar fascia — a thick band of connective tissue that connects your toes to your heel — becomes inflamed. Overuse,...
Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects the foot, and if it’s left untreated, it can spread to the surrounding areas. Unless you have a dysfunctional immune system, athlete’s foot isn’t a serious medical issue. However, it can cause severe discomfort, and it’s highly contagious. To prevent the...
Custom orthotics can change the way you feel about your feet. At the Center for Podiatric Care and Sports Medicine, we evaluate your feet and customize these inserts to help reduce pain from a number of conditions and reform your foot function. Custom orthotics are far superior to one-size-fits-all versions...
An ingrown toenail can cause pain, redness, and swelling. Sometimes, these symptoms can be relieved by soaking your feet or cutting your toenails differently. Other times, an ingrown toenail needs medical attention to prevent an infection that could cause serious foot problems. At Family Foot and Ankle Center of South...
Medically called onychomycosis, nail fungus causes the nails to become thick, discolored, and crumbling at the edges. As many as 10% of all adults in Western nations have some fungal infection of the nails, and that increases to 20% for those who are over 60. It’s more common, though, to...
When the summer sun starts to blaze, it’s normal to want to be outdoors, active, and as unencumbered as possible. For many, that means throwing off their shoes or sandals and cooling off in places like swimming pools and the waves at the beach. Unfortunately, going barefoot in public places...
Foot problems can really stop you in your tracks and keep you from conducting your normal activities. If you suffer from recurring pain or a foot condition that impacts your quality of life, you might be a candidate for cold laser therapy. At Family Foot and Ankle Center of South...
When your feet hurt, life’s a drag. Sore feet can make moving painful and cause problems throughout your body. Luckily, custom orthotics can relieve feet and joint discomfort. The experienced team at Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey understands the important part your feet play in your life....
If you’ve ever dealt with an ingrown toenail, know that you’re not alone. Experts estimate that about 18% of adults have experienced an ingrown toenail at some point during their lives. One reason why the number is so high is that ingrown toenails can develop for several reasons. While that...
Many of us welcome spring as a time to renew our passion for the outdoors and outdoor sports. Prevent indoor and outdoor sports injuries by following a few simple tips. Our caring podiatrists, Joseph DiMenna, DPM, David DiMenna, DPM, and Joseph Bakanas, DPM, at the Family Foot and Ankle Center...
If you suffer from ongoing pain, tingling, or numbness between your third and fourth toes, or even second or third ones (the first toe being the largest), you may suffer from a benign condition known as Morton’s neuroma. Named for the 19th-century American surgeon, Thomas George Morton, it can be...
Do you love how you look in high heels, but often suffer from blisters or sores after wearing them? Before you don another pair, you should know the connection between heels and the common foot deformity known as hammertoe. The doctors at Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey...
Diabetes can cause a wide range of serious complications related to your feet. The impact is so dramatic that the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) recommends daily foot inspection to identify problems before they cause serious consequences. It’s sound advice that can prevent catastrophic results. With diabetes,...
Pain in your heel or sole of your foot can come on gradually, or all at once. Maybe you have foot pain resulting from plantar fasciitis and not even know it. The tissue that runs along the sole of your foot is called the plantar fascia. When it gets irritated...
Have you recently hurt your ankle? Does it seem like no matter how much rest you get your ankle is still not healing? It’s possible you could have damaged the ligaments where your Achilles tendon connects your heel and calf muscles, which makes ordinary movements tender or painful. At Family Foot...
Suffering from chronic back pain? You’re not alone. More than 31 million Americans struggle back pain, and about 8% of all Americans have chronic back pain. Most people with low back pain recover in a few weeks, but for many others, it keeps coming back, making it difficult to navigate...
Do you suffer from foot pain? Then you know how uncomfortable it can be. The constant burning sensation, numbness, and pain make it difficult to complete even the simplest of tasks. The good news is that laser treatments are an effective way to reduce chronic foot pain, so you can...
The first thing you need to know about athlete’s foot is that you don’t have to be an athlete to get it. It’s common among people who participate in sports because their feet are often confined to damp, sweaty shoes for long periods of time. But you can get athlete’s...
With summer almost here, it’s time for bathing suits, barbeques, and backyard parties. And along with these summer favorites is something that 35 million Americans dread every time the weather gets nice. Sandal season! When you suffer from toenail fungus, it can may your toenails turn yellow and thick and...
The medical condition that is known as arthritis often causes pain and swelling in the joints of the toes. The toes may have difficulty in bending upwards or may permanently become bent in a downward position. Walking may be challenging, in addition to standing flat on the floor. The most common form...
The condition known as flat feet occurs when the arch is absent from the foot. This may happen as a result of the aging process, which can cause the arches to drop, in addition to genetic factors. The symptoms that are associated with flat feet may include pain in the heel and other...
Research has indicated that one of the reasons elderly people develop uncomfortable foot conditions can come from a loss of cushioning in the feet. Additionally, as the aging process occurs, poor circulation is a common ailment among seniors. This can make it difficult for foot sores to heal properly. This condition may...
Warts are very common and come in many different forms. Plantar warts, also known as verrucae warts, differ from most other warts for various reasons. They only form on the sole of the foot and are a result of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can easily be caught in places where...
A large bony protrusion on the side of the big toe is indicative of a condition that is referred to as a bunion. Foot pain may be a common symptom if a bunion exists, and it may be difficult to wear shoes. There are several reasons why bunions may develop. These...
For many women, one of the first signs of summer may include wearing flip flops. The lack of laces makes them simple to wear, and can be considered favorite shoes to wear in warm weather. There are several negative aspects flip flops have, and these may include the absence of an...
A fungal infection that is referred to as athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and painful. The most common place for this condition to develop is between the toes, which may cause severe itching. The skin may become dry and flaky, and many patients notice a burning or stinging sensation. This ailment is...
If you have fallen or twisted your ankle, you may have broken your foot. There are numerous bones, ligaments and tendons that are located in each foot, and one or more may easily fracture if falling occurs. There are several symptoms that may be associated with a broken foot. These may...
A blister that develops on the foot can be painful and uncomfortable. It is most likely caused by excessive friction that occurs in one area of the skin. The outer layer of the skin disintegrates, and a small pocket of fluid forms over the raw skin. This is the body’s natural defense...
Cuboid syndrome is caused by partial dislocation of bones in the middle of the foot. Someone with cuboid syndrome usually feels pain around the middle of the foot or at the base of their toes. There are some symptoms of this condition that, when coupled together, can help to identify cuboid syndrome. Pain...
Many children may endure foot and ankle injuries if they are involved in sporting activities. These may include basketball or football, which may involve a sudden change of direction. Gymnasts may have increased chances of having foot or ankle problems, and this may be a result of jumping up and landing on...
The largest tendon in the body is referred to as the Achilles tendon. It is located in the back of the calf, and it’s function is to connect the lower leg to the heel of the foot. Most tendons have the ability to stretch, and inflammation may occur if this tendon...
Falling is a fear that many older adults face, because the consequences can lead to complicated difficulties in the future. Older adults are at a higher risk for falling because of other ailments they face such as, muscle weakness, balance problems, and issues with blood pressure when standing up. Confusion may also...
A broken foot is one of the most debilitating injuries one can face, due to the fact that it hinders your ability to walk. A speedy recovery is ideal when dealing with broken bones, especially when it comes to broken bones within the feet. The recovery period is usually 6-8 weeks, but...
The medical term that is referred to as cracked heels may develop more frequently during the warmer months, and this may be a result of wearing shoes that have an open back. Many of these types of sandals do not provide adequate support for the heel, and fissures, or cracks in the...
Our feet endure stress during most of the day as we accomplish daily activities. This may come from standing or walking for extended periods of time, and our feet will often tell us if something is amiss. One of these uncomfortable conditions is known as ingrown toenails, and this may often...
If you are experiencing foot pain as a result of disease or an arthritic condition, wearing custom-made orthotics may produce positive results. These are known as removable shoe inserts and may be helpful in providing moderate relief. The proper type and size of orthotics is determined by having an impression of the...
Women who enjoy wearing high heels are aware of the visual benefits from wearing this type of shoe, which may be a pleasing accessory to stylish clothing, or enhancing the shape of the foot. Research has shown that if high heels are frequently worn, the possibility of developing plantar fasciitis...
If you have fallen unexpectedly or stepped abruptly off a curb, you may have had the displeasure of experiencing an ankle sprain. It is typically the result of the ankle suddenly twisting or rolling, which may move the ankle out of alignment. There are several ligaments that surround the ankle...
The bones in the toe are known to be fragile, and may easily break if a foot injury occurs, or if something heavy is dropped on it. A broken toe is serious if the bone is protruding through the skin, which may make an infection likely to occur. There are common symptoms...
Many people experience a condition that is known as toenail fungus at some point in their lives. If there are small cuts in the skin surrounding the toenail, fungus may enter the body and attack the nail bed. This contagious ailment is typically spread through walking barefoot on public locker room floors...