Items filtered by date: June 2021

If your feet have no visible arch when standing, you’re not alone. Flat feet are common, affecting an estimated 12% of the US population. The majority of infants are born with flat feet and have an arch that develops over time.  However, this does not happen for everyone. For reasons that are currently unknown, but that likely have to do with genetics and environmental factors, some people never develop an arch. It is also possible to develop an arch normally and then lose it over time. This collapse of an existing arch is known as acquired flat foot or fallen arches and is thought to be caused by the aging process and a degeneration of the tissues that support the foot and ankle. Acquired flat foot has also been linked to pregnancy. While feet that are flat from birth usually don’t cause any pain or discomfort, acquired flat feet often do. If you are experiencing any foot pain, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay from New Jersey . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Heel spurs are the body’s natural reaction to repeated stress placed on the bottom of the heel bone where it attaches to the plantar fascia—the fibrous connective tissue on the bottom of the foot. Heel spurs are actually calcium deposits that build up on the heel bone over time due to tears, strain, and stretching of the plantar fascia, ligaments, muscles, and membrane covering the heel bone. There are several contributing factors to developing heel spurs, and the most common symptoms include pain all around and underneath the heel, inflammation and stiffness that does not get better with rest. If you believe you have heel spurs, make an appointment with a podiatrist for a full examination, diagnosis and proper treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay from New Jersey . Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices located in Caldwell, and Galloway, NJ . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Foot reconstruction is a type of surgery that patients may opt for to correct the structure of the foot. People can be born with abnormal feet, or it can happen from an injury. Additionally, specific foot diseases can affect the overall health of the body, and reconstructing the foot may enhance a better quality of life. Metabolic diseases that can include diabetes or gout may affect foot function, and walking can be difficult. If you are suffering from feet that inhibit daily activities, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is correct for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay of New Jersey . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

A foot contusion is another term for a bruise on the foot. This is typically a mild injury that occurs as a result of a direct impact to the foot. For example, you may develop a foot contusion after dropping a heavy piece of furniture on your foot or after getting kicked in the foot during a soccer match. The bruising and swelling characteristic of this injury is caused by small, damaged blood vessels leaking blood underneath the skin. Though contusions can sometimes look serious and cause discomfort or pain, they are usually not serious and get better without medical treatment. However, if you notice that the bruising, swelling, or pain is getting worse over time, or if you have trouble bearing weight on the foot, then it is suggested that you see a podiatrist, who can determine if you have a more serious injury.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Dr. Douglas Mckay from New Jersey . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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

The condition that is known as poor circulation can have a negative effect on the feet. It can be caused by medical conditions that can include diabetes and high blood pressure, and many patients can experience numbness or a tingling sensation. Noticeable symptoms can consist of cold feet, hair loss on the legs and feet, and wounds may heal slower than usual. Effective prevention methods can include stopping smoking, and incorporating a gentle exercise routine into your daily regiment. Additionally, it is beneficial to consume a diet that is full of fruits and vegetables. If your feet have become numb, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage poor circulation.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Douglas Mckay of New Jersey . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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