Items filtered by date: August 2025

As people age, their feet often undergo changes that can affect comfort and mobility. Common foot issues among seniors issues include arthritis, which causes joint stiffness and pain, diabetes, which increases the risk of infections and poor healing, in addition to foot deformities such as corns and bunions that can make walking uncomfortable. These changes may develop gradually but can significantly impact daily activities and overall health. A podiatrist can assess foot health, provide treatments to relieve pain, and recommend proper footwear to improve stability and function. Routine foot care can help prevent complications and maintain independence. If you or a loved one are experiencing foot discomfort, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, while helping you to maintain your overall foot health.

If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay of New Jersey . Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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.

 Hammertoe is a common problem that causes one of the smaller toes to bend abnormally at the middle joint, often leading to pain, stiffness, or pressure from shoes. Hammertoe typically develops over time due to muscle imbalance in the foot or from wearing shoes with a narrow toe box or that lack adequate support. In some cases, foot issues like flat feet or bunions also contribute to hammertoe formation. In the early stages, hammertoe may still be flexible and has been found to improve with changes like wearing custom orthotics or more supportive footwear. However, if the toe deformity becomes rigid or painful, surgery may be needed to correct the joint position. Based on the severity and progression of the deformity, a podiatrist can recommend appropriate treatment, including surgery, when necessary. If you have developed a hammertoe that is causing persistent pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay of New Jersey . Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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.

Running is an excellent form of exercise, but it can lead to injuries if the feet and ankles are not properly supported. Common running injuries include Achilles tendonitis, which causes pain and stiffness along the back of the ankle, and plantar fasciitis, which creates sharp heel pain from inflammation of the foot’s arch. Prevention involves wearing supportive shoes, stretching regularly, gradually increasing mileage, and avoiding uneven terrain. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait, provide custom orthotics, recommend strengthening exercises, and treat injuries to restore comfort and mobility. Ignoring foot pain can lead to chronic issues. If you have developed a foot or ankle injury from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay of New Jersey . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, often beginning between the toes. Symptoms include itching, burning, scaling, and cracked skin. It thrives in warm, moist environments such as locker rooms, communal showers, and sweaty footwear. Causes include walking barefoot in public places and wearing damp socks or shoes. Risk factors include poor foot hygiene, compromised immunity, and tight footwear. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, recommend effective treatment, and provide tips to prevent recurrence. If you notice symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment tips.

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. Douglas Mckay from 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 one of our offices located in Caldwell, and Galloway, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.