December 2021
Medical Procedures for Foot Corns
Corns, which are hardened skin areas caused by friction, can be treated through various methods, but it is important to know that they will not disappear overnight. Conservative treatments involve reducing friction by changing shoes and trimming toenails properly. These are often effective in resolving corns. Surgical removal is reserved for severe cases when other treatments fail, and it is not recommended to attempt this on your own due to the risk of infection. Whether or not you should remove a corn depends on its impact on your daily life and overall health. Mild corns that do not bother you can be left alone, while severe symptoms may require podiatric evaluation, especially if you have conditions such as diabetes affecting foot sensation. Surgical options, cortisone injections, or podiatrist-assisted shaving are available for severe cases, with specific aftercare instructions. If you have a bothersome foot corn and symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with your daily life, or if you have underlying health issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for more advanced treatment.
Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Steven Spivak, DPM of Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:
- Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
- Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
- Wearing only shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lumberton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Corns and Calluses
A corn is a lesion that forms in the skin of the foot, and it is typically circular in shape, small in size, and thick and rough in texture. A corn generally occurs as a result of repeated pressure on the skin; one example of this is the rubbing of a shoe against the skin. Corns differ from calluses in that their central cores are harder in texture.
A corn is a relatively common condition with a wide variety of treatment options. If a corn becomes overly uncomfortable or painful, consult with your podiatrist; he can determine the best method of treatment that is appropriate for you. Corns may return if the underlying cause of its development is not treated or removed. Avoid removing corns at home, as improper removal may cause infection.
A callus, similar to a corn, is an area of skin that has become thickened due to repeated pressure and rubbing. The rubbing causes the skin to create a layer of protective skin, which is the formed callus. Calluses can differ in size between people, and they can also become painful.
Multiple treatments are available for calluses. At-home treatment and removal should be avoided, as this can potentially lead to infection. Your podiatrist can best determine the cause of your calluses and suggest the treatment most appropriate for you.
Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Surgery for a Broken Foot
When a foot bone fracture occurs, proper healing is critical for recovery. Treatment options vary based on factors, such as the fracture's severity and location. While some fractures can heal with casts, others necessitate more invasive approaches, like bone fracture repair, also known as open reduction and internal fixation, or ORIF, surgery. ORIF surgery is recommended when a broken bone cannot heal adequately with casting or splinting alone. This is often the case with compound fractures, where the bone breaks through the skin, or fractures involving joints, which can impact mobility. Recovery typically takes six to eight weeks, with initial pain, swelling, and numbness managed through painkillers, rest, and elevation. If you have broken your foot and it is a severe break or is not responding to customary conservative treatment measures, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether surgery is an appropriate option for you.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Steven Spivak, DPM from Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:
- Bruising
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blue in color
- Numbness
- Cold
- Misshapen
- Cuts
- Deformities
Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.
Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lumberton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot
The human foot has 26 different bones, and the foot is divided into three parts: the hindfoot, the midfoot, and the forefoot. Each section of the foot is composed of a different amount of bones. For instance, the forefoot is made up of 19 bones. The midfoot is composed of five smaller bones called the navicular, cuboid, and three cuneiform bones. Lastly, the hindfoot is made up of only the talus and the calcaneus. The feet tend to be vulnerable to slipping and twisting; consequently, fractured bones within the foot are common. When a bone gets crushed, bent, twisted, or stretched it may become broken.
Many foot fractures occur through an accident or trauma. More specifically, common causes for broken feet are car accidents, falls, missteps, or overuse. If you have a broken ankle or foot, you may have one or more of the following symptoms: throbbing pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, deformities, and difficulty walking.
There are some factors that may put you at a higher risk of developing a broken foot. People who participate in high-impact sports are more likely to develop foot fractures because of the stresses, direct blows, and twisting injuries involved in gameplay. Additionally, those who suddenly increase their activity level are more likely to suffer a stress fracture.
Unfortunately, there are different complications that may arise because of a foot fracture. For instance, arthritis may be caused by fractures that extend into the joints. Bone infections are also possible in open fractures due to the bone being exposed to bacteria. However, there are ways you can help prevent yourself from breaking your foot. One way to avoid fractures is to wear proper footwear. If you plan on going on a run, you should wear running shoes. You should also replace your shoes if you notice that they are becoming worn out. For runners, it is best to replace shoes every 300 to 400 miles.
Treatment for foot fractures usually consists of rest, ice, elevation, and compression (RICE). If you plan on wrapping your foot, try not to wrap it too tightly because doing so may cut off blood supply in the foot. You should also avoid walking on the fractured foot.
If you suspect you have a broken foot, you should see your podiatrist right away. It is important that you have someone bring you to your doctor, since driving with a broken foot can be dangerous. You should especially seek urgent care if you are experiencing numbness, pain, or deformities in your foot.
Managing Slow Healing Wounds
Living with diabetes brings its own set of challenges, and one significant concern is the potential for slow-healing wounds. While minor injuries are a part of life, individuals with diabetes face heightened risks. Wounds that linger, fail to heal, or become infected can lead to severe health issues, with infections spreading to nearby tissues or even becoming life or limb threatening. Monitoring these wounds is imperative as slow healing is not normal. Any signs of spreading, oozing, or extreme pain should not be ignored. Daily wound care, including cleaning and bandaging, is essential for prevention. For those with foot wounds, wearing shoes and socks may help to minimize infection risks, especially during physical activities, like walking. Seeking prompt medical attention for non healing foot wounds is paramount. Antibiotics may be necessary, and in severe cases, hospitalization may be required. This proactive approach to wound care, rooted in vigilant monitoring and early intervention, helps to guard against the potential complications of untreated wounds. If you notice lower leg and foot wounds that are slow in healing, it is suggested that you schedule an immediate appointment with a podiatrist who is trained in treating and managing foot wounds.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Steven Spivak, DPM from Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lumberton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Wound Care
Diabetics must be wary of all wounds, regardless of depth or size. Diabetes, a chronic disease in which the body cannot properly use glucose the way it normally would, causes various complications that make wounds difficult to heal. Nerve damage or neuropathy will cause diabetics to have trouble feeling the pain of a blister or cut until the condition has significantly worsened or become infected. A diabetic’s weakened immune system can make even the most minor of wounds easily susceptible to infection. Diabetics are also more prone to developing narrow, clogged arteries, and are therefore more likely to develop wounds.
Wounds should be taken care of immediately after discovery, as even the smallest of wounds can become infected if enough bacteria build up within the wound. To remove dirt, wounds should be first rinsed under running water only. Soap, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine can irritate the injury and should be avoided. To prevent infection, apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover it with a bandage. The bandage should be changed daily. The skin around the wound may be cleaned with soap.
To prevent further exacerbation, see a doctor—especially if you have diabetes. Minor skin conditions can become larger problems if not properly inspected. As the wound heals, make sure to avoid applying pressure to the affected area.
Adult Feet Versus Children's Feet
As we explore the realm of podiatry, the disparities between adult and children's feet unfold like chapters in an evolutionary narrative. Adults, with fully developed skeletal structures, boast arches that have endured the test of time, providing stability and balance. In contrast, children's feet can be likened to blank canvases, each step imprinting a unique pattern of growth. The arches are pliable and unfixed, mirroring the malleability of childhood itself. Ligaments and tendons, gradually gaining resilience, transform these delicate feet into the robust foundation required for a lifetime of mobility. The bones, still in the process of ossification, reflect the ongoing saga of physical development. If you notice that your child exhibits foot development problems, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a thorough exam and diagnosis.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Steven Spivak, DPM of Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
- Make sure their shoes fit properly
- Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
- Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
- Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
- Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
- Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lumberton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
How to Care for Your Child's Feet
It is never normal for a child to experience pain in his or her feet. Foot pain that lasts more than a few days and limits a child’s ability to walk should be examined by a podiatrist. Many adult foot ailments originate in childhood and may be present at birth. Common foot issues that are experienced by children are pediatric flat foot, Sever’s disease, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.
A child’s foot grows rapidly during the first year, allowing it to reach almost half of their adult foot size. Consequently, foot specialists consider the first year to be the most crucial point in the foot development process. There are ways you can help ensure that your child’s foot develops properly. One way is to carefully look at your baby’s feet. If you notice any deformities, you should immediately seek professional care. You should also loosely cover your child’s foot, since tight coverings may prevent movement and inhibit normal development. Another tip is to change the baby’s positioning throughout the day. If your baby lies down in one spot for too long, it may put an excess amount of strain on the feet and legs.
It is best that you try not to force a child to start walking. Children will begin to walk when they are both physically and emotionally capable to do so. You should also avoid comparing your child’s walking progress with other children because the age range for independent walking may range. When your child’s feet begin to develop, you may need to change both their shoe and sock size every few months to allow room for their feet to grow.
Kids are sometimes prone to splinters, cuts, and severe injuries because they tend to walk around barefoot. This also makes them more susceptible to developing plantar warts which is a condition caused by a virus that invades the sole of the foot through breaks in the skin. These ailments can be avoided by making sure your child wears shoes in unsanitary environments. You should also wash any minor cuts or scrapes on your child’s feet. It is a myth that exposure to fresh air will heal injuries; fresh air will only expose your child’s cuts to germs.
As a parent, you should ensure that your child’s feet are developing properly and are being properly maintained. Consequently, it is important that you perform routine inspections on his or her feet to detect any injuries or deformities in their early stages. Early detection and treatment will help to ensure that your child does not develop any serious foot conditions.
Causes of Foot Pain From Running
Embarking on a running journey often leads to foot discomfort, ranging from blisters due to friction or wet conditions to more serious injuries caused by repetitive impact. One cause of foot pain in runners is stress fractures, often the result of overuse or sudden mileage increase. Plantar fasciitis, another common cause, is characterized by heel pain resulting from increased mileage or improper shoe choices. Achilles tendonitis, another overuse injury, requires timely diagnosis and treatment by a podiatrist to prevent complications and chronic pain. Metatarsalgia, causing ball of foot pain, and Morton’s neuroma, marked by nerve enlargement between third and fourth toes, commonly cause pain in the metatarsal and toe area of the foot. Pain along the top of the foot may be linked to tightly laced shoes or other causes. Tibialis posterior tendonitis, causes throbbing or burning pain along the arch. Bunions, a deformity of the big toe, and hallux rigidus, or stiffness in the big toe, necessitate treatment from a podiatrist. It is always a good idea to address foot pain rather than to ignore it and keep running. If you are a runner experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough foot exam that will form the basis of an appropriate treatment plan.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Steven Spivak, DPM of Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar Fasciosis
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lumberton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
