December 2023

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a common nail infection that can be both unsightly and uncomfortable. It typically occurs when fungal organisms, like dermatophytes, infiltrate the nail bed through small cuts or separations in the nail or surrounding skin. The symptoms of toenail fungus are recognizable. Infected nails often become discolored, appearing yellow, brown, or white, and they may thicken and become brittle. As the fungus progresses, the nails can become crumbly and ragged. In some cases, they may emit a foul odor. Other potential signs of toenail fungus include pain or discomfort, especially while wearing shoes. The infection can also spread to other nails or the surrounding skin, leading to additional fungal growth and irritation. If you have noticed the beginning signs of toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can promptly begin the appropriate treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

Gout, a form of arthritis, is characterized by the accumulation of urate crystals in joints, leading to inflammation and intense pain. The onset of gout is marked by sudden and severe joint pain, commonly affecting the big toe. As the condition progresses, these painful episodes may recur, spreading to other joints such as ankles, knees, and wrists. Gout evolves through distinct stages. In the asymptomatic hyperuricemia stage, elevated uric acid levels exist without noticeable symptoms. The acute gouty arthritis stage follows, presenting with sudden and excruciating joint pain. Without proper management, the inter-critical gout stage ensues, marked by symptom-free intervals between painful episodes. In advanced cases, chronic tophaceous gout manifests, characterized by the formation of tophi, which are visible lumps of urate crystals that form in joints and surrounding tissues. Understanding the stages of gout is essential for effective management, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes and medical interventions to alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term joint damage. If you are afflicted with gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with pain management strategies.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Steven Spivak, DPM from Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.

Wearing high heels can have long-lasting effects on your feet and overall health. While they may be a fashionable choice, prolonged use can lead to various problems. Ankle injuries and stress fractures can occur even with short-term wear, especially if you are not accustomed to wearing heels. Additionally, high heels can contribute to arthritis in the knees and foot joints due to altered posture and gait. If you already have foot issues such as hammertoes, ingrown toenails, corns, or bunions, wearing high heels can exacerbate these problems. Pump bumps, or Haglund deformities, may form on the back of the heel due to friction. High heels can also lead to plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathies, and calf problems.. If you enjoy wearing high heels and you would like to learn about how to protect the health of your feet and prevent foot deformities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for professional advice.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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.

Foot surgery is a decision often made with the goal of alleviating persistent discomfort and enhancing overall foot health. One common reason to have foot surgery is the correction of structural abnormalities, such as bunions or hammertoes, which can cause pain and affect mobility. Surgical intervention may also be necessary to address severe cases of conditions like plantar fasciitis, where conservative treatments have proven insufficient. Removal of painful growths or deformities, such as cysts or bone spurs, is another motive for foot surgery. Injuries, such as fractures or torn ligaments, may require surgical repair to restore normal function. In some cases, joint fusion or replacement becomes a viable option for advanced arthritis. Surgical procedures tailored to specific needs can significantly improve quality of life, reduce pain, and restore mobility, allowing individuals to step into a future with greater comfort and functionality. If you have a specific foot condition and are considering surgery, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you determine if this is a correct decision for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Steven Spivak, DPM of Mount Holly Family Footcare. 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 our office located in Lumberton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.