Items filtered by date: February 2023

As people age, the prevalence of foot pain increases. Despite this fact, geriatrics studies show that with routine foot care, proper footwear, and use of orthotic devices foot pain can often be reduced. When the foot is in pain, normal biomechanics of standing and walking can be affected. This can lead to instability, an increased risk of falls, a reduced ability to walk, and a loss of independence in seniors. A more sedentary lifestyle can develop, further weakening the strength and mobility of the feet and ankles. Women have more reported foot deformities, which cause pain, than men, believed to be associated with the long-term wearing of high heels. Another major factor in foot pain in the elderly is obesity. Other common conditions that result in foot pain include underlying conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis. Further conditions noted to be common foot ailments of seniors are corns and calluses, fungal toenail infections, bunions, and hammertoes. Foot pain in seniors severely affects their ability to walk at a normal pace and increasingly reduces their willingness to leave the house. For seniors who are becoming hobbled by foot pain, it is strongly suggested that regular appointments with a podiatrist can help to manage and even overcome many of their problems. 

If you need your feet checked, contact Mark Majeski, DPM of Main Street Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our practitioner 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 our office located in Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A noticeable lump in the arch or bottom of the foot can be a plantar fibroma. It generally causes no pain and is typically benign, despite being uncomfortable. Patients often find one foot that has this nodule and a proper diagnosis can be performed, which can confirm a plantar fibroma has developed. This can be done by having an MRI or ultrasound taken, which can be successful in determining its size. The fibroma lies in the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that connects the heels to the toes. This may cause the plantar fascia to become disrupted. Wearing custom-made orthotics may help in relieving some of the pressure that is felt while wearing shoes. The proper amount of cushioning can act as a shock absorber, and it may help the plantar fascia to return to its original shape. If you notice a nodule or lump on the bottom of your foot it is strongly advised that you consult a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis and provide effective treatment methods.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Mark Majeski, DPM of Main Street Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The medical term for athlete’s foot is called tinea pedis. It is a skin infection of the foot, and it is considered to be contagious. Research has shown approximately 10 percent of Americans are afflicted with this condition, and it may recur in half the people who have athletes’ foot. The most common type of athletes’ foot is referred to as interdigital athlete’s foot, and it is found between the fourth and fifth toes. Many patients notice blisters form between the toes, and it may be an allergic reaction to certain types of fungal organisms. Moccasins-type athlete’s foot is noticeable on the sole and heel. This can cause the skin to become dry and flaky, and it may also affect the toenails. Effective preventative methods for athlete’s foot typically begin with practicing good hygiene habits and wearing appropriate shoes while in locker rooms and public swimming pool areas. Additionally, it is beneficial to refrain from sharing shoes, socks, and towels. If you notice symptoms of athletes’ foot, please confer with a podiatrist who can determine which type it is, and guide you toward the correct treatment. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Mark Majeski, DPM from Main Street Foot & Ankle, LLC.  Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.