Items filtered by date: July 2023

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that gradually develops for various reasons. These can include wearing shoes that do not fit correctly or from gaining weight. Standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day or from recently increasing speed while running can also increase your chance of getting plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is found on the bottom of the foot and is the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. Any one of the above reasons may cause the plantar fascia to become irritated or torn, and this can lead to plantar fasciitis. Mild relief may be found when specific heel stretches are performed, in addition to wearing shoes that have a cushioned heel. It may help to lose weight if applicable, and elevating the foot frequently may reduce the discomfort. Orthotics may be worn that can provide the necessary support as the foot heals. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Mark Majeski, DPM  from Main Street Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Athlete’s foot, which is a fungal infection termed tinea pedis, often causes an eruption of blisters between the toes or on the bottom of the foot. The blisters are filled with a clear liquid, which in and of itself is not problematic. Other symptoms can include scaling skin, redness, and itchiness. It is important to know that the fungus that causes athlete’s foot is extremely contagious and can easily spread to other body parts. Be sure to wash your hands after touching the infected area. Men, people who are diabetic, and anyone with eczema may be more likely to become infected with athlete’s foot. The best way to prevent coming into contact with the fungus that causes athlete’s foot is to wear foot coverings in warm and moist public areas. This includes shower rooms and locker areas at gyms and swimming pools. If an athlete's foot infection does not react to common treatments, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine the affected foot, and test the infected area to provide appropriate treatment measures. 

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 Mark Majeski, DPM from Main Street Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our practitioner 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 our office located in Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

We may have all stubbed our toes into a piece of furniture or dropped something heavy on our toes and experienced intense pain. A fractured toe, particularly a pinky toe, is a common occurrence, especially because they involve small bones on the edge of the foot and are more prone to injury. When one breaks a toe, it is painful, and the toe will look bruised and swollen. If the ends of the broken bone get displaced, the toe may look crooked. It may be painful to walk with a broken toe, particularly if one breaks their big toe because this toe takes more weight when walking. Most broken toes can be treated at home. The buddy taping method is frequently used, which involves taping the broken toe to the toe next to it for stability. Wearing comfortable, enclosed, and sturdy shoes that do not press against the broken toe should also help. The only way to be certain a toe is broken versus being sprained or strained, is to have an X-ray taken. If a broken toe is associated with another injury or problem, if the big toe is the affected toe, if the skin is broken, or the toe is displaced it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation and treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Mark Majeski, DPM from Main Street Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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 care needs.

Having a wound on the bottom of the foot can not only be painful, but it can also be extremely difficult to treat. With any wound, cleaning and disinfecting it is important. Fortunately, minor cuts heal relatively quickly on their own, and an antibiotic ointment and simple bandage are enough to do the job. Staying off the foot as much as possible is a big help, too. The real problem with a wound on the bottom of the foot is when it is deep, won’t stop bleeding, or becomes infected. In those cases, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for immediate assistance. Keeping the wounded area covered is an effective and important way to avoid dire complications. After cleaning and dressing the area, adding a bandage, then a gauze wrapping, followed by an elastic bandage is suggested by experts. These bandages should be tight enough to protect the wound, but not so tight that circulation to the foot is cut off. If you are unsure of how to deal with a wound on the sole of the foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist.

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 Mark Majeski, DPM from Main Street Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our practitioner 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 Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.