Athlete’s foot, also called tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that commonly affects the skin on the feet. It often begins between the toes, where moisture and warmth allow fungi to thrive. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, redness, peeling, and a scaly buildup on the skin. In some cases, painful cracks or fluid-filled blisters may develop, and the soles of the feet thicken over time. Untreated athlete’s foot can lead to secondary bacterial infections, especially when skin breakdown occurs. People who wear tight shoes or frequently walk barefoot in communal areas, like locker rooms or showers, are more at risk. A podiatrist can examine the affected area and confirm the diagnosis, sometimes with a skin scraping for microscopic evaluation. Treatment includes antifungal medication applied directly to the feet, or, in some cases, taken orally. If you have symptoms of athlete's foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate 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 Wendy K. Stinson, DPM from New Jersey.  Our doctor 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 Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis that develops when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream and forms sharp crystals in the joints. This often leads to sudden episodes of intense pain, redness, and swelling, most commonly in the big toe. The attacks can come on quickly, sometimes overnight, and may last for days if untreated. There are several factors that can raise the risk of gout. Triggers can include eating foods rich in purines, such as red meat, shellfish, and alcohol, which can increase uric acid levels. Being overweight, having kidney problems, or taking certain medications may also contribute. Additionally, family history plays a role as well, since some people naturally produce more uric acid or have more difficulty eliminating it. Lifestyle changes and proper medical care can reduce painful flares and prevent long-term joint damage. If you have joint pain that may be gout, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Wendy K. Stinson, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Children and young teenagers who complain of heel pain may be experiencing a condition known as Sever’s disease. This condition is defined as inflammation in the growth plate of the heel due to repetitive force. It can affect children who frequently participate in running and jumping activities, such as soccer, basketball, or gymnastics. Early recognition and treatment is most effective with Sever’s disease. When this condition is managed early on, safe return to play and sports will be more likely. Mild relief can be found when the affected foot is elevate and the activity is temporarily ceased. If your child is limping or complaining of heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Wendy K. Stinson, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you feel a burning pain in the ankle, and numbness or tingling on the sole of the foot, you may have a condition known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. It occurs when the leg’s tibial nerve, which allows you to feel and move the foot, is compressed. Tarsal tunnel syndrome usually affects only one foot, and discomfort tends to be worse at night. It may be caused by osteoarthritis, scar tissue buildup from an ankle injury, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes. The area of the foot where the tibial nerve enters the back of the ankle, called the tarsal tunnel, is normally narrow. But if the nerve is compressed, it may activate the syndrome. Pressure on the nerve may be caused by swelling from an injury, a bone spur, flat feet, a high arch, or systemic diseases. Treatment can include orthotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory injections, and in severe cases, surgery. For more information about tarsal tunnel syndrome, please consult a podiatrist who can evaluate your condition and prescribe the proper treatment.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Wendy K. Stinson, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.