Items filtered by date: April 2023

A laceration is a wound. Many wounds develop on the feet, and deep wounds often require stitches. If an object has pierced the skin, an X-ray may be taken which can determine if a piece of it is inside the wound. All wound care requires the hands to be washed thoroughly before the area is touched. This may be helpful in preventing an infection from developing. This is followed by removing the bandage, and gently washing the affected area. After an antibiotic ointment is applied, a new bandage can be put on, and it is important to keep it dry. For wounds that start to change colors, begin to reopen, or if there is decreased movement in the foot, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible. This type of doctor can offer you proper wound care management and provide you with correct treatment techniques.

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 Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. 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 Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe is a common foot injury, and can be caused for various reasons. If a heavy object suddenly drops on it, or if it is stubbed into a piece of furniture, it may fracture. Some people gradually develop a broken toe from increasing speed and distance too quickly while running, and this may be considered to be a type of stress fracture. Common symptoms of a broken toe can include immediate bruising, a reduced range of motion, and it can be difficult to walk. If the fracture is severe, there may be a popping sound that is heard when the injury occurs, and the bone may protrude from the skin. Most people who have broken their toe will have a diagnosis performed that can confirm this, which is done by having an X-ray taken. Treatment for mildly broken toes can consist of using the buddy taping method. This is accomplished by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. This is often successful in providing the necessary stability as the toe heals. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

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 Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor 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 Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet endure the weight of the body, and many people suffer from foot pain for various reasons. The feet are responsible for walking, running, and balancing the body, and it is beneficial to wear shoes that fit properly, possibly helping to prevent potential foot conditions. One of the most common foot ailments is known as flat feet, and may be treated by wearing custom-made orthotics. Heel pain may indicate plantar fasciitis or a heel spur, and this may come from standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day. Some people have toe pain which may occur from placing excess stress on the top part of the foot while exercising. A sprain that suddenly happens at the bottom of the big toe is known as turf toe. This can occur as a result of the big toe being bent beyond its normal range of motion. Any type of foot pain requires a visit to the podiatrist, and it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can determine the cause and offer correct treatment solutions. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Wendy L. Grossman, DPM  from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Bunions are a particular kind of bony bump that can form on the outside of the joint of the big toe or small pinky toe. It is important to note that some types of bunions can cause pain in individuals, while others do not. In this sense, a bunion can be a cosmetic issue for some patients. There are several steps that a patient can consider taking to prevent the formation of bunions. For example, an individual can be mindful of the shoes that they are wearing. Particularly tight shoes can lead to bunions developing. Instead, an individual can be sure to wear shoes that are spacious and comfortable. Secondly, an individual might be able to prevent the development of bunions by doing what they can to stop overpronation. Importantly, overpronation can occur when the foot rolls inward. Orthotics may be used to correct this. If you are someone that is struggling with bunions, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for treatment. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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