Children are constantly on the move, making their feet vulnerable to cuts from sharp objects, rough surfaces, or accidental scrapes. These injuries are common in barefoot activities like playing on the beach, running outside, or walking around pools. Cuts can happen to any child, but are more frequent in those who are active or prone to minor accidents. Small cuts are usually cleaned, covered with an antibiotic ointment, and bandaged to prevent dirt and bacteria from entering. Deeper wounds may require butterfly bandages or medical closure strips to keep the skin together while healing. To prevent infection, parents should monitor healing, change dressings regularly, and watch for signs of redness, swelling, or pus. Keeping feet clean and covered in risky environments can reduce injuries. If a cut is deep, slow to heal, or shows signs of infection, it is strongly suggested that you take your child in to see a podiatrist for proper care.

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.

Pain in the arch of the foot can greatly impact your daily life, making it challenging to bear weight or walk. This discomfort may result from a variety of conditions, including plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or overpronation. Plantar fasciitis, a common cause, involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arch collapses, leading to pain and strain due to improper distribution of weight. Overpronation, where the foot rolls inward excessively during walking, can also strain the ligaments and muscles, contributing to arch pain. Additional factors such as obesity, ill-fitting footwear, and repetitive high-impact activities can worsen the issue. A podiatrist, a specialist in diagnosing and treating foot conditions, can evaluate your feet to determine the underlying cause of the pain. Treatment may include custom orthotics or specific exercises to relieve pain and improve foot function. If you are experiencing arch pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and to discuss potential treatment options.

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.

During pregnancy, many women experience changes in their feet, with one of the most noticeable being an increase in foot size. This occurs due to a combination of factors related to hormonal changes, weight gain, and the growing baby. Increased levels of the hormone relaxin play a significant role by loosening ligaments and joints in the body to accommodate childbirth. This relaxation of ligaments can lead to the feet becoming wider and longer. Additionally, the weight gained during pregnancy puts added pressure on the feet, causing the arches to flatten and the feet to spread. Fluid retention is another contributing factor, as the body retains more fluids during pregnancy, which can lead to swelling in the feet and ankles. As a result, many women find that their shoe size increases during pregnancy, and some may experience permanent changes even after childbirth. If you have foot pain during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer effective relief tips. 

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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 and ankle needs.

Wearing high heels can lead to a variety of foot problems due to the unnatural positioning and pressure they place on the feet. High heels force the toes into a confined space and push the body’s weight forward, increasing pressure on the toes and the ball of the foot. This can lead to painful conditions such as bunions, corns, and calluses. Over time, wearing high heels can also cause shortening and tightening of the Achilles tendon, leading to Achilles tendinitis or heel pain. Additionally, the elevated heel alters the natural alignment of the spine and joints, potentially causing back and knee pain. High heels can also contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis due to the strain they place on the bottom of the foot. While wearing high heels occasionally may not cause immediate harm, frequent use can lead to long-term foot and joint problems. If you have foot pain from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and educate you on more appropriate  shoes to wear.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. 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 Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels, a common foot issue, are more frequently reported in women than men, possibly due to footwear choices or hormonal differences affecting skin elasticity. These dry, thickened skin fissures can develop from prolonged standing, wearing open-backed shoes, or exposure to dry environments. Other risk factors include obesity, aging, and medical conditions like diabetes or eczema, which impair skin health. Prevention starts with keeping feet moisturized and exfoliated to remove dead skin. Wearing supportive, closed-back shoes and using heel balms with urea or salicylic acid can help maintain skin hydration and elasticity. If cracks deepen or cause pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist. They can debride thickened skin, recommend prescription-strength treatments, and address underlying conditions contributing to the problem.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.