Items filtered by date: December 2023

A child’s boundless energy and adventurous spirit can sometimes lead to an accident or injury, such as a broken bone in the feet. For parents, the first step is to recognize the signs and symptoms, such as pain, swelling, bruising, or a change in the shape of your child's foot. Difficulty walking or moving the foot should prompt an immediate visit to a podiatrist. This medically trained foot doctor may use various diagnostic tools to assess the extent of the injury. X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can reveal broken bones or other potential issues. A bone scan may also be administered for a comprehensive view. The primary goals of treating a child's foot fracture are to promote healing and prevent further injury. Typically, a cast or splint will be applied to immobilize the foot and lower leg, which allows the bones to mend. Pain management and infection prevention may involve medication, and if the skin is broken, a tetanus shot may be necessary. In some cases, depending on the severity of the injury, surgery may be required to realign the bones properly. Wires or screws may be used to maintain stability during the healing process. If your child has symptoms of a broken foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Henrietta Obidigbo, DPM from Jersey Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Plantar warts, though usually harmless, can be quite bothersome. These skin growths typically appear on the soles of your feet and can be painful, especially when walking. They are caused by a virus that accelerates the growth of the top layer of skin, resulting in the formation of warts. While plantar warts generally disappear on their own over months or even years, they can be a source of discomfort and concern. These warts are extremely contagious and can spread easily. Not only can you re-infect yourself by touching a wart and then another part of your body, but you can also transmit the virus to others by sharing personal items, like towels or socks. In most cases, plantar warts do not require treatment. However, if they cause you pain or multiply, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Henrietta Obidigbo, DPM from Jersey Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Ankle fractures, involving breaks in the bones forming the ankle joint, vary in location and severity. A lateral malleolus fracture occurs in the fibula, which is the smaller leg bone, and is the most frequent type of ankle fracture. Medial malleolus fractures affect the tibia's inner side, while a posterior malleolus fracture involves the back of the tibia. Bimalleolar fractures involve both the medial and lateral malleoli, and trimalleolar fractures include the posterior malleolus as well. Pilon fractures are severe, affecting the bottom of the tibia and potentially damaging the ankle joint's surface. Stress fractures, resulting from repetitive stress rather than a single injury, are minor cracks in the bone. Each type of ankle fracture varies in treatment and recovery, with severity ranging from simple breaks that may heal with rest and immobilization to complex fractures requiring surgical intervention. If you have fractured your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the type and severity of the break, and provide appropriate treatment options.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Henrietta Obidigbo, DPM from Jersey Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Swollen ankles from flying, a condition known as edema, often occurs during long flights. This happens due to a combination of factors such as prolonged immobility, changes in cabin pressure, and dehydration, all of which can lead to fluid retention in the lower limbs. When seated for extended periods of time, gravity causes fluid to pool in the feet and ankles, leading to swelling. The reduced cabin pressure in airplanes can also contribute to fluid accumulation in the body tissues. Additionally, the air inside the cabin is quite dry, and if an individual does not drink enough water, it can lead to dehydration, further exacerbating the swelling. To alleviate this issue, it is advisable to move around the cabin and perform simple leg and foot exercises while seated. Additionally, it is beneficial to wear loose clothing and maintain hydration by drinking plenty of water. Compression stockings can also be helpful in preventing swelling by promoting better circulation in the legs. If you are planning on taking a long flight, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for more personalized advice, particularly if you have underlying health conditions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Henrietta Obidigbo, DPM of Jersey Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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