Items filtered by date: April 2022

Falling is common among people who are sixty-five years and older. This can happen as a result of poor vision and balance, in addition to safety hazards that may be present in the household. It is beneficial for seniors to undergo routine physical examinations, and this can be helpful in updating existing medication. Additionally, balance and strength may be increased when a gentle exercise routine is frequently practiced. It is beneficial to implement falls prevention techniques which can consist of installing handrails in the bath and toilet area and removing any worn rugs. It is important for lighting to be improved, and existing clutter removed. The feet can be affected when falling occurs and can cause lifestyle changes. If you would like more information about how falling can affect the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Ronald Sheppard from Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

The symptoms between a sprained and broken toe can be similar. They generally include immediate bruising or swelling, as well as difficulty when walking. An X-ray is typically taken which can confirm a broken toe. In many instances, a broken toe can look dislocated, and the pain is often felt at the exact location it was fractured. Many patients have broken their toes if a heavy object should fall on one or more of them, or if a toe injury has occurred. For mild breaks, buddy taping is often effective. This is done by taping the broken toe to the toe next to it. This can be successful in providing the necessary stability as the healing process takes place. If you have symptoms of a broken toe, please consult with a podiatrist who can provide the correct treatment for you.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard from Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Gout is a painful arthritic condition caused by an excessive amount of uric acid in the body that hardens into crystals that lodge in the joints. Gout can occur in any joint, however, it is most common in the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint at the base of the big toe. People with gout may also have other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA)—particularly because they all share obesity as a risk factor. In addition, the degenerative effects OA has on joints, and the faster skin cell turnover cycle in PsA can make a person more susceptible to developing gout. If you have any pain in your MTP joint, or any joint in your feet or ankles, a podiatrist can examine you and make a proper diagnosis with a CT scan and/or joint (synovial) fluid analysis. Once your podiatrist determines the presence of gout or any other form of arthritis, they can treat you accordingly.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard from Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. 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 one of our offices located in Marlboro and Watchung, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A small area on the skin that is filled with liquid and resembles a bubble is referred to as a blister. Its function is to protect the damaged skin while new skin grows, and will gradually drain when the body no longer needs it. A blister often develops as a result of excessive friction from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, blisters can form from certain medical conditions, including psoriasis, frostbite, and eczema. An allergic reaction to an insect bite may cause a blister, or one may develop from specific types of chemicals. The blister can be protected by placing a bandage over it, as daily activities are completed. If you frequently develop blisters on your feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with reasons why and suggest correct preventative techniques.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard of Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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