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Fungal nail infections, or onychomycosis, affect a significant portion of the population, particularly the toenails. Characterized by discoloration, thickening, and sometimes detachment of the nail from its bed, these infections stem from fungi that invade through tiny breaks in the nail or surrounding skin. Anyone can contract this type of infection, but they are especially common in individuals with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, which predispose them to recurrence. Diagnosis should be professionally confirmed, and while treatments, mainly oral antifungal medications, are available, they can be lengthy and sometimes ineffective, with infections taking months to resolve. Notably, even after successful treatment, fungal nail infections can recur, particularly in people with chronic medical conditions that compromise the immune system or circulation. To manage and prevent recurrence, especially if you are at higher risk for these infections, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for comprehensive treatment and continual monitoring of this condition.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pregnancy is a transformative journey for a woman's body, and it is not just the baby bump that undergoes changes. The feet also experienced their share of adjustments during this remarkable period. As the body produces the hormone relaxin to prepare for childbirth, it can affect the ligaments and tendons throughout, including the feet. This increased flexibility can lead to a temporary increase in shoe size. Swelling, known as edema, is another common foot change during pregnancy and is often caused by fluid retention. This can make wearing comfortable footwear imperative. Added pressure on the arches can trigger or exacerbate flat feet, resulting in discomfort or pain. Be prepared for these transformations, and remember that they are all part of the incredible journey to motherhood. If you would like more information about how to find relief from foot pain during pregnancy, in addition to learning more about how the feet change during this exciting time, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with useful knowledge.

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 one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors 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 offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Changes to your toes and toenails can serve as silent indicators of your overall health. They may reveal underlying health issues, such as arthritis, heart disease, anemia, and diabetes. Painful, inflamed toe joints could be a sign of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or gout. Clubbed toes, characterized by toe enlargement and curving toenails, may suggest lung or heart problems. Toenails that appear scooped out might be linked to anemia or autoimmune disorders. Tingling, burning, or numbness in your toes are common signs of peripheral neuropathy, often associated with diabetes. Be vigilant about changes in your toenails or the appearance of any suspicious moles, as melanoma can also affect your toes. Also, nail bed changes, like half-and-half nails, where half of the nail bed appears white while the other half is a shade of red, pink, or brown, may indicate kidney disease. Washed-out toenails, with white or pale nails and a pink or brown band, can point to liver conditions. These subtle indicators can provide valuable insights into your well-being and for that reason should not be ignored. If you have noticed distinct changes to your toes or toenails, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, is a condition affecting the cuboid bone in the middle of the foot. It typically arises from foot injuries or dislocation that result in the tearing of the joints and ligaments around the cuboid bone. It is often associated with sports that stress the feet or individuals with significant overpronation. The primary symptom is foot pain and weakness, particularly when bearing weight. Swelling, tenderness, and redness may accompany these symptoms, hindering daily activities and sometimes causing a limp. Diagnosis can be challenging, as imaging tests may not consistently reveal the condition. If you have pain on the outside of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and tailored treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Managing arch pain can be a hindrance to your daily activities, but specific types of exercises can help to alleviate this discomfort and strengthen the arches of your feet. One effective exercise is the arch stretch. This can help foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis Simply sit on the floor and place a tennis ball under the arch of your foot. Roll the ball gently, allowing it to massage the arch area. Another helpful foot stretch is toe tapping. While seated, lift your foot off the ground and tap your toes on the floor, starting slowly and gradually increasing the speed. Towel curls are excellent for strengthening the muscles of the arch. These are done by sitting on a chair with your foot on a towel placed on the floor, and scrunching the towel using your toes. Regularly performing these exercises can relieve arch pain and contribute to stronger, more resilient feet. If you would like additional foot stretches to perform for relieving arch pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Achilles tendon ruptures are serious injuries often resulting from participating in intense physical activities such as running or sports involving quick turns and stops. If you experience a sharp pain accompanied by a popping sound in the back of your leg, it may indicate a tear in your Achilles tendon. Immediate diagnosis by a podiatrist, done typically through a physical examination and possibly an MRI, is crucial to determine the severity of the tear. Partial tears may require immobilization using a boot or splint, allowing the tendon to naturally heal over the course of approximately six weeks. Complete ruptures, however, often necessitate surgical intervention. Post-injury care includes elevation of the leg and pain medication. If you feel you may have ruptured your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Clubfoot is a congenital foot deformity that affects thousands of newborns worldwide. This condition is characterized by an abnormal positioning of the foot, where it turns inward and downward, making it appear like the sole is turned upward. While the exact cause of clubfoot is still not entirely understood, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors during fetal development. Typically, clubfoot can be detected shortly after birth. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for effective treatment. The goal of treatment is to correct the foot's positioning and allow for normal growth and development. This often involves a series of gentle manipulations, casting, and sometimes minor surgery. With early and appropriate medical care, most children born with clubfoot can lead normal, active lives. Regular follow-ups may be necessary to monitor the foot's growth and function, but the prognosis for those with clubfoot is generally positive. The key is prompt identification and intervention to ensure a healthy and active future for affected children. If your child has been born with clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can begin the necessary treatment methods.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

For runners, black toenails and toenail loss can be distressing issues that affect comfort and performance. Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to maintain strong and healthy toenails while pursuing your passion for running. It all starts with choosing the right footwear. Opt for running shoes that provide ample toe room, ensuring your toenails aren't cramped or subjected to undue pressure. Moisture management plays an important role; keeping your feet dry and utilizing moisture-wicking socks can prevent nail softening and potential damage. Be diligent about lacing your shoes securely to prevent your feet from shifting forward and affecting the front of the shoe. Additionally, consider a gradual approach to increasing training intensity to minimize the repetitive stress on your toenails. By following these proactive measures, you can safeguard your toenails from becoming bruised or falling off. If you have problems with your toenails as a result of running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for expert guidance and care. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.