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Manalapan
(732) 845-0100

Manalapan (732) 845-0100

July 2019

Wednesday, 31 July 2019 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Monday, 29 July 2019 00:00

The Purpose of the Achilles Tendon

The Achilles tendon is located in the back of the calf, and its purpose is to connect the heel bone to the calf muscles. People that frequently participate in specific sporting activities may experience injuries to the Achilles tendon. This is the result of the tendon stretching too far, possibly making it rupture and tear. This can cause considerable pain and discomfort, and daily activities may be difficult to complete. Some of the symptoms that are often associated with this ailment can include difficulty in standing on tiptoes, walking up the steps, and some patients may notice the back of their ankle is bruised and swollen. It can help to ease the pain when elevating the affected ankle as often as possible, as this may help to reduce existing swelling. Treatment can include wearing a brace or splint, which may help to stabilize the foot. If you feel you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you towards the best treatment options.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Charles Marchese of Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 22 July 2019 00:00

Broken Toe Facts

Broken toes are often caused by trauma or injury. Repetitive movements can cause a break to turn into a stress or hairline fracture. Symptoms of a broken toe include pain, swelling, stiffness, bruising, and difficulty walking. The most common causes of a broken toe are stubbing the toe and dropping a heavy object on it. When compared to other parts of the foot, the toes are the most likely to get injured due to their location at the front of the feet. It is important to seek an opinion after the injury has occurred in order to ensure proper treatment and healing can take place. In order to diagnose whether it is a break or not, a doctor will ask questions of how the injury occurred and they will also administer an X-ray to confirm it. If you feel that you have sustained a broken toe, it is advised to consult with a podiatrist.


 

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. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. 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 our offices located in Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 16 July 2019 00:00

Simple Tips to Prevent Falls

Falls prevention is an important topic for older people. Being they will undergo physical changes and health conditions, this puts them more at risk to falls. There are six simple steps that will help prevent falls. The first step is to make an appointment with your doctor. It is important to be able to answer questions such as “What medications are you taking?”, “Have you fallen before?”, and “Can your health conditions potentially cause a fall?”. Having solutions to these questions will allow you to be more cautious. The second step is to keep moving. Staying active by taking part in physical activities will reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. The third step is to wear sensible shoes. Sturdy, properly fitting shoes will not be a safety hazard and can also help reduce joint pain. The fourth step is to remove any hazards in your house. It is important to clear the home of anything blocking the walking path such as wires, and to place non-slip mats on the floor so that you are not at risk of slipping on wet surfaces. The fifth step is to light up the living space. Whenever you are home, keep the lights on in each room you enter, in order to avoid tripping on objects that may be hard to see in the dark. The sixth and final step is to use assistive devices in your home. Use the hand rails when walking up and down the stairs, grab bars for the shower and a raised toilet seat when going to the bathroom. If you feel you may be prone to falls, see a podiatrist to discuss the best preventative options.

 

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. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. 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 our offices located in Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Diabetic patients may develop serious foot conditions as a result of elevated blood sugar levels. Some people experience neuropathy. Symptoms of this ailment often include a numbing or tingling sensation, and it may be painful to walk. Additionally, it can be difficult to feel any cuts or irritations on the feet, and this may lead to the formation of diabetic foot ulcers. This occurs when the cuts become infected, and if not promptly treated, gangrene may develop. People who are diabetic often notice changes in the feet. These consist of swelling, ingrown toenails, extremely dry skin, and temperature changes. If there are open wounds, it is suggested to keep the area covered and dry, and it may be beneficial to wear a supportive boot. Diabetic patients are urged to be under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat any foot condition that is associated with diabetes.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

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Tuesday, 02 July 2019 00:00

What is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, which is also referred to as “athlete’s foot,” is a skin infection that is caused by a fungus. It lives and thrives in warm and damp environments, so it is suggested to wear appropriate shoes while in these places. These include public swimming pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition often consist of peeling skin between the toes, redness on the bottom of the feet, blisters and cracked skin. For mild cases of athlete’s foot, treatment generally consists of applying an antifungal spray between the toes for several weeks. There are measures that can be implemented which can help to prevent athlete’s foot. These include washing and drying the feet daily, wearing cotton socks that can absorb moisture, and not sharing towels or shoes. If you feel you have this condition, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this affliction.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

 

Read more about How to Deal with Athlete's Foot