Diabetic patients who develop foot wounds often understand the necessity of properly treating them. This begins with examining the bottom of the feet with a mirror to check for existing cuts. This is helpful in noticing small cuts and scrapes, and prompt treatment may prevent painful infections from developing. Common symptoms of an infected wound can include redness, swelling, and there may be pus that drains. Having a high temperature may accompany an infected wound, in addition to feeling unwell.  A foot wound can be treated by cleaning it with warm water, followed by covering it with a protective dressing. It is beneficial that the bandage is changed daily, and walking is limited. If you have a foot wound that has become infected, it is strongly urged that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat wounds on the feet.

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 one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toe pain can have many causes, including trauma, bunions, corns, fractures, and gout. Other causes of toe pain include ingrown toenails, hammertoe, arthritis, and improper footwear. Still other causes of toe pain are athlete’s foot, arthritis, and turf toe. Among the symptoms you may experience are a burning feeling or warmth in the joint, difficulty moving the toe, bruising or skin discoloration, and swelling. To find out the exact cause of the pain, a podiatrist can start by taking a history, such as the location of the pain, when it started, the severity of the pain, and the type of pain. Is it a dull, throbbing sensation or an acute, sharp pain? Is the pain constant or does it come and go? Next a visual examination is likely. If a toe is severely bruised, it may indicate that an X-ray or other imaging test is needed to determine the cause. In some cases, as with diabetic patients, runners, or athletes, a more in-depth history and examination may be necessary. Once the cause is determined, a podiatrist can suggest the proper treatment plan for you.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Cracked heels can develop into fissures that become both painful and potentially dangerous. A fissure is a deep crack in the skin of the heel, usually caused by a lack of moisturization. Some conditions can contribute to the formation of heel fissures, including living in a dry climate, frequently wearing open-backed shoes, walking barefoot, and being overweight. Certain underlying medical problems, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, also may be causes of heel fissures. Because open crevices in the skin can invite bacterial infection, it is essential to deal with heel fissures as soon as possible. Applying good-quality moisture creams or lotions several times a day and covering the feet with socks can speed up the healing process. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or auto-immune deficiency would be wise to consult a podiatrist for help with eliminating heel fissures in a safe and timely fashion. 

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 one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When an individual breaks a bone in their feet, they will develop a condition that is known as a fractured foot. A fractured, or broken, foot can make it significantly difficult to put weight on the foot, and a patient may experience pain or discomfort. Often, patients with a fractured foot want to know if they are able to wear their normal shoes or when it is appropriate to do so. Unfortunately, there is no definite or universal answer to this question, as each case of fractured feet is highly specific and unique to each individual. However, as a general rule, someone who fractures their foot might have to wear some kind of medical boot or cast on the affected foot for some time after an injury. During this time, it might not be advisable to wear normal shoes. Although recovery time may vary from case to case, generally, foot fractures may take a few months to fully heal. To get treatment for a fractured foot, contact a podiatrist today.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A rash that develops on the foot may be athlete’s foot. It is an uncomfortable condition that is found between the toes and on the bottom of the foot, and severe itching is a common symptom. Additionally, the skin may turn red, and small blisters can be seen. Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that lives in warm environments, such as shower room floors and public swimming pools. It can enter the body through small cracks in the skin, and it is suggested to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas. These can consist of flip-flops or water shoes, and walking barefoot is frowned upon. There are three categories of athlete’s foot which can slightly differ. Peeling or cracked skin that is found between the fourth and fifth toes may indicate a toe web infection has developed. A moccasin-type infection may start with a sore foot, then followed by the skin becoming thick. Blisters that are on the sole of the foot may be the beginning of a vesicular infection and may travel to other parts of the foot. If you are afflicted with any type of athlete's foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can prescribe the necessary medication for complete healing.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Chemotherapy is a way in which modern science has enabled doctors to treat cancer patients. Essentially, chemotherapy is a way to kill cancer cells that grow and multiply in the body rapidly. Chemotherapy is associated with many different changes in the body, and one of those changes is a noticeable difference in the health of the nails. For example, chemotherapy can sometimes be associated with toenail fungus. Pre-existing nail fungus, like that common to the toenails, can exacerbate nail changes produced by chemotherapy. Importantly, sometimes chemotherapy can induce changes to the nails that then can lead to the development of some kind of toenail fungus. If you are someone who is living with cancer, it is important to understand the effects chemotherapy can have on the health of your toenails. A podiatrist can help you navigate these potential effects on your feet.  

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Hyperhidrosis of the feet is simply defined as a condition that can cause an individual to sweat excessively in the feet area. The sweating can be so severe that the feet even slip around in the shoes due to the excessive moisture. Due to the constant sweat on the feet, hyperhidrosis can make the feet more susceptible to infection. Hyperhidrosis of the feet might be linked to some kind of anxiety. If an individual has a particular kind of anxiety disorder, a common symptom that might manifest itself is sweaty feet. This can be linked to anxiety because sweating due to nervous feelings can often lead to a vicious cycle where an individual stresses about their sweating, causing more sweating. If you are someone that struggles with anxiety and sweating, consider reaching out to a podiatrist today. This foot specialist will be able to help you address any problems you have with hyperhidrosis.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists of Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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

Choosing running shoes that fit well can be a daunting task. It can help to decide what kind of running is desired and find shoes that are a match. There are various types of running surfaces, including trails, roads, and treadmills. In addition to that, it is beneficial for the running style to be considered which can be racing, casual, or long-distance. Shoes that are made for road running often have extra cushioning and must be able to handle running on a hard surface. Trail running requires shoes that have more traction than other shoes and this can make it easier to run on dirt, mud, or rocks. Many people choose to wear lighter shoes if treadmill running is their style. This lighter type of shoe may have less cushioning. To ensure a proper fit for any type of running the foot must be accurately measured. This is done by combining the width of the shoe, the heel fit, and the instep. If you would like additional information about how to choose the right running shoes, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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