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Podiatrist - Clark, NJ
1114 Raritan Road
Clark, NJ 07066

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Foot Notes

Posts for: October, 2015

By Clark Podiatry Center
October 28, 2015
Tags: Hammertoes  

Many of us have heard of the term hammertoe but most of us don’t know what it means. Hammertoe is more common than you think and is a condition where one or more joints of the toes is bent. This is not only an irritating foot condition but also causes pressure and undue stress on your feet. Let’s explore how hammertoe is caused, what it looks like and how it can be treated.

Symptoms of Hammertoe

  • You may notice pain in your toes or general discomfort when walking with shoes.
  • You may see corns beginning to appear on the tops of your toes.
  • Calluses on or under the toes.
  • Pain throughout the foot or in the toes.

Causes of Hammertoe

  • Hammertoe is usually caused by shoes that don’t fit properly.
  • Other causes may include previous injuries or trauma.
  • It can also be caused if a person has irregularly shaped toes such as one or more toes that are longer than others.
  • Muscle imbalance that changes the structure of the foot.

Treatment and Remedies for Hammertoe

Can you leave hammertoe alone and hope it goes away on its own? NO! They usually become difficult to treat if prompt action isn‘t taken.

  • Corns can be trimmed under a board certified podiatrist.
  • Special pads can be found over the counter or through a podiatrist.
  • Changing your shoes may relieve some pain.
  • A podiatrist may be able to suggest injections or medications.
  • Splints or straps.

The best course of treatment would be to consult with a board certified podiatrist who will conduct a thorough evaluation and examination to suggest either non-invasive or invasive procedures based on the severity of the problem. Home remedies and over the counter medicine have shown to help the condition but do little to treat or cure hammertoes.

Dr. Brandon Macy is an excellent choice when it comes to addressing your foot and ankle concerns. Dr. Macy is a board certified podiatrist who is an experienced hammertoe specialist and podiatry surgeon and has treated men, women and children and successfully treated their foot problems. Come visit Clark Podiatry at Clark, New Jersey, call us at 732-382-3470 or schedule your online appointment. Our staff will take care of you with care and thoughtful attention. Check out our online patient library to find additional resources to learn about common foot ailments.

 


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By Clark Podiatry Center
October 27, 2015
Category: proper foot care
Tags: Untagged

Let’s learn about our feet. We all take our feet for granted and truly do not comprehend their importance. Our feet get us from point A to point B, they walk, they stomp, they run, they skip, they climb and they jog. They do so much for us each day of our lives but we know so little about our feet and how they do these daily tasks without us ever stopping to think. We only pay attention to our feet when we are in pain, or get some unsightly foot problem such as a callus, a corn or a wart. Even then, we don’t often wonder how we got it but just get annoyed and upset and curse the shoes we were wearing or how troublesome the whole issue is. So, let’s take a look at some common foot facts.

  1. 75% of the population deals with at least one foot problem.
  2. ¼ of all your bones are located in your feet.
  3. The thickest part of your skin is on the soles of your feet.
  4. Your finger nails grow faster than your toe nails.
  5. Standing takes more effort than walking.
  6. Some people never grow an arch in their foot.
  7. You have 250,000 sweat glands in your feet.
  8. Ankle sprains are most common in men.
  9. The best exercise for weight loss is walking.
  10. Older people tend to have more foot problems due to loss of bone density.
  11. If you have foot problems chances are you may also have other health problems.
  12. It is rare for people to be born with foot problems.
  13. There are 26 bones in your foot.
  14. Elephants use their feet for hearing.
  15. Dogs who excessively itch or lick their feet may have infections or parasites.
  16. Women are 4 times more likely than men to develop foot problems.
  17. Many children are born with flat feet.
  18. It is very common for children to toe walk.
  19. No two feet are exactly the same in size.
  20. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in America.
  21. Most foot ailments can be prevented by investing in good shoes and proper foot care.
  22. Flip flops are bad for your feet.
  23. It is not advisable to walk barefoot. This increases chances of infections and viruses.
  24. Home remedies do not work for painful feet.
  25. Shaving your calluses at home will lead to more problems.

Contact Dr. Brandon Macy, board certified podiatrist, to consult with him and his staff about what’s troubling your feet. Don’t ignore your foot troubles and get an accurate diagnosis. Call Clark Podiatry at (732) 382-3470 or book your online consultation. Dr. Brandon Macy is conveniently located in Clark, New Jersey and treats children, men and women.

 


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By Clark Podiatry Center
October 14, 2015
Tags: calluses   TransDerm  

Why do we get these unsightly and uncomfortable things called calluses? Our feet do all the walking, running, jumping, dancing and sitting that we need. Thus, they inevitably take a thrashing.

All that physical activity and the constant weight of our bodies on our feet is adding stress, friction, irritation and pressure. This either causes blisters and corns to form on our feet, or thickened skin called calluses. Although calluses are not generally painful, they can become painful when left untreated.

If you invest in proper foot care and take measures such as a hot water soak and moisturize your feet, your feet will get some relaxation. This will also soften the thickened area and prevent irritation and friction the next day. However, ignoring the problem and continuing to go about your daily activities will eventually lead to very painful calluses. Your feet may feel rock hard and heavy and cause you a lot of discomfort. You may also develop small lesions on the bottom of your feet. Patients often describe the sensation and state that it feels as if small pebbles or stones were stuck in their shoe. This foot condition is generally known as plantar porokeratosis, although porokeratosis has a broader definition in podiatry. Scraping and buffing the calluses can only temporarily help as they only remove the outer surface of the skin and do not completely solve the problem and the pain associated with it.

If you or someone you know is dealing with painful calluses or porokeratosis, rest assured because there is hope and help for you. Schedule an appointment with a board certified podiatrist and you will learn of the latest treatments that are available for this condition.

Dr. Brandon Macy is a board certified podiatrist and surgeon and has been treating adults and children since 1981. Dr. Brandon Macy and his staff are proud to offer a new state of the art treatment for treating painful calluses known as the TransDerm Solutions Treatment Systems.

This is a highly advanced, painless and non-invasive treatment that can offer quick results. The TransDerm Treatment System is a simple procedure that is done over 2 days. It involves the application of special topical solutions in a step by step process targeted to improve lesions and tough calluses in the feet.

Call Clark Podiatry today to find out more about this revolutionary treatment at (732) 382-3470.

Visit us at Clark, New Jersey to see our office where you will be in good hands from start to finish. Request your online appointment now!


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By Clark Podiatry Center
October 09, 2015
Tags: Untagged

Acupuncture is one of the latest trends in the beauty and wellness industry. However, acupuncture is actually one of the oldest forms of Chinese medicine dating back to at least 100 B.C.

Acupuncture has been widely used in Asia and around the world for many different health concerns such as nausea, pain, sports injuries, varicose veins, facial rejuvenation, allergy relief, infertility, etc. Acupuncture is now being used to treat depression, anxiety and even certain forms of cancer.

So does it work? Acupuncture is backed by a lot of science and research and there are many different theories on whether it really is beneficial or not. However, the World Health Organization does stand in support of acupuncture and has published a list of symptoms and health concerns that have been treated successfully with acupuncture. So, can acupuncture help you with your foot and ankle problems? You bet! Studies have shown that acupuncture can be helpful in treating many forms of foot pain associated with the ankle, heel and the ball of the foot.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the practice of stimulating specific parts in the body by inserting tiny, thin needles into the skin. In traditional Chinese medicine, there are various acupuncture or acupressure points in our body and through inserting the needles, the flow of energy or ‘qi’ is regulated and balanced.

How does it work?

In acupuncture, the needles enter the skin to stimulate the nerves. This sends a signal to the brain and releases endorphins which make you feel euphoric and happy. This state of happiness promotes overall well-being and pain relief.

Foot Problems Acupuncture Can Treat

Acupuncture is a low-cost treatment that comes with many benefits with little to no pain and very minor side effects. Acupuncture is an alternative treatment and should ideally support and aid your foot and ankle recovery and healing similar to home remedies or physical therapy.

While acupuncture can be beneficial and aid recovery after injuries and illness, it is important to see a board certified podiatrist if you notice chronic pain or symptoms that worsen or do not improve.

Visit Dr. Brandon Macy at Clark Podiatry to discuss your foot and ankle situation. Dr. Brandon Macy is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and will thoroughly evaluate your concerns and advise you of the latest and best in treatment and care. He specializes in treating children’s foot problems with a gentle approach. Clark Podiatry is located right on Raritan Road in Clark, New Jersey.

Come in for a consultation today or call us at (732) 382-3470 to speak with one of our wonderful staff members.


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By Clark Podiatry Center
October 02, 2015
Category: Foot Health Tips
Tags: Untagged

Let’s face it. Our feet are on the lowest part of our bodies and we often forget about them. Feet are one of the most neglected body parts and we really underestimate the importance of having clean and healthy feet. This is especially true in children and men who are not accustomed to wearing open-toed pumps, strappy heels, sandals or feet baring flip flops. Women’s feet definitely take a big beating especially if you live in the Northeast where most people commute through public transportation, biking or walking.

There are simple ways you can keep your feet healthy and beautiful and we can all follow these guidelines without needing fancy pedicures.

Home Pedicures

Foot fungus and other conditions can be easily prevented by keeping your feet clean and by wearing proper fitting shoes that are breathable and airy. Avoid wearing sweaty or damp shoes without drying them first. Improper foot hygiene and habits will eventually lead to discolored nails, bacterial infections, painful warts, corns, calluses, and in worse cases, toenail fungus.

  1. Soak your feet in warm water. Throw in some lemon, salt or baking soda for an antibacterial effect and some brightening. You can also add essential oils such as eucalyptus or tea tree oil for disinfecting and cleansing.
  2. Clip your toenails. Avoid cutting too close to the cuticle.
  3. File your nails and remove cuticles with a cuticle remover.
  4. Use a bristle brush, a loofah or a pumice stone to scrub your heels and sides of the feet.
  5. Wipe your feet dry and apply a thick moisturizing lotion such as Vaseline, Eucerin or Shea Butter.
  6. Repeat these steps after a tough day and at least once a month.

 

Food to Keep Your Feet Healthy

Eating a well-balanced and healthy diet, rich with fruits and vegetables can also go a long way in preventing foot problems. You can also supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals for maximum immune support.

  1. Eggs, Shellfish, Liver, Beef (Rich in Vitamin B12)
  2. Vegetables and Fruits that are Red, Orange and Green (Rich in Vitamin C)
  3. Oysters, Tofu, Green beans, Soybeans, Cheese (Rich in Zinc)
  4. Mushrooms, Peanut butter or alternative, Whole grains (Rich in Biotin)
  5. Yogurt (Rich in Probiotics)
  6. Herbal teas and Water (For hydration)

Home remedies, good hygiene and a healthy diet will help relieve foot pain and discomfort from general wear and tear but, if you are experiencing unexplainable foot pain, burning or itchy feet, a pins and needles feeling in your feet and legs, see a board certified podiatrist immediately.

Consult with Dr. Brandon Macy at Clark Podiatry to get an accurate diagnosis to your foot and ankle problems and say goodbye to pain today. Dr. Brandon Macy, who is a board certified podiatrist, will treat you with his caring touch and expertise in pediatric and adult podiatry.

Visit Clark Podiatry, located right in Clark, New Jersey. Call us at 732-382-3470. 


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Call Today 732-382-3470

1114 Raritan Road
Clark, NJ 07066

Podiatrist - Clark, Dr. Brandon Macy, 1114 Raritan Road, Clark NJ, 07066 732-382-3470