Items filtered by date: May 2025

Tuesday, 13 May 2025 00:00

Healthy Habits for Better Foot Hygiene

Good foot hygiene helps prevent odor, infection, and common skin problems. Washing your feet daily with soap and water removes sweat, dirt, and bacteria. Drying carefully between the toes helps prevent fungal infections. Keeping toenails trimmed and clean reduces the risk of ingrown nails and infection. Moisturizing dry skin can prevent cracks, especially on the heels. Wearing clean, breathable socks and changing them daily keeps feet dry and comfortable. Shoes should fit well and be allowed to air out between uses. Avoid walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms or near pools, where germs are common. Simple habits make a big difference in keeping your feet healthy. If you notice changes in your skin, nails, or foot odor that does not improve, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from Princeton Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors 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 Princeton, and West Windsor, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Tuesday, 06 May 2025 00:00

Types of Foot Arthritis

Foot arthritis is a condition where the joints in the foot become inflamed, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. There are several types of arthritis that can affect the foot, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. Osteoarthritis results from wear and tear on the joints over time, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. Post-traumatic arthritis can develop after an injury, such as a fracture or severe sprain. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty walking. Risk factors for developing foot arthritis include aging, previous injuries, obesity, genetic predisposition, and repetitive stress on the feet. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are important to maintain mobility. If you have symptoms of foot arthritis, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief tips, helping you to manage this condition.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Princeton Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

  • Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
  • Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
  • Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

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