Blisters are fluid-filled bubbles of skin that can form anywhere on the body.  Most blisters on the feet and toes are caused by friction from shoes or socks rubbing repeatedly over a concentrated area of skin. The top layer of skin separates from the layers of skin underneath it and the empty space fills with a fluid called serum or plasma. The fluid cushions and protects the raw skin underneath the blister.  Most blisters are clear and filled with serum. Sometimes, a blister can appear red or black. This is indicative of blood vessel damage, in addition to skin damage. Infected blisters may have a white or yellow tinge due to pus forming and collecting beneath the blister. Most blisters heal on their own, but if you have a blister that appears to be infected, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.  

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Robert Marcus of Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. While many cases of ingrown toenails can be resolved without complications, it is important to stay on the lookout for any signs of infection. These may include reddening or hardening of the skin surrounding the ingrown nail, swelling, pain, pressure under the nail, throbbing, bleeding, a foul odor, a buildup of fluid, and warmth around the nail. In more severe infections, pus-filled abscesses can form where the nail pokes into the skin. If your ingrown toenail is showing signs of infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Robert Marcus of Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Children are often on their feet playing games, participating in sports, and running and jumping around. High levels of activity can increase your child’s chances of developing heel pain. Active children between the ages of 8 and 14 may find themselves with Sever’s disease, an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, is also common. Children who play high impact sports like football may be more likely to incur Achilles tendon injuries or foot and ankle fractures. If your child complains of heel pain, take them to see a podiatrist. With proper care, your child can make a full recovery.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Robert Marcus of Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma refers to the thickening or scarring of a nerve in the ball of the foot. This condition typically affects the nerve located between the third and fourth toes. When the nerve is compressed or irritated, the nerve tissue can thicken and scar, causing a variety of painful symptoms. If left untreated, nerve damage may become permanent. Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma include burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling, numbness, and the feeling of walking on a pebble. Symptoms usually worsen while walking, bearing weight on the affected foot, or wearing tight shoes. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Robert Marcus of Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

If you are new to the world of working out, you may be wondering what type of shoes to get. Running shoes are often found in shoe stores, but what if you just want to walk? Can you still wear running shoes? The answer is yes, but you may want to consider the differences between running and walking shoes. Running shoes have more cushioning and support than walking shoes. This is to protect the feet against the pounding and stronger impacts that occur while running. Running shoes are also less flexible than walking shoes. Finally, because running generates more heat than walking, running shoes are generally made of more breathable materials than walking shoes. Unfortunately, walking shoes can be more difficult to find than running shoes. Stores that sell them often have a limited selection of styles and colors relative to other types of shoes. If you are unsure of what kind of shoes would best suit your needs, a podiatrist can examine your feet and provide you with suggestions on what to look for when shopping for the right pair of shoes for you. 

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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