Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC

Each of us has a unique walking pattern, defined as our gait. Gait is crucial for development because when observed at an early age, it can be an early diagnostic clue for conditions such as cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders. Normal gait requires adequate strength and balance from all participating joints. Dr. Frank Killian of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry would like to briefly explain some different types of abnormal gait. Scissors gait – This is when the legs are flexed slightly at the hips and knees in a crouching motion. The knees and thighs may hit each other crossing in a scissor-like movement. Waddling gait – This type of gait is usually observed in children and will cause a person to have a duck-like walk. Magnetic gait – This occurs when a person walks while shuffling their feet as if they stick to the ground. If you suffer from arthritis of the leg or foot joints or experience frequent corns, calluses, or swelling of the feet, call us immediately to discuss your treatme...

When standing in a neutral position, most people have a gap under the arch of their foot. The inner part of the foot is slightly raised off the ground. People with flat feet or fallen arches either have no arch, or it is very low. Flatfoot is a complex disorder, with many symptoms and varying degrees of deformity and disability. If you experience symptoms of flatfoot, visit the doctors at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry for treatment. A significant number of people with flat feet experience no pain and have no problems. Some, however, may experience pain in their feet, especially when connecting ligaments and muscles are strained. The leg joints may also be affected, resulting in pain. If the ankles turn inwards because of flat feet, the most likely affected areas will be the feet, ankles, and knees. Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the condition. A symptom is something the patient feels and reports, while a sign is something other people, including the doctor, may detect. If you h...

Mercer-Ocean Podiatry has helped many diabetics manage their foot care and we encourage all diabetics to continue their foot care at home.  A diabetic’s weakened immune system and reduced blood flow to the extremities like feet can mean small injuries have the potential to wreak havoc due to the body being unable to heal itself in this area.  Even when they are managing their blood sugar properly, diabetics should pay special attention to their feet.  A short daily inspection and a few minutes encouraging circulation are simple preventative measures that can make all the difference.  A diabetic body’s diminished capacity to heal itself in the extremities can even lead to amputations when injuries and infections go unnoticed. This is why a short daily inspection of both feet can prevent huge problems.  Look for any abrasions, redness, swelling, and irregularities in the toenails.  Two or three times a day, spend five minutes moving your ankles and toes to encourage blood flow to the fee...

Arthritis is the Inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis ­­ is the most common type of arthritis that occurs in the joints of the hips, knees, and spine. However, it can also disturb the fingers, thumb, neck, and large toe. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease that cause inflammation of the lining of the joints, and can lead to long-­term joint damage which results in chronic pain, loss of function and disability. Arthritis often occurs if you’re overweight, putting more pressure on your back, knees, and joints. Overusing your joints by doing extensive running and jumping can also develop arthritis. Some signs that you may have arthritis are if you have joint pain and stiffness, decreased range of motion, and swelling. Coming off an injury often times arthritis develops which is why rehabilitation after a surgery or injury is crucial. Dr. Frank Killan at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry recommends a variety of ways to relieve arthritis such physical the...

  Hammertoe occurs from a muscle and ligament imbalance around the toe joint which causes the middle joint of the toe to bend and become stuck in this position. Middle toes are likely to be affected although baby toes that curl are also considered hammertoes.  If the hammertoes are flexible that means the toes are still movable and there are minor treatment options. A more serious form of hammertoe is called rigid hammertoe which means the toe won’t move at all and would require surgery. No matter which case of hammertoes you have Doctors at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry can diagnose and decide on the best treatment. Hammertoe is often hereditary and minor solutions include better fitting shoes and orthotics, splints, and metatarsal pads which help widen the foot.  Doctors at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry can help with any questions you may have and diagnose any toe issues you may be experiencing. Visit our website www.newjerseyfoot.com to view other services we offer. To schedule an appointment with ...

Heel pain is generally the result of walking abnormalities that place too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues that attach to it. Heel pain is a very common but potentially disruptive affliction that has many possible causes, including stress fractures, arthritis, nerve irritation, cysts, tendonitis and most often, plantar fasciitis. Fortunately, no matter what is causing your heel pain, the podiatrists at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry can treat it. Heel pain is not usually caused by a single injury, such as a twist or a fall, but rather the result of repetitive stress and the pounding of the heel. Your feet can handle a heavy load, but too much stress pushes them over their limit. Heel pain is frequently triggered by wearing flat footwear, because this type of footwear can stretch the plantar fascia to such an extent that the area becomes swollen (inflamed). When you continue to walk on a sore heel, it will only get worse and could become a chronic condition leading to more probl...

Bone spurs typically occur because of continued stress or rubbing of a bone for a prolonged period of time. They can form in any bone but are most commonly found in joints, where two or more bones come together. Bone spurs can be found in people with plantar fasciitis and tendinitis. Whatever the cause, Dr. Frank Killian of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC can discuss treatment options with you.   Bone spurs do not always cause symptoms. Many people have bone spurs but do not realize. However, if bone spurs rub against other bones or nearby soft tissues they can cause pain. To diagnose a bone spur, Dr. Frank Killian will likely begin with a medical history and physical examination. The physical examination will include testing the joints that are affected to determine how much motion you have and how much pain you experience. If you are having problems with increased pain in your joints or loss of motion, call us immediately. If you have questions or concerns regarding podiatry, please give u...

A bunion looks like a big bump on the outside of the big toe, but it is actually caused by a deformity of the bones in the foot.  Bunions are created when the big toe leans and pushes against the second toe.  This changes the bone structure of the toes over time, and forms the visible bump at the base of the big toe.  Whether you are experiencing a bunion or hoping to prevent them, the doctors at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry recommend some simple foot care to keep you from getting bummed out by a bunion! The best proactive measure to take is choosing comfortable and supportive footwear.  This issue is exacerbated by wearing high-heeled or pointy-toed shoes, putting women at a higher risk of developing bunions.  Choose a pair of shoes with enough room in the toe box area for all the toes to fit comfortably.  Strong support in the sole also helps evenly distribute weight and puts less pressure on the toes.  If you’ve already developed bunions, you may experience symptoms like pain and inflammat...

The doctors at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry get a lot of questions from patients about shoes, and how to choose the best shoes for their families.  Children three and older experience foot growth at the rate of one-half a foot size every four to six months, but a growth spurt can cause a child’s feet can grow up to two sizes in a six month period.   So how can you keep their feet comfy, without going broke from buying new shoes?  Leave room for growth when selecting.  There should always be extra room for a child’s foot to grow in the toe area or ‘box’ of the shoe.  A good measure for this extra wiggle room could be the width of one of your fingers.  From the tip of the child’s big toe to the tip of the shoe, extra space the length of one finger width should do. As kids age, they put their shoes through a lot, and luckily most shoes are made to withstand some of this wear and tear.  Before tossing every scuffed pair, look around the edge of the sole for wear in the material.  This is a sign t...

Arch pain (often referred to as arch strain) refers to an inflammation and/or burning sensation at the arch of the foot. There are many different factors that can cause arch pain such as flat feet, high arches, structural imbalance, or an injury to the foot. The most common condition that causes arch pain, however, is plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue located along the bottom surface of the foot that runs from the heel to the forefoot. If you notice any arch pain that is persistent, consult Dr. Frank Killian at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC today. The arch of the foot is a collection of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that are constructed to allow your foot to bear the weight of your body safely. Some arch pain symptoms could include the following: a dull, constant ache if the ligaments have been overstretched, swelling or tenderness of the foot, difficulty putting weight on the foot, and/or a sharp pain when the foot is manipulated. It’s import...

Foot cramps happen when the muscle in our foot suddenly tightens and can’t relax. The feeling may range from mild to intense pain. Foot cramps may occur while playing a sport, during exercise, or even when you are sitting or sleeping. A cramp may last a few seconds, or it may last more than a few minutes. Muscle cramps usually disappear in no time, but when they become chronic, it may be time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Frank Killian of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC. If feet cramps are beginning to cause severe discomfort, don’t improve with self-care, or are associated with muscle weakness, it’s time to discuss your treatment options with Dr. Frank Killian. Reasons the foot may be cramping include dehydration, muscle strain, or it may be due to an underlying condition. To prevent foot cramps, drink lots of water, as fluid helps the muscles contract and relax. You can also stretch your muscles periodically throughout the day. If you have questions or concerns regarding foot conditi...

A corn on the foot is a hard patch of skin that may appear flaky and dry. They consist of thickenings in the skin in areas where constant pressure is being placed on the foot. Corns can be annoying and painful and will occur on parts of the feet and sometimes the fingers. They often develop due to friction caused by tight shoes.  If you notice thickening of the skin on your feet that becomes painful and a nuisance, Dr. Frank Killian of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC, can treat the problem. You may have a corn or a callus if you notice a thick, rough area of skin located on the foot, a hardened, raised, bump, or tenderness and pain under the skin. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, the chances of developing corns and calluses increase. To treat corns, Dr. Frank Killian may suggest trimming away excess skin, callus-removing medication, or shoe inserts.   If you have questions or concerns regarding foot conditions, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the...

Once a fungal infection occurs in the nail bed it can spread easily.  Toenail fungus has been notoriously resistant to treatment from topical creams and oral medication.  It is also hard to treat when our toes are always tucked away in socks and shoes!  However, with the latest technology the doctors at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry have seen great results from their laser treatment for toenail fungus. This laser treatment is more successful than previous methods because the laser reaches the fungus trapped underneath the nail bed.  Laser treatment is done in our office, is painless and has no side effects.  This treatment does not eliminate the fungus, but stops it from spreading and helps your healthy nail grow back out over time.  Depending on the severity of the fungal infection, it could take 6-9 months of treatment to see the fungus eradicated.  As with any treatment for toenail fungus, the most important step is following instructions after treatment to ensure that your nails do not bec...

The doctors and staff of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry can help diagnose and heal that pain in your heel!  The sole of the foot is known as the plantar area, and the plantar fascia is the largest ligament in your foot.  It acts as a shock-absorber that supports the arch of the foot. If too much tension and stress are put on the ligament, this can result in small tears in the fascia and cause plantar fasciitis, the term for when this area becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis is usually diagnosed after a physical or foot examination. Plantar fasciitis can develop alone or it may be a symptom of an underlying condition. Excess weight, as well as activities like running, dancing, and jumping can increase a patient’s risk for developing plantar fasciitis. Symptoms of Plantar fasciitis include pain in the foot arch and heel, stiffness in the plantar area, and tenderness in the sole of the foot.  If you are suffering from heel pain, try resting your foot and icing the area. Changing the type of shoes ...

Foot problems in your child may appear at birth, or once your child is walking. Walking abnormally, or walking pigeon-toed is often the first sign that something is wrong with your child’s foot or their feet. Young children and teenagers may develop foot and ankle problems later in life, but they should never be ignored. If you notice any foot issues, schedule a consultation with Dr. Frank Killian of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC. Children’s feet require special attention because their bones, muscles, and ligaments are all developing as they grow. This is why scheduling a pediatric foot exam at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC, is important. Exams of the feet and ankles ensure that your child’s bones are growing correctly. And if a problem does arise, it can be handled early – when easiest to treat. In addition, it is important to practice proper foot care with your child such as cutting his or her toenails straight across, keep feet clean and dry, and take the necessary steps to prevent foot inj...

Walking barefoot in wet, dark, communal areas that other people often frequent will increase a person’s risk of developing athlete’s foot. These places may include indoor or outdoor swimming pools, communal showers at the gym, or locker rooms. Athlete’s foot is a term used to describe an inflammatory skin disease that affects the sole of the foot and the skin between the toes. Dr. Frank Killian of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC, is here to tell you what to look for so you can discover ways to treat the problem. Athlete’s foot may appear as a red, scaly, raw-appearing rash that occasionally may be accompanied by small blisters. Some people are more prone to this condition, while others are fairly resistant to it. Because fungal infections such as athlete’s foot thrive off of warmth and moisture, it’s best to keep the feet dry and free of sweat as much as possible. If you notice any redness, increased swelling of the foot or bleeding, contact us immediately to discuss treatment options. If yo...

Mercer-Ocean Podiatry has seen many pregnant women navigate the changes in their feet throughout pregnancy, and swollen feet are the most common foot woe.  The body increases the overall amount of fluid in your body to help support the pregnancy, and this can end up your lower extremities. Gravity also plays a role, pulling that extra fluid down to your feet.  If you experience a lot of swelling, watching your salt intake can help because salt will make you retain fluid. There are a few instances when you should see a doctor about swelling. If you notice asymmetrical swelling, one foot much larger than the other, it could indicate a circulation issue. Legs can also experience swelling and cramping.  Stretching when you can and adding more calcium and potassium to your diet can keep cramps at bay.  Staying hydrated is important throughout pregnancy and will also help with cramping.  For cramping and swelling, it’s important to elevate the feet whenever possible.  Do not cross your legs,...

Morton’s neuroma occurs when the nerves that reach out to the toes are squeezed between the bones and ligaments in the foot.  When toes are squeezed together for too long or too often, the extra pressure on the nerves causes the surrounding tissue to become swollen and thicken.  This can happen to several nerves in the foot, but most commonly affects the area between the third and fourth toes.  Dr. Frank Killian of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry can diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma if you have this pain in your foot! The largest contributor to this pain by far is ill-fitting or constrictive footware.  Both men and women wear shoes too tight and narrow for them, but high heels increase the pressure and constriction on the toes, so Morton’s neuroma is more common in women due to their footwear.  Certain high-impact sports can contribute to Morton’s neuroma, when the feet and toes experience repeated trauma.  Patients with existing deformities in the foot like bunions or high arches are also at...

Calluses can develop anywhere that there is repeated friction. However, the common callus usually occurs when there’s been a lot of rubbing against the hands or feet. Calluses are rarely painful and typically develop on the soles of your feet, especially under the heels or balls, on your palms, or on your knees. If a callus on the foot becomes very painful or inflamed, visit Dr. Frank Killian of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC to get the issue under control. Pressure and friction from repetitive actions cause calluses to develop and grow. Some sources of this pressure and friction include wearing ill-fitting shoes, wearing shoes and sandals without socks, or by wearing socks that don’t fit properly. At Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC, a callus is diagnosed upon examination and simple over-the-counter treatments may be recommended. In severe cases, calluses may require regular shaving to keep them from becoming too large. While treatment for calluses is not always necessary, it may provide you with...

Diagnosed diabetics should be taking the time for proper foot care in their routines. A diabetic’s weakened immune system and reduced blood flow to the extremities like feet can mean small injuries have the potential to wreak havoc due to the body being unable to heal itself in this area.  Dr. Frank Killian of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry has helped many diabetics manage their foot care and encourages all diabetics to continue their foot care at home. In addition to managing blood sugar properly, diabetics should pay special attention to their feet.  A short daily inspection and a few minutes encouraging circulation are simple preventative measures that can make all the difference for a diabetic.  A diabetic body’s diminished capacity to heal itself in the extremities can sadly lead to amputations when injuries and infections go unnoticed. This is why a daily inspection of both feet can prevent huge problems.  Look for any abrasions, redness, swelling, and irregularities in the toenails.  Man...