Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC

We’re committed to helping our patients avoid sports injuries at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry. Many strains in the muscles and tendons can be prevented by warm-ups and stretching, but people may not understand how to do these in a safe, effective manner. The tendons are slow to heal because they lack their own blood supply. A warm-up is meant to make muscles and tendons more limber by getting more blood flowing into the area. For this reason, it is counterproductive and dangerous to stretch a limb before it has been warmed-up. Static stretches, in which a person holds a pose, should be saved for the cool-down. A good warm-up should last for about five minutes and include dynamic stretches, which are those which keep the body in motion. Part of yoga’s popularity derives from its use of dynamic stretches. Leg-swings, butt-kicks, and running in place are other means of increasing blood flow to the lower extremities. It is also recommended that people do toe-touches as a fluid motion. Work-outs s...

Arthritis is one of the most significant issues facing podiatry patients, but not all arthritis is the same. At Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, we work closely with rheumatologists to assist patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ensure they remain active and comfortable. RA is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks its own joint lining, which is called synovium. The synovium becomes inflamed as a response, and after a protracted battle, may thicken. Besides being painful on its own, this can cause other distortions and deformities in the bones of the foot. The inflamed tissue also releases enzymes that dissolve nearby bone and cartilage, while the skin covering the swelling gets chafed and calloused. Many rheumatology patients first became aware of their illness due to foot problems. The disease’s exact cause is unknown, but it is more common in smokers and seems to be linked to genetics. Podiatrists can assist patients by prescribing anti-inflammatory medication and making reco...

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...