Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC

If you love to exercise, you may or may not have already experienced ankle pain. Rolling your ankle while engaged in physical activity is the most common way to cause an ankle sprain or strain. Though they may sound similar, they are actually different in which tissues they effect. We at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry in New Jersey are committed to educating our patients about common injuries and what they can do to prevent them. If you have suffered an ankle injury, our experienced podiatrists will get you started on a treatment plan.    An ankle sprain occurs when a ligament, which stabilizes and supports your joints, is overstretched or torn. Direct or indirect trauma that knocks the joint out of position is what usually causes an ankle sprain.    Symptoms of an ankle sprain include: - Pain - Bruising - Swelling - Inflammation   An ankle strain occurs when there is trauma to a muscle or tendon, which are fibrous cords of tissue that attach muscle to bone. Repeated stress and impact on your ...

By way of genetics or lifestyle choices over time, people with diabetes are unable to process glucose normally. Consistently high glucose levels in the body damage the nervous system and reduces sensation in your feet. Whether you regulate your glucose levels well or not, it’s still important to come in for checkups. We at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry in New Jersey encourage our diabetic patients to regularly visit one of our experienced podiatrists in order to prevent any long term issues with their feet. About 10% of Americans are diabetic. One side effect that people with diabetes often experience is reduced blood flow in their feet. Reduced blood flow increases the chances of foot injuries and bacterial infections, such as gangrene. We advise our diabetic patients to manage their glucose levels as best they can, since glucose levels in the normal range reduce the side effects of the disease. Remember to also inspect, wash, and moisturize your feel daily in addition to managing your glucos...

Our feet withstand a lot. They hold up the full weight of our bodies and propel us forward. It’s important that we take care of our feet so that they can last us our lifetimes with little complication. Common toe deformities such as claw toe, hammertoe, and mallet toe can all be prevented if we treat our feet right. We at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC in New Jersey are dedicated to helping our patients find relief and educating them about how they can prevent future toe deformities.    Claw toe, hammertoe, and mallet toe: it almost sounds like we’re going through a toolbox. But the names do lend to the visual abnormality of these deformities, as well as the discomfort. Most of the time, surgery will be required to completely correct these deformities. The tissue will need to be released and tendons will need to be lengthened.    A closer look at the common toe deformities:   - Claw toe: This deformity is caused by one of the tendons in the foot contracting, raising the first bone in the t...

Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC offer treatment for a variety of feet conditions and issues. Drs. Frank J. Killian and Sameep Chandrani are experienced in all areas and treatments. This includes Hallux Rigidus. This is a condition that affects the joints of the big toe. It results in pain and stiffness in the big toe.   If you have Hallux Rigidus, you will notice an increase in pain when walking or running. It’s also worse when it is cold or damp outside. The most common indicator is swelling and inflammation around the big toe joint. Once it progresses, your big toe will hurt even when resting. You may experience bone spurs. It can get so painful that many patients begin to limp. This will put a strain on your ankles, knees, hips and lower back.   Hallux Rigidus is a form of degenerative arthritis. The cartilage in the joint will wear out and cause pain. In certain cases, this is caused by misalignment of the feet or genetic deformities in the foot.   In many cases, anti-inflammatory medica...

Haglund’s Deformity is a bony enlargement at the back of the heel. It is also sometimes referred to as “pump bump” due to its prevalence in women who frequently wear pump-styled shoes. This can occur in one or both feet. If you experience heel pain, do not wait to contact Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC. Drs. Frank J. Killian and Sameep Chandrani are available by appointment.   The tell-tale bony enlargement on the heel is caused by inflammation. The bursa, a fluid-filled sac between the Achilles tendon and your heel bone, becomes irritated. You will experience pain, along with the possibility of swelling and redness. There are many genetic factors that predispose a patient to Haglund’s Deformity. Wearing stiff shoes can also increase your risk.   There are many non-surgical treatment options offered by our podiatrists. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can bring down swelling and relieve pain. Stretching and physical therapy are often recommended. These can help you relieve the ...

When a patient experiences brachymetatarsia, what this means is that they have an unusually short metatarsal bone. These are the bones in the toes. The result is a toe that is farther back than the others or overlaps the others. Drs. Frank J. Killian and Sameep Chandrani offer treatment for brachymetatarsia at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC.   The biggest symptom and indicator of brachymetatarsia is problems with balance. Your toes are crucial to your equilibrium. When you have one toe that is shorter, your body dynamics are thrown off. You may have difficulty properly balancing or transferring weight across the toes when walking or running.   The most common treatment for this is extra padding in the shoe. This will protect the feet from friction and pressure resulting from the brachymetatarsia. Drs. Killian and Chandrani also provide shoe orthotics to patients. These are often used for treatment as well. In more severe cases, a surgical graft of the shortened metatarsal bone is done.   If...

Achilles Tendonitis is a sprain in the Achilles tendon, located on the heel bone and running up your lower leg. It is needed for walking and movement. This tendon is what allows your foot to rise up on the toes. If you experience pain above your heel, you may be experiencing Achilles tendonitis. Dr. Frank J. Killian and Dr. Sameep Chandrani of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC offer treatment for this condition.   It’s important that as soon as you start to experience symptoms that you come in for a consultation. Treatment is more effective the earlier it starts. Schedule an appointment as soon as swelling in the back of your feet begins. There are a few causes of Achilles tendonitis. The Achilles tendon naturally begins to weaken as you grow older. This results in most patients experiencing this condition to be older. Bone spurs and tight calf muscles can also be the cause. It is important to slowly acclimate yourself to higher intensity levels when working out. Increase your activity level a...

Ingrown toenails occur when the toenail begins to grow into the surrounding skin. Though it often does not require medical intervention, if left untreated it can lead to infection. At Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC., in NJ, Dr. Frank Killian and Dr. Sameep Chandrani can help treat and prevent ingrown toenail infections.   There are many factors that can cause ingrown toenails. A common mistake patients make is in the way that they cut their toenails. It is better to cut your toenails straight across and not with a rounded edge. A rounded edge encourages the nail to grow into the flesh of the toe. Trauma and genetics play a part in the likelihood of ingrown toenails also.   The main symptoms of an ingrown toenail are pain, swelling, redness, and a feeling of warmth in the affected toe. If the nail breaks through the flesh, bacteria will be able to enter and cause an infection. Infection can further agitate the toe and nail, causing additional problems.   If an infection has not begun, the tr...

Athletes foot is a podiatric condition in which the patient contracts a highly contagious foot fungus. This can typically be contracted in damp and moist areas, like public pools, locker rooms, or showers. If you’re worried that you might have Athletes Foot, visit Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC., in NJ. Dr. Frank Killian or Dr. Sameep Chandrani are happy to assist you with your medical needs.   Athletes Foot once contracted, often affects the areas between the toes. It begins as a red and itchy rash. Ignored, the skin will become sensitive before finally turning white and peeling. Like any bacterial infection, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible. Bacterial infections weaken the body and make it vulnerable to further infections. Cracks that appear in the peeling skin on the foot are a gateway for harmful bacteria. Athletes foot can also be transferred to other parts of the body through bedding and clothing. In serious cases of athletes foot, “mocassin foot” can occur, resu...

Plantar warts are benign (noncancerous) growths that can appear on the sole, heel, or ball of the foot. They can be described as abrasive or spongy to the touch, color varying from gray to brown or yellow. The signature aspect of a wart is the dark dots in the center of it. If you have noticed anything similar to this on your feet, contact Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC in NJ. Dr. Frank Killian and Dr. Sameep Chandrani are available to assist you.   Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) entering your body through your feet. This typically happens through the bottom of the feet in public areas like locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools. You’re at a higher risk of catching the virus that causes plantar warts if you experience continual exposure to HPV through common public areas. A weakened immune system can also raise your chances.   Plantar warts are diagnosed after a patient notices an uncomfortable sensation or lump on their foot. If left untreated, plantar warts ...