Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC

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...

Plantar warts are noncancerous growths that typically appear on the weight-bearing parts of your feet, such as the heel, ball, or sole. They are generally rough but spongy in texture, and are either gray, brown, or yellow. Most of the time, they go away without any real medical attention. But more stubborn plantar warts will need to be seen by your local podiatrist. The doctors at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC in New Jersey are dedicated to helping you keep your feet as healthy as possible. We use our feet everyday, so it’s vital to take care of them! Caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), plantar warts invade the body through broken skin on the bottoms of your feet. That’s why it is always recommended to wear flip flops around the pool, communal showers, or locker rooms. We can diagnose and treat your warts to remove them fast, as well as advise you on how to protect yourself from future plantar warts. You should see Dr. Killian or Dr. Chandrani immediately if: - You’re unsure if what...

Also known as onychomycosis, foot fungus is specifically a fungal infection of the toenails. It causes toenails to become brittle and distorted, thicken, turn yellow, and emanate a foul smell. Foot fungus has the ability to cause a whole host of other problems, including uncomfortable mobility. We at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC have the expertise to help you or someone you know with various foot problems. Your New Jersey podiatrist is dedicated to getting you on the road to treatment for a pain-free life.    Foot fungus comes in varying degrees of severity. Sometimes treatment isn’t required if it doesn’t bother you. However, for severe cases, relief can only be achieved by a podiatrist’s treatment. The frustrating thing about foot fungus is that even if treatment is successful, nail fungus often comes back. There are a few risk factors to be aware of, some in your control and some not:   -History of athlete’s foot -Sweating a lot -Diabetes causes circulation problems and a weakened imm...

A podiatrist is one of the most important members of a diabetic patient’s care team. Our experienced doctors at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC have helped hundreds of people to keep their lower limbs in good working condition, and we’re sensitive to the particular ways in which diabetes impacts someone’s lifestyle. People with diabetes are at elevated risk for damage to their peripheral nerves and arteries, meaning they have to take additional precautions against foot injuries. When a person has diabetes, their body struggles to process blood sugar. The sugar tends to accumulate in their lower limbs, where it causes damage to nerves and arteries. Although this causes pain or tingling in some people, it can also make them less sensitive to problems in their feet. This is especially concerning because damage to arteries prevents the feet from getting enough nutrition and immune system support, making it more difficult for them to recover from infections. People with diabetes need to visually...

If you suffer from a peripheral nervous problem, you are at heightened risk for charcot foot atrophy. This term is used to describe the inversion of the arch of the foot and other deformities that occur when foot bones have reduced blood supply. Although we at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry can help patients to manage it, the ideal is to prevent it. Diabetes damages both blood vessels and nerves. When the foot bones are starved for blood, they become brittle, and when a person cannot feel their feet, they may not be aware of stress fractures or other injuries. Because they don’t feel injured, they may go without treatment, causing the bones to heal in a deformed manner or to continue collapsing. The inverse arch shape that characterizes advanced charcot atrophy develops over a long period. Early-stage Charcot foot may not be detectible on x-rays, but heat and redness in the foot are warning signs of a bone infection. Patients are advised to keep their weight off a broken foot and are commonly p...

The doctors at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry play an important part in our diabetic patients’ care teams. Because of the accumulation of acidic crystals in the lower limbs and problems such as neuropathy, vascular disease, and weakened bones, diabetic people need to pay close attention to their feet. But patients may not know exactly when they need to see a podiatrist, which is why National Diabetes Awareness Month is an especially good time to provide guidance. When people have neuropathy, numbness in their feet may prevent them from becoming aware of an injury or infection. That’s why they need to inspect their feet daily and take precautions with what they wear. Pretty much any time a patient finds a problem, it’s best for them to seek care, since they may not be able to determine how deep a problem goes. Their immune systems may struggle to handle bacteria that enter through an ulcer, for example, and they shouldn’t try to remove corns on their own. They should also seek help if they notic...

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,...

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...