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Foot wounds can develop on the surface of the skin or beneath it and they range from minor injuries to serious medical concerns. External wounds affect the outer skin while internal wounds involve deeper tissues, such as muscles, tendons, or bone. Open wounds include cuts, abrasions, punctures, lacerations, and surgical wounds where the skin is broken. Closed wounds, such as bruises or hematomas, cause damage beneath intact skin. Because the feet carry body weight and have limited blood flow in some people healing can be slow. A podiatrist can identify the wound type, check for infection, and guide proper care. Early evaluation helps prevent complications and supports healthy healing and mobility. Prompt treatment is especially important for people with diabetes, circulation problems, or nerve changes that reduce feeling in the feet and balance. If you have any type of foot wound, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for care.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Steven Spivak, DPM from Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents, especially those who are active in sports. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated from repetitive stress. The heel may look slightly swollen or red, and children often limp or walk on their toes to avoid pressure. It typically feels like aching or sharp pain at the back or bottom of the heel, which worsens with running, jumping, or prolonged activity and improves with rest. Causes include rapid growth, tight calf muscles, and high-impact activities. A podiatrist can help from the start by evaluating foot structure, gait, and activity levels, and confirming the diagnosis through examination and imaging when needed. Treatment often begins with activity modification, heel support, and inflammation management. Care can then progress into custom orthotics and footwear guidance to relieve stress on the heel. It is suggested that if your growing child is experiencing ongoing heel pain, you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Steven Spivak, DPM from Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

Pregnancy can lead to long-term changes in the feet because the body undergoes shifts that affect ligaments, posture, and weight distribution. As hormone levels rise, the ligaments the body, including those that support the arches, become more flexible. This increased looseness, combined with added weight, can cause the arches to lower and the feet to widen. Some people notice that their shoe size increases and does not fully return after delivery. These structural shifts may lead to new areas of soreness, changes in balance, or greater fatigue when walking. Wearing supportive footwear, shoe inserts, and gentle strengthening can help maintain comfort as the feet adapt. A podiatrist can evaluate any lasting changes, provide recommendations for support, and address conditions that may develop as a result of pregnancy-related foot changes. If your foot discomfort continues after childbirth, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment options.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Steven Spivak, DPM from Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Corns and calluses are thickened skin areas caused by repeated pressure or friction, yet they differ in form and discomfort. Corns are smaller, with a hard center, commonly on toes, while calluses are broader, flatter patches on soles. Symptoms include tenderness, aching, or sharp pain with corns, and dull discomfort with calluses. They may look yellowed, dry, or raised, and can feel rough, tight, or painful in shoes. Causes include ill-fitting footwear, abnormal foot mechanics, bony prominences, and repetitive activity. A podiatrist can help from the start by assessing gait, footwear, and skin, confirming diagnosis, and excluding warts or infection. Treatment options include safe debridement, padding, footwear changes, and addressing biomechanical causes to prevent recurrence. Early evaluation reduces pain, improves alignment, and supports lasting relief. Ongoing care improves comfort, mobility, and skin health. If you are dealing with foot discomfort, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Steven Spivak, DPM of Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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