The Millstone Times December 2020

♥ HEALTH  &  WELLNESS

Our Specialty Services For Adults, Children & Seniors Bunions Corns & Callouses Diabetic Foot Care Flatfeet Fungus HammerToeTreatment Heel Pain InGrownToeNails Plantar FasciitisTreatment Plantar Warts Orthotics and Surgery

Complete Family Foot & Ankle Care A Step Up Podiatry

What is a bunion? A bunion is a bump on the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ), the joint where your big toe and foot connect. When bone alignment problems in your foot force your big toe to tilt toward the other toes instead of pointing up, it pushes the MTPJ outward and causes the bump. Bunions usually appear on the big toe, but can also appear on the little toe. These little toe bunions are called tailor’s bunions or bunionettes. They’re caused by bone misalignment, just as big bunions are. What are the signs of a bunion? The bony bump is the tell-tale sign, but you can also expect other symptoms, including soreness, pain, and red skin around the bump. Many bunion sufferers also have restricted movement in their big toe. How do I treat a bunion? At A Step Up Podiatry, LLC, bunion treatment usu- ally starts with a clinical examination and Xrays to determine its severity. Some treatment options include:

• Custom orthotics to redistribute foot pressure • Medication to relieve pain • Cortisone injections for long-term pain relief • Ice application to reduce inflammation and soreness

• Taping, padding, or splinting to correct position and decrease stress • New footwear with a wider toe box • Surgical treatment

215 Gordons Corner Road, Suite 2A, Manalapan, NJ 07726 ASTEPUPPODIATRY.COM • 732-446-7136

Dr. Sanjay Gandhi, DPM

New Research Is Being Done For The Uses Of Lavender By, Lauren Kowlacki Lavender research suggests that it may be useful for treating many issues. Some studies suggest that consuming lavender as a tea can help digestive issues such as vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas, upset stomach, and abdominal swelling. Studies and research also show an improvement is sleep on some individuals with insomnia and restlessness. Lavender oil is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to heal minor burns and bug bites. Research suggests that it may also be useful for treating anxiety and depression. Lavender is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and should not be taken in place of approved and prescribed medicines.

26 The Millstone Times

December 2020