Items filtered by date: February 2023

The heel is generally the first thing that hits the ground when you take a step. Since walking is something that people do throughout the day, heel pain can easily develop. And if you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, just walking from one room to another can become painful. Achilles tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. Tiny tears cause swelling, stiffness, and pain, especially in the back of the heel. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the tissue that runs under the sole of the foot develops tears, causing extreme pain felt mainly in the heel. It is thought to be an overuse injury, largely the result of overtraining. Plus, bone spurs can develop along with plantar fasciitis, increasing the pain felt when walking. A number of other conditions can cause heel pain when you walk. Included are bursitis, stress fractures, and compression of the nerves at the back of the ankle and heel. If heel pain while walking becomes persistent or worsens, it is suggested that you seek the attention of a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer treatment options.  

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Toms River Podiatrist . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

There are many branches of medicine, and podiatry focuses on the conditions of the feet and ankles. These can include deformities, growths, and problems that are associated with diabetes and arthritis. There are various places to practice podiatry, consisting of hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or owning a practice. The mandatory education requirements include obtaining a bachelor's degree, which is followed by earning a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. This is done by attending podiatry school and enrolling in courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics. This program lasts four years, and upon completion, students will attend a residency program for three years. Extensive training may be needed for more specialized fields of podiatry. If you are interested in pursuing a career in podiatry, speaking with this type of doctor may help you in determining if this is the correct choice for you.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Toms River Podiatrist . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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

It is not surprising that with the extra stress running can put on the feet, runners may be more prone to foot injuries. Runners with flat feet, high arches, and those who overpronate are at higher risk for foot injuries than others. Afflictions that are common among runners include plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and Morton’s neuroma. Plantar fasciitis is when the plantar fascia, a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, from heel to toes, becomes inflamed or tears. It can cause a stabbing pain in the heel which may worsen when climbing stairs, after prolonged standing, and after getting out of bed in the morning. Metatarsalgia develops when excess pressure is put on the metatarsal bones, which are the long bones of the foot leading to the toes. With this condition, one might feel there are pebbles in the shoe or bruising on the balls of the feet. Pain is felt between the second and third toes, third and fourth toes, or near the big toe. A Morton’s neuroma can also feel like one is walking on a pebble, and there is discomfort near the ball of the foot. This is when a fibrous tissue grows around a nerve in the foot causing burning and tingling sensations, numbness, or pain in the foot. If you are a runner and have foot pain, see a podiatrist to determine its cause and start treatment that might be helpful to you.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Toms River Podiatrist . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

The center toes are affected by a foot condition that is known as hammertoe. It is considered to be a deformity, and may happen from wearing shoes that are too tight in the toe area. It may also develop from genetic reasons, or possibly from a toe injury. Hammertoe is a noticeable condition. It causes the middle joint in the second or third toe to bend upward, which makes the toe bend down. Patients have found mild relief when the correct size shoes are worn, in addition to performing specific stretches that may help in flexibility. The toes may also become stronger when marbles or stones are picked up with the feet. Additionally, some people choose to wear protective pads over the top of the toes, which may help in preventing corns from developing. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended which may permanently straighten the toes, allowing the tendons to lie flat. If you have hammertoe, and would like relief options, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Toms River Podiatrist . Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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