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July 2020

Physical activities like running and jogging are great ways to stay in shape, however, vigorous exercise can also potentially lead to injuries of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your feet. When the plantar fascia is put under too much stress, it can tear and become inflamed, leading to plantar fasciitis. This condition may cause pain and reduced flexibility in your feet. To reduce the risk of developing plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you stretch your feet regularly. For a gentle stretch, sit on a chair and bend your right leg to place your right ankle on your left knee. Hold your right toes, gently pressing them into a pointed position, and hold there for a few seconds. Then hold your right toes and gently pull them backwards, flexing your foot, and hold for a few seconds. Repeat this several times with each foot. For more information on what you can do to decrease your risk of developing plantar fasciitis, consult with a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with the podiatrists from The Foot & Ankle Center of New Jersey. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

  • Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
  • Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
  • Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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

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Monday, 20 July 2020 00:00

Diagnosing and Treating Ankle Sprains

An ankle sprain is one of the most common sports injuries that occurs when ligaments that keep the ankle stable are damaged.  Ankle sprains are commonly caused by a twist of the ankle, and athletes whose sports require frequent changes of direction are at a higher risk.  Athletes who have previously sprained their ankle or are returning to action too soon are also at risk.  When an ankle sprains, swelling and bruising will occur quickly, and a podiatrist will likely need to take an X-ray to make sure that the ankle isn’t broken.  Most simple ankle sprains are treated with ice and support like a wrap, brace or walking boot.  Crutches may be needed as well, in order to keep weight off of the injured ankle.  If you believe you have sprained your ankle, make sure to consult with a podiatrist for proper treatment.  A podiatrist will also be able to make sure that there are not more extensive injuries, and they can provide help to prevent future ankle sprains. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact the podiatrists from The Foot & Ankle Center of New Jersey. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

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Published in Blog
Saturday, 18 July 2020 00:00

Do You Suffer From Painful Feet?

Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!

Published in Blog
Monday, 13 July 2020 00:00

What Are Stress Fractures?

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in the bone that occurs because too much stress was placed on the foot. Stress fractures don’t usually occur because of a particular trauma, but rather they gradually develop over time. Some causes of stress fractures include repetitive high-impact activities, increased training, low bone density, and poor nutrition. Most stress fractures can be diagnosed with x-rays, but an MRI or CT scan may be necessary for smaller and newer stress fractures. Upon the discovery of a stress fracture, a cast or walking boot may be necessary. Generally, stress fractures take around 4-6 weeks to heal, and a slow return to your normal activity will be needed. If you are feeling a gradual increase of pain in the feet that you believe may be a stress fracture, please consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis. 

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact the podiatrists from The Foot & Ankle Center of New Jersey. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                  
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

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Published in Blog
Monday, 06 July 2020 00:00

Older Adults and Heel Pain

There are several bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints that each foot consists of. The feet absorb the weight of the body, and heel pain is experienced by many patients. The shape of the foot may change as the aging process occurs, so one may be vulnerable to developing specific foot conditions. These can include heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and ankle injuries. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly in addition to having adequate cushioning in the heel area. There may be existing medical conditions that can lead to heel pain, consisting of certain types of arthritis, or obesity. Research as indicated it is beneficial to perform stretches that can help to loosen the muscles and tendons surrounding the heel, and this may help to relieve a portion of heel pain. If you have any type of heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this ailment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact the podiatrists of The Foot & Ankle Center of New Jersey. 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 Paramus, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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