Items filtered by date: May 2022

Women can be affected by ankle pain more than men. Typically, the soft tissues are damaged in the foot and ankle often resulting in pain and discomfort. Some of the conditions linked to ankle pain can include Achilles tendonitis, an ankle sprain, or plantar fasciitis. Achilles tendonitis can cause pain in the back of the ankle as a result of overuse. An ankle can be sprained if it stretches beyond its normal range of motion. This can occur from stepping off of a curb and landing incorrectly. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, which is located on the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. This may cause tenderness in the ankle. Relief from ankle pain may be found by practicing specific exercises designed to strengthen the ankles. Additionally, wearing shoes that fit correctly and elevating the feet frequently may help to reduce existing pain and swelling. If you have ankle pain for any reason, please contact a podiatrist who can pinpoint the exact cause and offer correct treatment techniques.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

One of the most common injuries, a broken foot, is characterized by worsening pain, bruising, and swelling. It is usually accompanied by a loss of feeling, a limited range of movement, and difficulty in bearing weight. Two of the top causes of a broken foot are severe impact in car accidents and trauma from dropping something heavy on the foot. Another common way to break or fracture the foot, especially among athletes, is kicking a ball. Sudden impact combined with running speed can increase the risk. It is also quite common to break your foot from a fall, especially down stairs or onto a particularly rigid surface. Both sports injuries and falling can result in a twisted ankle, which can mask the fact that a bone also has broken. Taking a wrong step, such as off a curb or ladder, can result in foot fractures. Underlying conditions, like arthritis, may also contribute to the risk. Wearing shoes that lack proper stability and support, such as high heels, may cause a loss of balance or a fall that leads to a broken foot. Repetitive impact, common to runners and joggers, is a common cause of stress fractures in the feet. If you believe you have broken your foot, please seek immediate care from a podiatrist.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

If you experience a burning sensation or sharp pain on the bottom of the foot, just under the toes, you may have developed a Morton’s neuroma. This condition, which many believe is caused by wearing shoes that are too tight, is the result of an inflamed nerve. Morton’s neuroma is usually located between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones at the ball of the foot and has been described as having a stone or pebble in your shoe. Pain caused by compression of the nerves can get worse when you walk or if your toes are squeezed too tightly within the shoe. An MRI or ultrasound can be used to diagnose the condition. Several ways to ease the pain of Morton’s neuroma include resting the foot, wearing better fitting shoes with a wider toe box and lower heel, taking anti-inflammatory medicine, and icing the foot. If pain is persistent, despite these measures, you may wish to consult a podiatrist for a full examination and diagnosis. In more severe cases a podiatrist may recommend cortisone injections, and in even worse cases surgery to remove damaged nerve tissue may be an option.  

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

It may be difficult for you to know if your child is having heel pain, because it isn’t often associated with children. However, certain conditions that cause heel pain can afflict the young, even if they don’t know how to properly communicate their distress. Sever’s disease, for instance, is a form of heel pain that stems from irritation to the growth plate in the heels of growing children. Children can also develop plantar fasciitis from overuse of the heel or by wearing shoes that don’t fit. This condition is a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue where it connects to the heel on the sole of the feet. Active children can also develop tiny stress fractures of the heel bone which can occur gradually over time and be quite painful. There are certain clues your child’s condition may provide, if you know what to look for. If your child limps or changes the way they walk or run, cuts back on physical activities, complains that their feet or heels feel odd or stiff, or that something is stuck in their shoe, they may have a painful heel condition. It is suggested to make an appointment for your child with a podiatrist to have your child’s condition diagnosed and treated properly. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Flip flops are considered to be the official shoe of summer. They are made from a flat rubber sole with a Y-shaped strap that that fits between the big and second toe. They are known to offer minimal, if no support, and, when frequently worn can cause foot conditions to develop. Among them are chronic heel pain and cracked heels. In addition, the walking style, or gait, may be negatively affected, and the toes may become fatigued from constantly gripping the top of the shoe to keep the foot in the shoe and in place. Some patients develop an Achilles tendon injury as a result of added pressure put on the calf muscles. It is suggested that people who enjoy wearing flip flops choose a pair with a thicker heel, which may alleviate some of the pressure on the overall foot. If you need to know more about how flip flops can affect the feet, it is advised that you confer with a podiatrist.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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