Stress fractures generally occur because of overuse. They are considered to be a hairline fractures of the bones in the foot, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. The foot may become swollen and tender, and in severe cases, bruising may develop. They are a common condition among people who enjoy running, or frequently participating in jumping activities.  Some of the reasons stress fractures may develop can include rapidly increasing the intensity of a sport or exercise, or the surface that is run on or played upon can change. Research has indicated stress fractures may be prevented by slowly increasing the intensity of the chosen sport, in addition to maintaining a healthy diet. If you have foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat stress fractures.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. 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 Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you’re experiencing red and swollen skin around the nails of the foot, you may have an ingrown toenail. This painful condition often causes an infection and may require removal of the nail. Typically this is caused by the toenails being improperly cut and tight shoes possibly causing pressure, cramping the toes, and cutting the skin. Observing good hygiene may be a preventive measure to aid avoiding an ingrown toenail, and this consists of changing the socks and shoes daily. Additionally, wearing open-toed sandals in warm weather may also aid in preventing this condition. When you initially realize an ingrown toenail may be present, an option for relief may be to apply a moisturizer around the nail which may soften the skin. It’s crucial to cut the toenails properly, and the method to correctly accomplish this is to cut straight across the nail so the corners can be seen. Please consider a consultation with a podiatrist for a proper evaluation, to learn how to trim the toenails correctly, and to fix your ingrown toenail.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Implementing foot stretches in your daily routine will not only benefit the health of the foot, but also feel good. There are numerous muscles in the foot, and practicing proper stretches can aid in helping the body stay fit. Pointing and flexing your toes is an effective foot stretch, in addition to practicing a tendon stretch. This is accomplished by standing on a step with the heels slightly hanging off the edge. When your weight is shifted towards your heels, a gentle stretch is easily felt and the flexibility of your tendons and muscles is improved. Another effective stretch is done while in a sitting position and involves placing a towel under the arch of the foot. Raise and straighten the leg, and gently pull the foot toward you. This not only stretches the foot, but allows the leg to become stronger as well. While general exercise is vital for everyday health, it’s important to stretch the feet for maximum health benefits.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. 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 Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many younger people who are physically active and engage in sports on regular basis often see inflammation in the sesamoid bones found under the toes This is referred to as sesamoiditis. This condition is considered to be a type of tendonitis, as the surrounding tendons become inflamed as well. Certain athletes and dancers may be afflicted by this often because additional weight is placed on the front of the foot. Common causes for this condition may include the sesamoid bones being involved in an injury, walking in shoes with thin soles, or wearing high heels. Inherited high arches that cause the foot to become stiff may be an additional cause. Possible treatments will likely include resting the foot, thus keeping it free from any weight bearing activities. Typically, wearing shoes with insoles that have adequate cushioning and support and choosing flat shoes instead of high heels are important choices to make if this condition is experienced. If you have pain in your foot you should make an appointment to see a podiatrist.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

There are several causes of plantar fasciitis, which is a condition that is characterized by inflamed or torn tissue between the base of the toes and the heel. Symptoms may include severe heel pain, often resonating in the arch of the foot as well. It’s common to have pain and stiff heels as your first steps are taken in the morning; this is before the heel area is warmed up from continued walking. Lack of stretching the calf muscles, over-training, running on hard surfaces, and wearing worn shoes are all common causes of this condition. The type of shoes worn may also be a factor in developing plantar fasciitis, such as wearing high heels and then running in flat shoes. Prevention of this condition can include awareness of the surfaces that you run on and taking notice when they are hard. If you have heel pain, a consultation with a podiatrist is advised for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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