Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, often results from strain on the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the foot's arch. Various risk factors can contribute to plantar fasciitis, including excessive foot pronation, where the foot rolls inward too much, or high arches that put extra stress on the fascia. Tightness in the Achilles tendon can limit ankle movement, which in turn increases strain on the plantar fascia. Weak foot muscles may also contribute to overstretching the plantar fascia. Physical activity levels, whether too much or too little, can also influence the development of plantar fasciitis. Prolonged standing, obesity, and training errors, such as sudden increases in exercise intensity, are additional risk factors. Addressing these issues early with a podiatrist can help prevent the condition from worsening. If you have persistent or worsening heel pain, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to determine whether plantar fasciitis is the problem.

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.

Peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, is a condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, particularly the lower legs and feet. This reduced circulation can lead to pain, cramping, and fatigue in the legs and feet, especially during physical activities like walking. Over time, PAD can result in more serious complications, such as sores or wounds on the feet that heal slowly, if at all, and an increased risk of infections. Symptoms of PAD include leg pain while walking, numbness or weakness, coldness in the lower leg or foot, and changes in skin color. Causes of PAD are typically related to atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up on artery walls. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. If you experience symptoms of PAD, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for early diagnosis and management. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication, and, in severe cases, surgery to improve blood flow.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, 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.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

Seed corns on the foot are small, painful calluses that typically develop on the sole or between the toes. This condition arises from pressure and friction, often caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes or abnormal foot mechanics. Seed corns are characterized by a small, hard central core surrounded by inflamed skin. There are different types of corns, which are hard corns that form on the tops and sides of toes, soft corns, which appear between toes and are softer due to moisture, and seed corns, which are discrete, localized areas. To manage seed corns, it is important to wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes and use protective pads. Regular foot care and avoiding activities that put excessive pressure on the feet can help prevent these painful growths. If you have developed a corn on your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can identify what type of corn it is, and offer appropriate relief options.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

The talus, tibia, and fibula bones reside in the ankle and work together to facilitate movement of the foot in all directions. There are strong ligaments on the inside and outside of the ankle which bind and support these bones as well as the connection between the ankle and lower leg. When these ligaments become overly stretched or even torn during an injury, this is known as an ankle sprain. Ankle sprains are the most common form of ankle injury, and can occur when the ankle rolls outward or inward. Ankle sprains may cause pain ranging from mild to severe, swelling, decreased range of motion, and you may have limited or no ability to walk. Because improperly healed ankle sprains can lead to additional ankle sprains, chronic ankle instability, and even arthritis, it is suggested you schedule an appointment to visit a podiatrist to see if you have sprained your ankle. This type of doctor will be able to properly diagnose your condition and its severity, and treat it effectively.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.