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foot pain3The American Podiatric Medical Association recently published a study revealing that much of this nation’s foot pain goes untreated.  In a survey of 1,000 people over the age of 18, 77% reported experiencing foot pain, but only a third of those claim they would see a podiatrist.  Half of the participants with foot pain say that the pain has hindered walking, exercising, playing with grandchildren, and other daily activities. 

Among the group who sought podiatric help, 88% reported a quick diagnosis and 76% received treatment that eliminated the problem.  A third of the group said that their visits to the podiatrist exposed other health concerns, such as diabetes, circulatory issues, and nerve issues.

"It's not surprising to see how many people are affected by foot pain, when survey results show that we view our feet as the least important body part in terms of our overall health and wellbeing," said AMPA President Frank Spinosa. "Our feet are literally and figuratively the furthest things from our minds."

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment.  Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

What is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek care of a podiatrist when they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as: heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • physical therapy
  • drugs
  • perform surgery on lower extremity fractures
  • orthotic inserts or soles

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

For more information about Podiatrists, follow the link below.

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.

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proper shoe sizeAccording to a study conducted by the Institute for Preventive Foot Health, more than half of us suffer from foot problems and often these problems are directly related to our shoes. Wearing the wrong shoes can lead to life-long deformities that require surgery to fix said Consumer Reports On Health.

High heels can shorten your Achilles tendon, and can trigger plantar fasciitis; even flat shoes can harm the feet due to lack of support and cushioning according to Cami Marshall of WEMY News 2. Consumer Reports On Health suggests on opting for a lower heel to minimize pressure off the ball of your foot. Also it is important to make sure there is adequate space in the toes, and avoid shoes that have thin, little, or no support. Marshall states that the most common problem is simply wearing the wrong shoe size.  

Spending time to find the right shoe, and undergo a shoe fitting process can help determine what’s right for you. A podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. can provide you with additional advice, and appropriate care for what shoes fit best.     


Getting the right shoe size

Sometimes it may be difficult finding the right shoe size especially because shoe sizes tend to vary depending on the brand and company you are looking for. For example, a size 6 for one brand may be a size 7 in another. Although many people know their exact shoe size, it can range within 2 sizes depending on where they shop.

It is best to try on the shoe and walk around for a bit to see how it fits and how it feels. Comfort is essential and the fitting has to be well otherwise it can lead to blisters, bruises at the back of the ankle and it can also hurt your toes if the shoe is too tight for example.

To learn more about finding the right shoe size for you, and online shopping follow link below.

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

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jeff taylorA ruptured Achilles tendon will keep Charlotte Bobcats small forward Jeff Taylor sidelined for the remainder of the season. Taylor suffered the injury during the Bobcats’ recent game against the Detroit Pistons. No one knows for sure how long he’ll be out for, but his team thinks his recovery could extend into next season.

“What I relayed to him is it’s unfortunate for him and really unfortunate for his teammates, because he’s a big part of this team,” said Steve Clifford, the Bobcats’ coach. “But his mindset has to be on his career now. And for his career, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

Achilles tendon injuries are very painful, and recovering from one can take a long time. For more information about damage to your Achilles, consult with a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can provide you with a professional medical opinion to help you rehabilitate from an injury or prevent yourself from getting one.

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body, and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

- Inflammation
- Dull to Severe Pain
- Increased blood flow to the tendon
- Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
- Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation. Often the doctor will order an MRI to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment will involve rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise

For more information about Achilles Tendon Injuries, follow the link below.

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

Read more about Achilles Tendon Injuries.

prevent running injuriesA British study used a complex system of cameras to measure the way the bodies of 12 runners moved when they ran on a treadmill and when they ran outside. What they discovered was that when on a treadmill, runners tend to take shorter strides and flex their hips and ankles less.

"Both of these are likely to be a consequence of the belt moving and the fact that we don't actually move forward when running on the treadmill; rather, the belt moves underneath us," said Jonathan Sinclair, an expert at the University of Central Lancashire. The study suggested that running on treadmills could contribute to various foot and ankle injuries.

The best way to prevent running injuries is to know the right way to run. For more information about how to avoid injuries, contact a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can teach you about proper running form and help you adjust your habits to decrease your likelihood of getting hurt.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. Runner’s knee usually is treated with strengthening exercises focusing on the quad muscles and sports orthotic. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned. Physical therapy can help you learn the best exercises to heal runner’s knee.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?

- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries

- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits you’re running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.

For more information about How to Prevent Running Injuries, follow the link below.

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

Read more about How to Prevent Running Injuries.

Will Una be forced to pull out of Splash after breaking toe?Irish performer Una Foden will continue to go through and make her debut in Splash!, even after fracturing her toe while practicing her swimming pool techniques. “Una has been putting everything into her training but is having to take it as easy as possible right now because she’s in a lot of pain,” sources informed Mirror. ‘She wasn’t even jumping off the board when it happened. She was practicing landing in foam in a ‘dry dive’ area and her foot just buckled.’

One of the main celebrities for Tom Daley’s new series, Una will be continue to perform while trying to have her toe rehabilitated. Foden tweeted: ‘I’ve had a broken baby toe for a couple of weeks. I know it’s the poorest excuse for a moan ever but boy does it hurt.’ The singer-songwriter has been actively involved swimming since she was young.

Suffering from a broken toe can be a painful injury to deal with. If you sustained a broken toe, consult podiatrist Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can assess your toe and provide the best treatment options for your recovery.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture). Another type of trauma that can break a toe is repeated activity that places stress on the toe for prolonged periods of time.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • throbbing pain
  • swelling
  • bruising on the skin and toenail
  • the inability to move the toe with ease.
  • toe appears crooked or disfigured
  • tingling or numbness in the toe
  • injured person experiences fever or chills throughout their body, and when there is an open, bleeding wound present on the toe.

Generally, a minor toe break will heal without long-term complications, but it is important to discontinue activities that put pressure on the toe. It is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated on pillows. Swelling can be alleviated by placing an ice pack on the broken toe for 15 minutes every two hours then taping the two toes together with medical tape. 

For more information on broken toe please follow link below.

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

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Antony JinmanThe ice and snow of Antarctica is no match for adventurer Antony Jinman of Plymouth. Jinman is attempting to complete the Three Poles Challenge: he crossed the North Pole in 2010, is doing the South Pole now, and has his sights set on Mt. Everest for 2015.

He has been in Antarctica for three weeks and has already managed to cover 230 miles. “I am very happy with my progress,” the 32-year-old posted on his blog. “I am delighted to have covered 91 nautical miles (about 95 miles) in the last week.” Some of the challenges Jinman faces include blizzards, tiredness, and blisters on his feet from walking and on his hands from pulling his supply sled.

Blisters on the feet aren’t always serious, but they can be annoying and painful. For help with this skin condition, consider seeing a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can give you advice on the best ways to care for and prevent blisters.

Blisters on the Feet

When tight or ill-fitting footwear is worn, many times a foot blister may develop. Blisters can even develop by constant rubbing from the shoe, often times leading to pain.

What is a Foot Blister?

A foot blister is a small pocket that is filled with fluid, forming on the upper most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid, and may lead to drainage of blood or pus if the area has become infected.

How do they Form?

Blisters of the feet are almost always the result of shoe rubbing and constant friction of the skin and material. Long periods of walking in shoes, sandals, or boots which don’t fit properly can result in a blister. Those who often have moisture or humidity in the feet, are prone to blister formation easily.

Prevention & Treatment

Proper care is vital to alleviate pain and prevent infection to the affected area of the foot. The best treatment is to leave them alone. New skin will develop under the blister and during the healing stages, your blister will pop.

For more information about Blisters on the Feet, follow the link below.

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

Read more about Blisters on the Feet.

Peripheral Arterial DiseaseAs a result of difficulties incurred from ankle ulcers, reverend Grahame Stephens was admitted into the hospital for treatment.

Medics initially believed Stephens problem came from was a problem his high blood pressure, but when the sores further deteriorated; they needed to reexamine their diagnosis. Physicians wound find that Stephens’ condition was the result of an obstruction in his leg’s main vein.

Unfortunately, Stephens had to experience numerous surgeries before the ulcers were able to be re-treated. This time his condition was treated with procedures normal for ulcers triggered by blood vessel obstruction.

Elderly people need to take care of their feet. For care, seek podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can diagnose any conditions as well as care for your foot and ankle needs.

The Elderly and their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away.  Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly. There are many complications that can lead to serious issues, if the problem is not taken care of right away.

Common Conditions


Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet, and can hide many life threating medical conditions.
Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.

Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:

Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
Shoes that don’t fit properly
Pressure sores
Loss of circulation in legs & feet
Edema & swelling of feet and ankles
Injuries left unnoticed
Insect or pet bites can also become inflamed and infected
Stepping on sharp objects, without notice can increase pain

Susceptible Infections


Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

Bacteria- feet which are exposed to floors that have moist environments like pools and spas are prone to bacteria.
These areas can contribute to foot funguses and other diseases.

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

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Wednesday, 18 December 2013 22:03

Broken Foot Doesn’t Stop Athlete Matt Harrop

Matt Harrop Triathlete Matt Harrop had been training doggedly for the Kona Ironman competition, which is known as one of the hardest triathlons there is. But during the first stretch of the race, he suddenly broke his foot.

An ordinary man would have stopped, but triathletes don’t give up easily, and Harrop went on to finish the race in spite of his injury. He came in 335th place out of around 2000, and got his broken foot checked five days later.

A comprehensive rehabilitation program is essential for any athlete who is trying to recover from a sports injury. To learn more about rehabilitation, talk to a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can assess your injury and provide you with the care you need to return to the sport you love.

Foot Rehabilitation for Athletes

Injured athletes are always looking for better, faster ways to aid their recovery and get back to the sport they love. To do this, podiatrists and physical therapists are often consulted so the injured athlete can get back onto the field as soon as possible. But rehabbing an injury is just as serious as the injury itself, and going through the motions of physical therapy or rehabilitation is a necessary process to keeping that injury at bay.

Sports Therapist or Physical Therapist?

If an athlete gets a foot injury, it is essential to receive foot rehabilitation to ensure proper healing. Sports therapists are more focused on athletic-related injuries than general physical therapists. It is important for an athlete to become healed properly because if they attempt to get back into their game before they are physically well, they could re-aggravate the original injury or even suffer a new one due to their weakened state.

Physical Therapy Gives Hope

Physical therapy helps to keep athletes as active as they are physically capable, which will get them ready to return to the field once their feet become healed. Physical therapy often gives hope to athletes. However in cases where the injury is very serious, the athlete may never be able to return to the game.

To learn more about Foot Rehabilitation for Athletes, follow the link below.

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

Read more about Foot Rehabilitation for Athletes.

RunnersResearchers at the University of Cape Town, South Africa focused on the correlation between the COL5A1 gene, flexibility, and its effects on performance. The study focused on participants in the 56K Two Oceans ultra-marathon.

Participants who had the COL5A1 gene tended to run better than those who did not, but also had less flexibility. This proved to be beneficial, as tighter muscle fibers enable a runner to maintain any given pace with a lower energy cost. The study concluded that having a lower flexibility served to benefit runners.

Stretching is an easy and effective antidote for foot pain. For more information on why you should stretch, see a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can help you start a proper exercise regimen that involves adequate foot stretching.

Giving Your Feet the Stretch It Needs

Foot pain is very common for people. Our feet carry the entire weight of the human body all day and can be easily strained from overexertion. The feet can receive cramping which can be from any number causes. Pain in the feet can be alleviated without medication and or doctor visits.

How stretching helps:

Stretching relaxes the feet and eases pain whenever performed. It is important to perform stretching slowly and gradually with no force. Stretching should only be held for several seconds, and then relaxed.

Tips to Performing the Perfect Stretch:

Sit and cross one leg over the other by pulling the toes carefully back without overextending. Start by resting the left ankle on the right knee. With the left hand, gently flex the left foot by pulling back on the toes. Do not pull too hard, just hard enough to feel the stretch in the arch of the foot. Then point the toes of the left foot as far as you can. Rotate the motion of pointing with pulling back on the toes.

The stretch should be performed 10 to 20 times. Repeat the whole process with the other leg.

To learn more about Stretching the Feet, follow the link below.

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

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Thursday, 05 December 2013 22:03

Junior Runner Races Ahead of Sever’s Disease

Sever's DiseaseIn his athletic career Joseph Fitzpatrick ranked number one both the 3000m and the 1500m national events in his age group at merely nine years old. Unfortunately, a year later Fitzpatrick contracted Sever’s disease the following year, causing Fitzpatrick to stay off the track.

Fortunately, Fitzpatrick made a full recovery and even won first place in the 1500m and fourth place in the 3000m nationally in seventh grade. Now in the eighth grade, Fitzpatrick plans to keep running at local, state, and national levels. Fitzpatrick  will be participating in the upcoming Cross Country Junior Olympics in Georgia.

Sever’s disease is common in athletic children. If you think your child may be suffering from this condition, consult with a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can help guide your child on the road to recovery.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain in one or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Symptoms

Acute pain – pain asscoiatied with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

Improper pronation – the rolling of the foot during walking or running and obesity are all linked to causing Sever’s disease.

Treatments

Rest – the feet and legs needs rest. In order to speed up any kind of healing time, one should refrain from sports activity.
Medication- over the counter meds will help with inflammation and also reduce heel pain.

One can also purchase shoe inserts which will help support the heel and foot. Heel pain usually diminishes after wearing the supported heel inserts.

To learn more about Sever’s Disease, follow the link below.

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

Read more on Sever’s Disease.

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