Blog

sprained ankle2George Dawson suffered from pain due to his diabetes for many years and has been dealing with a stiff Achilles tendon due to the pressure placed on his foot. The stiff Achilles tendon meant that the weight was not evenly distributed on his foot and Dawson would need to have the tendon surgically lengthened to relieve the pain and heal properly. Dawson’s podiatrist split his Achilles tendon where it would typically meet the calf muscle, giving it more slack and providing ease to the foot. For nearly two years, George Dawson has not had foot pain since.

Achilles tendon injuries and problems need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves 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

- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

Read more about Achilles tendon injuries.

childrens feet15Hydrofeet uses liquid glycerin and thermoplastic polyurethane to create insoles that ease the pain of plantar warts in children. Children suffering from plantar warts experience discomfort when participating in sports since the warts typically occur on the soles of the feet making standing, walking, or running uncomfortable. The insole adjusts to support the arch of each foot and massages the foot with each step to reduce pain. Although most plantar warts will eventually go away on their own, if your child is experiencing tremendous pain it is always best to see a doctor for treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you have any concerns with plantar warts on your feet contact Dr. Howard Hyman and Dr. Karyn Goldberg of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Legions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, will help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Read more about plantar warts.

fungal toenailRight-hander Aaron Harang of the Philadelphia Phillies was placed on the 15-day disabled list recently after being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis in the left foot. Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin says that Harang has been bothered by the injury for a while: “When you stomp down on it, it started affecting his performance basically, and we as we talked (about) last night, there’s something missing with his command and that’s probably a good reason why.” Harang could potentially make starts before trade deadline if he spends the minimum amount of time on the disabled list, but plantar fasciitis injuries are known to be tough to heal fast. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, visit Dr. Howard Hyman and Dr. Karyn Goldberg of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Our doctors can treat your heel pain as well as any other foot or ankle condition.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of a 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 contact our offices in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

stretching2During Kim Kardashian’s first pregnancy, she was known for wearing high heels despite suffering from extreme edema, or swollen feet. However, it seems she has learned her lesson and will opt for more comfortable shoes during her current pregnancy.  The reality star recently posted to photo sharing app Instagram featuring her husband’s new sneaker line stating, “So happy I ran back inside to grab these! Lifesaver on these long flights! Most comfy shoes in the world!”  

A supportive and comfortable shoe is the best choice for feet during pregnancy. If you have any concerns contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What foot problems can arise during pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is over-pronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy, but tends to occur in the later stages.

How can I keep my feet healthy during pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Read more about pregnancy and feet.

 

 

feet3Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder is participating in the Orlando Pro Summer League since his foot is healing on schedule post-surgery. Late March Durant had surgery on his right foot to repair a serious of soreness due to a previously inserted screw creating chronic soreness as it was pushing into another bone. Although this was the toughest year in Durant’s career, he has remained hopeful and will likely return next year.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. If you have any concerns about your foot and ankle needs contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:

  • Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Read more about foot surgery.

childrens feet14Children all around the world grow out of their shoes so quickly that many parents, especially, in third world countries, cannot afford to buy their children shoes. The Shoe That Grows, designed by Kenton Lee, was created to combat this problem by allowing the shoe to expand up to five sizes and by lasting up to five years. Lee was inspired when he went on a trip to Kenya and saw many children running around barefoot, making them especially susceptible to diseases and infections. The leather and rubber materials make the shoes especially durable and come in size small (for children grades kindergarten to fourth grade) and size large (grades fifth to ninth).

Having shoes for children is essential in allowing them to grow properly and keeping them disease free. If you have any concerns contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet in childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care from birth to school-age.

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

  • Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet
  • Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. Be sure the child wears comfortable and protective shoes so that they can grow into their feet properly.

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet

  • Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus
  • Be watchful of any pain or injury
  • Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible
  • Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play

Children of all ages are constantly developing and growing, and as a parent you want to make sure that nothing is hindering their maturation.

If you have any concerns feel free contact our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about keeping children’s feet healthy.

fungal toenail2In a new study published this month in The International Journal of Clinical Practice, researchers atHanseo University in South Korea tested the strength and balance of the feet of ten young women of each class from the university who were studying to become airline attendants. As flight attendants in training, they were required to wear high heels to class in preparation for time spent wearing heels on the job on a Korean airline. While compared to freshman, upperclassmen initially showed greater strength in certain ankle muscles while also displaying weakening muscles over a longer period of time. Upperclassmen had worse balance than the freshman in general.

High heels can cause a ton of foot problems and some women just cannot wear them. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity.  Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

What parts my body will be affected by high heels?

  • Ankle Joints
  • Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
  • Balls of the Feet
  • Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
  • Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?

  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Plantar Fasciitis

How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?

 If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock; you can buy either full inserts or metatarsal pads. 

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

Read more about the effects of high heels.

obesity4According to Christina Drummond of the Star Press getting regular foot screenings is important to catch foot problems early, especially in those dealing with diabetes or obesity. Those suffering from obesity and diabetes are at an increased risk of circulation problems that can lead to amputation or other health problems. Foot screenings involve an examination of the color and condition of the skin and by discussing any problems the patient may be having. Podiatrists can also use ultrasound technology to examine the blood flow in the foot and through the main arteries to identify any issues.

Any additional problems in the feet of those with obesity can be detrimental to foot health. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Obesity and your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Solutions 

Footwear – Specially made footwear that supports your joints, arches, and ankles, and allows room for good circulation is a great option to mitigate pressure and pain. A podiatrist will help you decide what works best for your specific needs.

Exercise – Exercise will help alleviate the pain and give your feet the strength it needs to support your body. Exercise also increases blood flow to your feet, allowing them to remain healthy and strong. 

Most importantly, seek the help of a podiatrist for foot care if something is wrong or doesn’t seem to be working. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

Read more about obesity and the feet.

xrayPaula Radcliffe, one of the best known female distance runners in history, will run for what may be her last time in the London marathon after suffering with many foot problems including arthritic foot. Although her foot has healed and she has made small improvements in coming back to the track after many surgeries, Radcliffe states, “I just know my body can’t take marathon training anymore.”

Arthritis is a painful condition and arthritic foot care is necessary to avoid further complications. If you have any concerns contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

  • Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
  • Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
  • Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any concerns contact our office located in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about arthritic foot care.

diabetic foot care3Researchers fromWurzburg and Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits in Erlangen, Germany have recently created a pressure sensing sock to aid diabetics suffering from diabetic neuropathy. Often times those with neuropathy are unable to sense pressure on their feet and can obtain wounds that could lead to issues such as gangrene and amputations. The device has over 40 sensors made of a silicone film where pressure points on the feet are combined and mapped to help prevent further issues. Although the sock is a great innovation for the diabetic community, researchers are still working to make the device less bulky and more accessible.

Diabetic patients are often at a high risk for neuropathy, amputations, and other issues. If you have any concerns about your diabetic feet, Contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels because blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Read more about diabetic feet.

Page 60 of 65

Connect With Us