Items filtered by date: July 2015

Right-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

During 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.

Kevin 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.

Children 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.