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.

Plantar fibromatosis, also known as Ledderhose disease, is a condition characterized by the formation of non-cancerous nodules in the plantar fascia, the connective tissue along the bottom of the foot. These nodules are typically firm, painless lumps but can cause discomfort and affect foot function as they grow. Common signs include a noticeable bump on the foot's arch and possible pain or pressure when walking. Diagnosing plantar fibroma involves a physical examination by a podiatrist, who will assess the size and location of the nodules. Imaging tests, such as ultrasounds or MRI scans, may be used to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the extent of the fibromas. If you have a nodule on your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fibromas.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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.

A broken pinky toe, or 5th phalangeal fracture, can occur due to various reasons such as stubbing the toe against furniture or dropping something heavy on it. Symptoms typically include immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in moving the toe. Types of fractures can range from minor hairline cracks to complete breaks that displace the bone. Stress fractures develop gradually from repetitive stress, while traumatic fractures occur suddenly from impact or trauma. Diagnosing a broken pinky toe involves a physical examination and possibly imaging tests like X-rays to determine the extent of the injury. Treatment usually involves rest, elevation to reduce the swelling, and buddy taping the toe to its neighbor toe for support. Severe fractures may require immobilization with a splint or walking boot, and in rare cases, surgery to realign the bones for proper healing. If you have endured a broken pinky toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you with the appropriate treatment method.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition affecting the nerves between the toes, most commonly the third and fourth toes. It involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes, causing sharp, burning pain or a sensation of stepping on a pebble. This benign growth, also known as intermetatarsal neuroma, results from repeated stress or irritation, often due to activities that involve wearing tight shoes or high heels. The incidence of Morton's neuroma varies, affecting more women than men, and typically occurring between the ages of 30 to 50. It involves the interdigital nerves becoming compressed or irritated, leading to inflammation and discomfort. If you have pain between these toes, it is suggested that you seek counsel from a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.