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(908) 381-8160Berkeley Heights

May 2021

Thursday, 27 May 2021 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Monday, 24 May 2021 00:00

Is My Ankle Sprained or Fractured?

A sprained ankle and a broken ankle have similar symptoms and can sometimes be difficult to tell apart. Ankle sprains occur when ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. This can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, ankle instability, and a restricted range of motion. Sometimes you may also feel a popping sensation at the time of injury. An ankle fracture occurs when one or more bones around the ankle joint break. This can cause an immediate, sharp pain that is usually more painful than a sprain, bruising, swelling, tenderness, a visible deformity, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle. If you have injured your ankle, please see a podiatrist, who can diagnose and treat the injury, as soon as possible.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  •  Swelling around the area
  •  Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Berkeley Heights, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about All About Broken Ankle

The Achilles tendon is located on the back of the ankle and connects the heel to the calf muscles. The two most common injuries that affect the Achilles tendon are Achilles tendinopathy and an Achilles tendon tear or rupture. Achilles tendinopathy symptoms include swelling, stiffness, and pain that is more noticeable in the morning. An Achilles tendon tear or rupture is often the result of forceful jumping and pivoting and sudden accelerations that result in overstretching and the eventual tearing of the tendon. A complete rupture can cause severe pain and a loss of strength and movement. Because of the seriousness of an Achilles tendon injury, patients who are experiencing pain and swelling in this tendon should consult with a podiatrist. A podiatrist will be able to help provide preventative measures to avoid a rupture, as well as guide you in healing the injury.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Janet Leicht of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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 create immense 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 injuries 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 Berkeley Heights, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Achilles Tendon Injuries
Monday, 03 May 2021 00:00

When Should I Get My Child New Shoes?

Children's feet grow and change quite rapidly throughout childhood. It is very important to make sure that your child is wearing the right shoes to protect their feet, as well as prevent foot pain and injuries. Since children’s feet tend to grow quickly, it can be difficult to determine whether your child needs new shoes. After all, you just bought a new pair two months ago - could your child have outgrown them already? You should look for new shoes if your child can no longer fit their foot comfortably or wiggle their toes within their current shoes. New shoes should also be purchased if the sole of the shoe is broken or torn as well as if your child is limping or if you notice a different walking pattern. To learn more about the connections between footwear and your child’s foot health, please speak with a podiatrist. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Janet Leicht of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during 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. Here are some things to consider...

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’. 

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 for 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.

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

Read more about How to Care for Your Child's Feet
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