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(908) 381-8160Berkeley Heights

January 2023

Tuesday, 31 January 2023 00:00

Painful Heel Spurs

The pain from having a heel spur can be extremely uncomfortable. Heel spurs occur because of a detached ligament that connects the plantar fascia to the heel bone. A heel spur can develop from standing on hard surfaces for much of the day and many patients can physically feel a small bone growth surrounding the heel. Additional symptoms can include a red and swollen heel, and ankle pain may develop from an altered gait or walking style. Relief may be found when the affected foot is frequently elevated, which may help to reduce some of the swelling. Some patients find it beneficial to wear shoes that have additional cushioning in the heel area and taking over-the-counter pain relievers may temporarily ease the pain and discomfort. If you have heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose heel spurs, and offer treatment options that are correct for you.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Berkeley Heights, NJ . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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Tuesday, 24 January 2023 00:00

Common Foot Injuries Among Tennis Players

With being on one’s feet the whole time while playing tennis, one is very likely to sustain a foot injury at some point while participating in this sport. The most common of such injuries include heel spurs, stress fractures, and tennis toe. A heel spur is a calcium buildup under the heel from straining or stretching the plantar fascia. It is common among athletes who pound their feet on the court and/or wear ill-fitting shoes that do not have enough support. Stress fractures are overuse injuries that come on from wear and tear. They can happen when muscles become fatigued or unable to absorb shock, and small cracks develop in bones. These types of fractures occur when activity levels are increased suddenly, or tennis is played on a new surface.  Tennis toe is when blood pools under the big toenail and is generally caused by friction from the toenail rubbing against the shoe. If you experience foot and ankle pain from playing tennis, consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and provide proper treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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 Sports Related Foot And Ankle Injuries

Physically active children may be prone to developing Sever’s disease. It is characterized by heel pain and limping, and it can cause pain and discomfort. It generally affects children and young teenagers who participate in running and jumping activities such as basketball, soccer, or football. It affects the growth plate in the heel, and tight calf muscles may lead to tension on the heel. Treatment begins with stopping the activity that caused this condition and resting the affected foot as often as possible. Many people choose to perform low impact activities that can include swimming and cycling, and this may help to strengthen the entire foot. Mild relief may be found by stretching the calf. This is effectively done while standing on a step, and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. If your active child has any of these symptoms, please speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can offer correct treatment options. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated 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.

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 injuries.

Read more about Sever's Disease
Tuesday, 17 January 2023 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Tuesday, 10 January 2023 00:00

Why Do I Have Top of the Foot Pain?

Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by participating in running, jumping, or kicking activities. It may also come from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or possibly from a medical condition that is known as gout. The pain may be accompanied by red, hot or swollen skin, and the affected area may be stiff. Mild relief may be found when the foot is frequently elevated, and gently stretching the foot. It is beneficial to wear soft insoles in the shoes, in addition to losing weight, if applicable. Foot pain may be a sign of arthritis, which may cause some patients to feel a grating or crackling sensation. An ankle sprain is a common reason to have foot pain, and there is often immediate bruising and swelling. If you have foot pain for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose and effectively treat foot and ankle pain.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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 Foot Pain
Tuesday, 03 January 2023 00:00

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, presents with an inflammatory fungal infection of the skin between the toes, soles of the feet, or on the heels. It can cause itchy, red, or raw skin, and sometimes wounds that are weepy. This is a contagious infection and can spread to the toenails, hands, and other people. Athlete's foot generally breeds under warm and moist conditions. It can easily be caught from contaminated surfaces, such as flooring in public gyms, locker rooms, and nail salons. Additionally, it can be passed between people from shared clothes or towels that have been in contact with infected feet. Athlete’s foot can be hard to cure, and it can recur. If you think you have athlete’s foot, see a podiatrist as soon as possible for the correct treatment options.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Janet Leicht from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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 Athlete's Foot
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