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A stress fracture is a small hairline fracture that is a result from overuse. The feet are particularly susceptible to developing stress fractures and there are a variety of different types. One of the most common foot stress fractures is a navicular stress fracture. This occurs on the top of the midfoot and is common in sprinters and jumpers. Another type of stress fracture is a metatarsal stress fracture which occurs along one of the metatarsal bones. A metatarsal stress fracture can develop from overuse or poor foot biomechanics and the pain is usually felt towards the middle, or front of the foot and worsens with weight bearing activities. A calcaneal fracture occurs in the heel bone and is common among soldiers who march frequently, as well as runners who choose to do their running on the road. Another common stress fracture that may occur in the feet is a Jones fracture which occurs in the 5th metatarsal and causes pain on the outside of the foot. If you are experiencing pain in the foot, it may be the result of one of these stress fractures. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and plan for treatment.
Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.
How Are They Caused?
Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon. Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.
Risk Factors
Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Falling is a major cause of hospital stays for people who are age sixty-five and older. They can encounter serious foot conditions, and can make accomplishing daily activities difficult to achieve. Additionally, a fear of falling may invoke a loss of independence, following spending several days in the hospital. The group of people who are at risk can include patients who wear shoes that do not fit correctly, have a vitamin D deficiency, or who have mobility and balance issues. It is beneficial to repair hazardous conditions in the household, which can consist of removing worn rugs, and installing grab bars in the shower and toilet area. It can help to maintain regular physical examinations that can monitor vision and blood pressure. If you would like more information about how to protect the feet and prevent falling, please consult with a podiatrist.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The Achilles tendon is a fibrous band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bones. This important tendon plays a major role in walking, running, and climbing up stairs by transmitting power from the calf muscles to the foot. The Achilles tendon also allows the foot to be flexed. When the Achilles tendon is injured, symptoms such as pain, swelling, and difficulty walking usually follow. An Achilles tendon rupture, which is a full tearing of the tendon, can be extremely painful and greatly reduce one’s mobility. If you are experiencing any pain in your calves or heels, this may be indicative of an Achilles tendon injury, and it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Livingston Footcare. Our doctors 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
Rupture Symptoms
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:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
The connective tissue running along the bottom of the foot between the heel and toes is called the plantar fascia. When this tissue becomes overly stressed, torn, or otherwise damaged, it can become inflamed, irritated, and painful. This is called plantar fasciitis. Some causes of plantar fasciitis include high-intensity sports or physical activities, wearing tight shoes, going barefoot, being obese, working on your feet all day, having either high arches or flat feet, and aging. Because this condition is so common, podiatrists have a variety of therapies and methods of treatment to help heal and ease the pain of plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.
Prevention
There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
While the feet can often be ignored in self care, taking care of your feet is a big part of being healthy and avoiding problems down the road. Proper foot care can help prevent fungal infections, cracked heels, corns, calluses, bunions, ingrown toenails and much more from developing. Since bacteria and fungi thrive in damp areas, it is important to wash and dry your feet thoroughly—especially between the toes. Moisturize your heels to prevent them from becoming dry, chapped, or cracked. Pamper your feet occasionally by soaking them to keep them soft and supple. Trim toenails straight across but not so short that ingrown toenails can occur. Wear moisture-wicking socks to keep the feet dry, and comfortable shoes that support your heels and arches as well as fit properly. It is also suggested that you have your feet checked by a podiatrist to help you maintain the best overall foot health.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
There are two tiny bones (sesamoids) embedded in tendons under the big toe joint. These petite yet purposeful bones help transmit muscle forces, assist the foot in weight-bearing, and also help elevate the big toe. When these bones become inflamed or fractured due to acute injury, overuse, or systemic disorders such as degenerative arthritis, this is known as sesamoiditis. Because these bones are so small, a podiatrist may require a variety of imaging tests to properly diagnose sesamoiditis. Early treatment may include custom orthotics to divert forces away from the sesamoids, shoe modification, icing, rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and more.
Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.
Causes of Sesamoiditis
Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Compression or irritation of the nerve between the third and fourth toes can cause the nerve to thicken and become painful. This is known as Morton’s Neuroma. Along with pain in the ball of the foot, symptoms may include tingling, numbness, burning, or the feeling of a pebble being stuck in your shoe. Morton’s Neuroma can be caused by injuries to the area, high heels and other footwear with a narrow toe box, or physical activities that cause repetitive stress on the ball of the foot such as running and tennis. Foot conditions such as hammertoes, flat feet, and bunions may increase the chances of developing Morton’s Neuroma. Early detection and treatment such as activity and shoe modification, injection therapy, icing, padding, and the use of orthotic devices can help avoid more invasive treatments or surgery. If you believe you may have Morton’s Neuroma, make an appointment with a podiatrist.
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 Livingston Footcare. 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?
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 North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Bunions are a common foot deformity in which a bony bump slowly grows along the outside of the foot at the base of the big toe joint. Bunions can be painful, making walking and finding comfortable shoes particularly difficult. Conservative treatments such as resting and icing the foot and shoe modifications are usually the first line of treatment to address bunion symptoms and slow or prevent progression. However, surgery is also an option and can be used to relieve pain, improve foot stability, restore walking ability, improve the appearance of the foot, and prevent other deformities from developing. Whether or not you should consider surgery depends on the severity of the bunion, the impact that symptoms have on your daily life, and the presence of any other health conditions. To learn more about treatment options for bunions, please consult with a podiatrist.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Plantar warts are small, fleshy, noncancerous growths that can appear on the soles of the feet due to an HPV infection. Warts may be asymptomatic, or may cause pain and discomfort, especially while walking or standing. Fortunately, plantar warts can be fairly easily treated by a podiatrist. Depending on the type, size, and location of the wart, as well as your personal preferences, the podiatrist can remove the wart by applying salicylic acid directly to the wart, freezing it off with liquid nitrogen, using topical or injected medicines, or removing the wart surgically. If you have one or more warts on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to get the right treatment for you.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will assist you with all of 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
Treatment
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, can 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 North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The cuboid bone is one of seven tarsal bones in the foot and is found between the fourth and fifth toes. The medical condition that is known as cuboid syndrome can produce pain in the outside of the foot, and it can be difficult to walk. It can occur as a result of a foot injury that can include twisting the ankle, or unexpectedly stepping off a curb. Additionally, repetitive stress on the foot may lead to cuboid syndrome. Some patients develop this ailment from not stretching adequately before a workout, or it may happen from performing physical activities on uneven surfaces. It is beneficial to stop the activity that caused this syndrome, and it can help to perform specific stretching techniques which may accelerate the healing process. Please consult with a podiatrist if you would like more information about cuboid syndrome.
Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.
Causes
The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:
Symptoms
A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
As the feet age, they begin to experience more wear and tear. The joints in the feet become stressed, and the skin becomes thinner and less elastic. Signs of aging feet include aches and pains, development of bunions, circulatory issues and the toes beginning to curl up. Because foot issues can be debilitating, older patients should take care of their feet. Common things that can be done to help reduce the effects of aging include exercise, general foot care (proper toenail trimming, checking for problems to detect them early, and moisturizing the feet), and wearing properly fitting shoes. Another key to help with aging feet is having an annual check with a podiatrist. Visiting a podiatrist can help find issues such as diabetes or poor circulation, and podiatrists can help treat common foot problems like bunions, ingrown toenails, and cracked heels.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.
