August 2021

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the posterior tibial nerve located at the back of the ankle becomes compressed. This leads to symptoms such as pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in the sole and heel of the foot. In about 40-50% of cases, the cause of tarsal tunnel syndrome is unknown, and it appears to arise spontaneously. In other cases, tarsal tunnel syndrome may occur due to a ganglion cyst, bone deformity, twisted and enlarged veins, tenosynovitis, and flat feet, among other causes. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be diagnosed through ultrasound and MRI and usually responds well to conservative treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medications and orthotics. To learn more about this condition, please consult with a podiatrist.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr. Scott Shrem of Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

A small area of skin on the foot that has become thickened due to excess friction may be referred to as a corn. Wearing shoes that do not fit properly may cause corns to form, as well as other foot conditions like bunions or hammertoes. Research has shown there are three kinds of corns that can develop. A seed corn typically forms on the soles of the feet and often appear in groups. These types of corns can also be linked to dry skin. A soft corn is found between the toes and stays moist from wearing socks and shoes all day. Hard corns are generally the most common and are located on wider portions of thickened skin on the foot. Most corns become quite painful as they thicken and may appear infected. Relief may be found when appropriate shoes are worn, and a protective covering is placed over the corn as a layer of protection. Corns can disrupt one’s daily activities so it is strongly suggested that a consultation be scheduled with a podiatrist who can suggest effective treatment methods.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Scott Shrem of Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Heel pain is one of the most common issues treated by podiatrists. While about 7% of adults over the age of 65 experience some form of heel pain, it can affect individuals of all ages. There are many possible causes for heel pain. Plantar fasciitis, an overuse injury of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, is on of the the most common causes. Other reasons heel pain may occur can include an Achilles tendon injury, stress fracture, bursitis, or bruises to the bone and heel pad. Infections, though rare, can also occur in the heel bone, as can various nerve disorders. Heel pain can be associated with systemic diseases, such as diabetes or arthritis. Regardless of the cause of your heel pain, a podiatrist can diagnose the problem and find the right treatment for you. If you are experiencing heel pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Scott Shrem of Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Broken ankles are a common injury characterized by a break in one or both of the lower leg bones, the tibia and fibula, that make up the ankle. Ankle fractures are painful, typically swell, and make it difficult or impossible to bear weight on the affected ankle. When going to the doctor for symptoms of an ankle fracture, you will likely be asked for your medical history, undergo a physical examination, and have an X-ray of your ankle taken. Broken ankles are treated by pushing the bones back into the correct positions if they have become misaligned and wearing a cast or splint until the broken bones heal. This usually takes about six weeks. Surgery may be necessary if the break is severe. If you think that you may have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Scott Shrem from Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Hazlet, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails are an annoying but typically mild problem that occurs when the corner or edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, rather than over it. This can cause the skin to become red, swollen, tender, or painful. Ingrown toenails can often be managed with home treatment and footwear modifications. Over the counter anti-inflammatory medications can reduce pain and swelling. Sometimes an ingrown toenail can result in an infection. Your podiatrist can prescribe antibiotics if this occurs. When it comes to the ingrown toenail itself, your podiatrist may remove the ingrown part of the nail through a procedure called partial nail avulsion. To prevent ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you trim your toenails straight across and not too short using nail clippers, and that you wear shoes that are not too tight in the toes. For more information about ingrown toenails, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Scott Shrem of Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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