A broken ankle typically occurs due to trauma or impact, such as a fall, sports injury, or car accident. It can also happen from twisting or rolling the ankle in an awkward position. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected foot. In some cases, the bone may protrude through the skin, indicating a more severe fracture. The severity of the injury can vary, with some fractures requiring surgery and others treated with a cast or brace. Recovery time for a broken ankle depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Generally, it can take six to eight weeks for the bone to heal, but full recovery, including regaining strength and mobility, may take several months. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

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.

Pickleball’s dynamic nature makes it a popular choice for aging athletes, but it also increases the risk of lower extremity injuries. These injuries are predominantly musculature, affecting tendons, ligaments, and muscles due to the rapid, repetitive movements involved in gameplay. Sports-specific factors like improper equipment, uneven court surfaces, or poor technique contribute significantly to injury risks. Wearing pickleball-specific shoes designed for lateral support and shock absorption can reduce strain on the ankles and knees. Playing on well-maintained courts minimizes trip hazards, while mastering proper techniques, such as turning instead of backpedaling, can prevent unnecessary stress on joints and muscles. Warm-ups and regular strength training further protect aging bodies, improving flexibility and resilience. If you have sustained an injury from playing pickleball that persists or limits your mobility, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for prompt care so you can stay active while minimizing risks.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

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 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

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 Hazlet, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. This condition is often seen in the big toe and can sometimes lead to infection. One of the key causes of ingrown toenails is improper nail trimming, such as cutting nails too short or rounding the edges. Other factors include wearing tight shoes that crowd the toes or injure the nail. Toenail thickening, often caused by fungal infections, can also increase the risk of ingrown nails by altering the shape of the nail and making it more likely to dig into the skin. Ingrown toenails may improve with care like soaking and proper trimming, but severe cases require professional treatment. A podiatrist can safely remove part of the nail, treat any infection, and provide advice on proper nail care and footwear to prevent recurrence. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. 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 occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.

Achilles tendonitis is an injury that affects the Achilles tendon, the large tendon located at the back of the ankle, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. This condition occurs when the tendon becomes irritated or inflamed due to overuse or excessive strain. Common symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and swelling along the back of the heel, which may worsen with physical activity, especially running or jumping. Individuals may also experience stiffness and discomfort in the morning. The main causes of Achilles tendonitis are repetitive stress on the tendon, sudden increases in physical activity, or wearing improper footwear. Athletes, particularly runners, are at higher risk, as well as individuals who have tight calf muscles or abnormal foot mechanics. If you have incurred an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

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 Hazlet, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.