Tuesday, 11 April 2023 00:00

Common Causes of Foot Pain

Almost everyone has felt some type of foot pain in their life, especially if they are physically active. However, foot pain also may be caused by genetics, diet, obesity, and infections. The most common causes of foot pain include bunions, hammertoes, and corns. Gout, flat feet, and plantar warts are other painful foot conditions. In addition, athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, and ingrown toenails are common foot pain complaints. Many of these conditions can be resolved by taking better care of the feet on a daily basis, as well as wearing shoes that fit the feet properly. Gout, however, is an inflammatory condition that results from having an excess of uric acid in the body. Omitting foods high in purines can help to prevent it. Infections are often transmitted in pool or gym locker rooms, with protective footwear they can be avoided. Caring for the toenails by cutting them properly may diminish the chances of an ingrown toenail. If you are experiencing foot pain that impedes your daily activities, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for help.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Scott Shrem from Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Hazlet, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot Pain

Our feet are arguably the most important parts of our bodies because they are responsible for getting us from place to place. However, we often don’t think about our feet until they begin to hurt. If you have pain in your feet, you need to first determine where on the foot you are experiencing it to get to the root of the problem. The most common areas to feel pain on the foot are the heel and the ankle.

Heel pain is most commonly attributed to a condition called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, which is the band of tough tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis pain is usually worse in the morning, and it tends to go away throughout the day. If you have plantar fasciitis, you should rest your foot and do heel and foot muscles stretches. Wearing shoes with proper arch support and a cushioned sole has also been proven to be beneficial.

Some common symptoms of foot pain are redness, swelling, and stiffness. Foot pain can be dull or sharp depending on its underlying cause. Toe pain can also occur, and it is usually caused by gout, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, sprains, fractures, and corns.

If you have severe pain in your feet, you should immediately seek assistance from your podiatrist for treatment. Depending on the cause of your pain, your podiatrist may give you a variety of treatment options.

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Tuesday, 04 April 2023 00:00

Foot Care Can Help to Prevent Diabetic Ulcers

Diabetics can be in danger of foot and toe problems as a result of sustained high blood sugar levels. Commonly, diabetes causes neuropathy in the lower extremities, which results in numbness and can put the patient in danger of developing a foot ulcer. Because the feeling in the feet is limited or absent, cuts, sores, and cracks in the skin may go unnoticed. Another underlying condition, called peripheral artery disease, can clog the blood vessels in the feet, making it more difficult for any such injuries to heal. This combination can lead to skin ulcers that if not attended to can cause gangrene. Experts suggest a daily foot care regime that can prevent ulcers from forming. It includes washing and drying the feet daily, inspecting them for sores, wearing shoes that are comfortable and fit well, and avoiding going barefoot. Keep the feet elevated when possible and perform light foot exercises, such as wiggling the toes and rotating the ankles to get the circulation going. If you have noticed a sore on your foot that is taking a long time to heal, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes can cause two problems that can potentially affect the feet: Diabetic neuropathy and Peripheral Vascular Disease. Diabetic neuropathy occurs when nerves in your legs and feet become damaged, which prevents you from feeling heat, cold, or pain. The problem with diabetic neuropathy is that a cut or sore on the foot may go unnoticed and the cut may eventually become infected. This condition is also a main cause of foot ulcers. Additionally, Peripheral vascular disease also affects blood flow in the body. Poor blood flow will cause sores and cuts to take longer to heal. Infections that don’t heal do to poor blood flow can potentially cause ulcers or gangrene.

There are certain foot problems that are more commonly found in people with diabetes such as Athlete’s foot, calluses, corns, blisters, bunions, foot ulcers, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts. These conditions can lead to infection and serious complications such as amputation. Fortunately, proper foot care can help prevent these foot problems before they progress into more serious complications.

Each day you should wash your feet in warm water with a mild soap. When you finish washing your feet, dry them carefully especially between your toes. You should also perform daily foot inspections to ensure you don’t have any redness, blisters, or calluses. Furthermore, if you are diabetic, you should always wear closed-toed shoes or slippers to protect your feet. Practicing these tips will help ensure that your feet are kept healthy and away from infection.

If you have diabetes, contact your podiatrist if you have any of the following symptoms on your feet: changes in skin color, corns or calluses, open sores that are slow to heal, unusual and persistent odor, or changes in skin temperature. Your podiatrist will do a thorough examination of your feet to help treat these problematic conditions.

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Tuesday, 28 March 2023 00:00

Advice on Choosing the Right Running Shoe

Various components make for a good pair of running shoes. Some key components are the upper, or all parts, of the shoe above the sole. This should fit the shape of the foot without binding or chafing. The outsole is the sole of the shoe, and it is made of materials that provide durability and traction without being stiff or adding weight to the shoe. The toebox should be roomy enough to keep the toes from hitting the end of the shoe and allow the foot to spread and flex naturally. There are many other important parts of running shoes that should be tended to for the best running comfort and performance. To learn more about the components of running shoes and how to pick the best shoes for your personal needs, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can evaluate your feet and make suitable recommendations.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
There should be little to no slipping at the heel
Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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.

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Tuesday, 28 March 2023 00:00

Choosing the Right Running Shoe

Choosing the right running shoes for you is an important part of running. A good pair of running shoes will make the running experience more enjoyable for you and prevent potential injury.

Poorly-fitted shoes can increase the risk of injury in runners substantially. Common injuries from running with poor quality shoes include shin splints, sprained ankles, Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis and more. This is due to the fact that bad shoes do not provide proper foot support, can increase pronation (how much the foot rolls when hitting the ground), have little to no cushioning, do not allow the feet to breath, and do not provide enough flex and rigidity in the right parts.

When looking for running shoes, first, determine where you will be running. If you are a trail runner, then pick trail shoes. If you run on concrete and asphalt, then regular running shoes are the best choice. When trying on shoes, its best to go at the end of the day as feet grow during the day and shrink after a night of sleep. Shoes should be more rigid towards the back of the foot while being more flexible up where the toes are. The toe box should provide enough room for the toes to move freely. The overall fit should be snug, not too tight but not too loose. A good pair of running shoes should also provide enough arch support for your foot type. If you experience overpronation or under-pronation while running, try to find a pair of shoes that will help correct this with different sole patterns. Finally, try to find a pair of shoes that allow the feet to breathe like nylon mesh or synthetic leather.

Don’t forget about the socks either. Socks that hold too much moisture can lead to athlete’s foot. Socks should be breathable so that your feet can air out and breathe. Synthetic socks wick away moisture like sweat. If you tend to run a lot, having a second pair of shoes that you can wear while you let the first pair air out is smart. Just don’t forget to replace your shoes after about every 300 to 500 miles.

Before you start running, it is advised to see a podiatrist to see if running is right for you. They can also offer good advice on how to run and what to look for in a pair of running shoes. If you have flat feet or poorly supported ones, they can also offer custom-made orthotics that will help give your feet the support they need.

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Tuesday, 21 March 2023 00:00

Plantar Fasciitis Stretches

Stretching the feet can provide physical as well as mental health benefits. These can include coping with pain management, achieving inner peace, and managing stress levels. It is beneficial to perform foot stretches with existing foot pain. The condition that is known as plantar fasciitis may be helped when the heel is held in one hand while grasping the toes with the other. A gentle stretch can be felt in the sole of the foot where the plantar fascia is located as the toes and heel are pulled in opposite directions. Some patients find it helps to roll the affected foot on a tennis ball or frozen water bottle, and this can help to stretch the plantar fascia. Performing a heel raise can be an effective stretch that benefits the bottom of the foot. This is done by standing on a step, and gently lowering the heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. If you would like additional information about how to stretch your feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you with proper stretching techniques.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Scott Shrem from Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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.

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Tuesday, 21 March 2023 00:00

How to Stretch Your Feet

Your feet endure a great amount of stress each day from constantly allowing us to move around. It is important to stretch your feet to help prevent them from becoming injured. Your toes may easily deform into unhealthful positions if they are not stretched.

One of the most common reasons for toe deformities are the shoes you may be wearing. Shoes that are too tight may fold and shift the toes out of place. Heeled shoes may also push your toes upward. Forcing your toes into an unnatural position which may cause the muscles to tighten and prevent them from reverting to normal length. Another common reason is improper use of foot muscles. Many people fail to use the muscles in their feet or toes when they walk. Lastly, the positioning of your feet while walking may also cause toe deformities. If you walk with your feet facing outward, your “push-off” phase is on the side of your big toe instead of the bottom of your foot. This may cause the big toe to eventually tighten into a new shifted position.

There are many reasons why stretching your toes may be helpful. One reason is that healthy spacing may aid in avoiding calluses and other injuries that are caused by rubbing. Stretching will also prevent you from developing toes that curl, hammertoes, or bunions.

A great way to stretch your toes is to place them in your hands and bend them all downward; this will help you stretch the top of your foot. Next, you should repeat this process but instead bend them upward enough to feel a nice stretch in the bottom of your foot. You should then try to pull each toe apart from the next and pull any toes that are bent upward until they are back downward.

If you are looking to practice stretching your entire foot, you can try a towel stretch. This is done by sitting on the floor with your legs in front of you. Take a towel and wrap it around your toes. Afterward, pull the towel toward you with your toes and hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds before releasing. Practice this stretch for three sets. Another stretch your feet are towel lifts. This is done by sitting in a chair and trying to pick a towel up from the ground with your toes. Try lifting the towel with your little toes for five sets before switching feet.

If you are an athlete, or exercise often, it is especially important for you to practice stretching your feet. Those who suffer from foot pain caused by poor footwear, plantar fasciitis, or long hours of standing at work may also benefit from foot exercises.

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Saturday, 18 March 2023 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.

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Tuesday, 14 March 2023 00:00

Prevent Running Injuries

There are many positive things that running can provide. People who enjoy running find it is simple and inexpensive, and the endorphins that are produced can have an energetic effect. Preventing running injuries is important, especially to avoid gaps in your running routine. Running can be demanding on the body yet rewarding to the mind, and having a strong body may help to avoid painful running injuries. It is beneficial to warm up and cool down before running, in addition to gradually increasing speed and mileage. Performing exercises that target the glutes may help to strengthen the legs, and these can include squats and lunges. The feet land on the ground with an excessive amount of force, so it is important to choose shoes that fit your feet and running style correctly. If you have questions about how to prevent running injuries, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you with effective prevention methods.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Scott Shrem of Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
“Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
Cross-Training is Crucial
Wear Proper Running Shoes
Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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.