Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet do not develop properly or collapse over time, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. Individuals with flat feet may experience fatigue, pain in the heels or arches, swelling along the inner foot, and difficulty standing or walking for long periods. Causes include genetics, as some people are born with naturally low arches, or conditions that affect muscles, nerves, or joints, such as cerebral palsy or rheumatoid arthritis. Flat feet can also develop due to injury or aging. A podiatrist can assess the structure and function of the feet, recommend custom orthotics, provide supportive footwear guidance, and develop exercises to strengthen foot muscles and improve alignment. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide personalized care, helping you to better manage this condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Scott Shrem from Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

Sesamoiditis is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, specifically around the big toe joint, where two small bones called sesamoids are located. These bones act like pulleys to help the tendons move smoothly, but they can become irritated or inflamed due to overuse, repetitive pressure, or high-impact activities like running or dancing. Symptoms include a dull or sharp pain beneath the big toe, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bending or bearing weight on the toe. The area may feel tender to the touch and may worsen with certain shoes or prolonged activity. A podiatrist can diagnose sesamoiditis through a physical exam and imaging, such as X-rays or an MRI scans to rule out fractures. Treatment often includes custom orthotics, padding, anti-inflammatory medications, and footwear changes. In more severe cases, immobilization or injections may be necessary. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to address persistent foot pain.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Scott Shrem of Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor 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

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

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

Healthy feet are essential for a child’s growth, balance, and overall development. Because children’s bones and muscles are still forming, even minor issues can affect posture, gait, and coordination, over time. Flat feet, in-toeing, or toe-walking are common concerns that often improve as a child grows, but persistent problems may signal the need for evaluation. Wearing supportive, properly fitted shoes plays an important role in protecting developing feet, allowing natural movement while offering stability. Regular foot checks help parents notice any changes in shape, alignment, or walking patterns early on. Encouraging barefoot play on safe surfaces also strengthens muscles and improves balance. A podiatrist can identify structural or developmental concerns and recommend age-appropriate treatment, if needed. It is suggested that you invest in your child’s foot health by scheduling an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treating any foot and ankle problems that may arise.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

Ankle injuries are common in athletes and can range from mild sprains to severe ligament tears or fractures. They often result from sudden twists, awkward landings, or collisions during sports activities. Risk factors include inadequate warmups, wearing poor footwear, previous injuries, and playing on uneven surfaces. These injuries can lead to swelling, pain, instability, and reduced performance, if not treated properly. A podiatrist can provide an expert diagnosis, develop personalized treatment plans, and recommend braces, orthotics, or rehabilitation exercises to promote recovery and prevent reinjury. If ankle pain or instability is affecting your activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive professional care, restore strength, and return to athletic activities with confidence and safety.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.