Plantar Fasciitis refers to inflammation on the plantar fascia ligament, this ligament connects the heel to the toes. Overuse and strain can cause this condition, which affects the under arch of the foot and causes pain. This inflammation can also cause tension in surrounding muscles, and this can lead to the pain expanding into the calf. Stretches are beneficial in reducing tension, and therefore help to reduce overall pain. Towel curls can be performed by curling a towel with your toes. This stretch is done by placing a towel on the floor then while sitting, place your feet flat on the towel. By grasping the towel with your toes and curling inward you are stretching out the right parts of your foot. Foot flexes are also effective and are performed by sitting on the floor with your legs straight, then after wrapping an elastic band around your feet, begin to point your toes away from your body. If you believe you have plantar fasciitis, then it is highly recommended you speak to a podiatrist to learn about treatment options.

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 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.

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?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

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

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

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

Many elderly people may find it difficult to practice daily foot care. It’s important for seniors to wear shoes that fit comfortably, and this may prevent uncomfortable conditions from developing. These may include corns, calluses, bunions, or ingrown toenails. Research has shown the feet may change size or become wider, and it is recommended to measure them to determine the proper shoe size. Many seniors may spend the day sitting down, and poor circulation may gradually develop. This may be avoided by resisting the urge to cross the legs, in addition to frequently walking and performing gentle stretches. A common ailment that many elderly people notice is dry skin. Mild relief may be found when a moisturizer is applied several times per day. If you have questions about how to care for elderly feet, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist.

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.

Research has shown that falling may lead to serious conditions, which may include enduring a debilitating injury or fracturing a bone. As the aging process occurs, it may be beneficial to have frequent vision tests performed, and this may help in noticing any tripping hazards that may be present. Additionally, it may be helpful to monitor blood pressure, and this may ensure it is in a normal range. Low blood pressure may lead to dizziness, which may cause difficulty in walking. Muscle strength and flexibility in the joints and tendons may be improved while maintaining an active lifestyle. If you would like additional information about the importance of falls prevention, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can properly assist you.

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 Dr. Scott Shrem from Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor 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:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

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

One of the symptoms that is associated with heel spurs is pain in the heel and surrounding areas. The reason this can develop may be inflammation that originates from the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition may include heel pain in the morning, or while walking or standing for extended periods of time. There are treatment options available, including resting the foot whenever possible, and performing specific stretches that may loosen the tissues around the heel bone. Some patients find massaging the area is beneficial in finding relief, in addition to wearing shoe inserts. If you have a heel spur, it is recommended that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can offer proper treatment techniques.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Scott Shrem from Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Hazlet, NJ . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

There are two bones that are located under the bottom of the big toe that are referred to as the sesamoid bones. If they should become inflamed, which may be the result of injury or overuse, sesamoiditis may develop. Many patients will experience pain if that area of the foot is touched, and may have difficulty in walking. A proper diagnosis is necessary to perform before beginning the correct treatment, which typically includes having an X-ray taken, or obtaining a bone scan or MRI. Mild relief may be found when there is additional cushioning added to the shoes, which may be effective in relieving a portion of the pressure. It may be beneficial to refrain from the activities that may have caused this condition, and comfort may be found when the foot is resting. If you have pain under the big toe, it is advised to schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can properly treat sesamoiditis.

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 and ankle needs.