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During the propulsion (toe off) stage of walking, toes bear the weight of the body as your heels rise. During this process, the toes are supported by the long, fibrous plantar fascia ligament on the bottom of the foot that connects the toes with the heel. The plantar fascia also absorbs weight and support the toes and arch when running, jumping, and dancing. Repeated stress due to overuse, obesity, improper footwear, structural anomalies in the feet, and other factors can cause the plantar fascia to become irritated, torn, and inflamed. This is a painful condition known as plantar fasciitis. The pain felt with plantar fasciitis is typically at its worst in the morning when you first wake up and begin to take your first steps. Because it is the most common form of heel pain, podiatrists see plantar fasciitis patients regularly and have a variety of options to treat it. If you are having heel pain, make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam to get properly diagnosed and treated.
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 one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors 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?
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
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 North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you experience unusually cold feet, you may have a condition known as Raynaud’s phenomenon. This condition may simply be caused by over-sensitive blood vessels that constrict abnormally in colder temperatures. It occurs because the small blood vessels spasm and keep the blood from circulating properly. Symptoms may be triggered by a drop in the temperature, as well as anxiety or stress. In many cases no actual cause for Raynaud’s can be found, aside from a disruption in how the nervous system controls the blood vessels. In other cases, it can be linked to underlying causes. Among them are autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus; infections, such as hepatitis; cancer; and certain migraine, blood pressure and heart medications. Injury and overuse has been linked to Raynaud’s phenomenon, as has smoking. Please see a podiatrist for an examination to determine the cause of excessive cold feet.
While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:
Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Swollen legs, ankles and feet are common for most women when they are expecting a baby. A buildup of fluid, an increase in weight, hot weather, gravity, and standing for long periods are contributing factors. Swelling (edema) during pregnancy usually gets worse in the last trimester and right after birth. One way to avoid some of the swelling is by eating healthy foods, including fish, lean meats, poultry and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition, try to reduce the amount of salt, fats and sugar, and especially processed foods, that you consume. Plus, it’s a good idea to drink plenty of water to flush the system. Try to stay off your feet and keep them elevated, particularly later in the day. Do ankle rolls and foot flexes to increase blood flow to the feet. If swelling becomes severe and moves up the calf, or if pressing on your ankle or leg leaves an indentation, it may be a sign of something more serious. It is suggested that you see a podiatrist immediately who can examine the feet and ankles properly and recommend treatment options.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Heel pain can develop for a variety of reasons that can include plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Sever’s disease, or an Achilles tendon injury. Many patients with heel pain can manage it when comfortable shoes are worn that have a low heel. Additionally, it is beneficial to practice specific stretches that can help heel pain. An effective stretch is defined as standing on a step and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle pull is felt. It may feel good to roll the bottom of the foot on a tennis ball, and this may help the entire foot to feel good. It is suggested to refrain from wearing high heels or shoes that are pointy, in addition to refraining from standing for long periods of time. If you have heel pain, it is strongly advised that you contact a podiatrist who can determine what the cause may be and begin the correct treatment.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Livingston Footcare. Our doctors 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?
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 North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
If you are experiencing stabbing or burning nerve pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the feet, you may have peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a dysfunction of the body’s peripheral nervous system, which is outside of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by some sort of damage or illness to a nerve (or nerves)—anywhere along the pathway from the spine to the feet—or from spinal problems. It may also be associated with certain medical conditions such as arthritis, Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, Lyme disease, or shingles. Alcoholism or side effects from certain medications may even damage the peripheral nerves. Peripheral neuropathy should not be taken lightly, as it may lead to the formation of foot ulcers or circulatory disorders, as well as other complications. If you believe you may have peripheral neuropathy, make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible to have your condition diagnosed and treated properly.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Tinea pedis, which is known as athlete’s foot, is considered to be a fungal infection. The skin on the feet is affected, and it may itch and turn red. It can be difficult to cure, but despite the fact it is not known to be a serious infection. This condition can be contagious, and it is suggested to refrain from sharing towels, socks, or shoes. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot thrives in warm and moist environments. These can include public swimming pools, locker room floors, and showers. The symptoms that patients experience can consist of blisters, cracked skin on the feet, and the affected foot may itch and burn. A proper diagnosis often consists of having a skin test taken, and this is necessary in choosing the right treatment option. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible, who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
Prevention
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Ankle sprains are a fairly common injury to the rubber band-like ligaments that connect and hold the ankle bones together. Not all ankle sprains are the same. Severity depends upon how many ligaments are affected, and whether they are overly stretched, or partially/fully torn. Having weak ankles, running on uneven surfaces, playing sports, wearing inappropriate shoes, and having prior ankle sprains can increase a person’s risk of spraining their ankle. Along with pain, an ankle sprain may cause bruising, swelling, stiffness, soreness and even difficulty walking. If your ankle does not heal properly, it could lead to future ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability. Sometimes an ankle sprain will occur along with another type of foot or ankle injury that should be addressed as well. To avoid these problematic situations, contact a podiatrist if you believe you have sprained your ankle.
Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.
What Are the Symptoms?
Preventing a Sprain
Treatment of a Sprain
In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
You probably have an ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) if the edge of your toenail grows into the skin of your toe. The area around the nail will likely be red and painful because it is irritated. If it progresses to infection, the skin might bulge around the nail and pus, or a clear fluid can be present. It stands to reason that the longer this condition is left untreated, the more likely it is to become infected. Ingrown toenails may be caused by wearing shoes that crowd the toenails, improper cutting of toenails, injury to the toenail, or toenails that are unusually curved. If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail or any other foot discomfort, you should visit a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Livingston Footcare. Our doctors 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
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 North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
When you feel pain on the outside of your foot, just in front of the ankle, you may have strained the peroneal tendon, which connects the base of the 5th metatarsal bone to the peroneus brevis leg muscle. This injury, often the result of a twisted ankle or other sudden force to the ankle, can result in pain and swelling. It will likely hurt when you try to walk. It is often caused when your foot rolls inward and stretches the tendon on the outside of your foot. The peroneus brevis muscle frequently gets tighter when running, especially on hard roads, increasing the likelihood of it being overstretched. Immediate treatment options include icing the foot to reduce swelling and inflammation, staying off the foot, and taking over-the-counter pain medication. If after a couple of days, the pain continues or worsens, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist who can examine your foot and suggest further treatment options, based on the severity of the injury.
Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:
Diagnosis
To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.
Treatment
Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A bunion is a bumpy outgrowth that develops at the joint of the big toe as a result of a deformity known as hallux valgus. The most common symptom is the big toe pushing inward toward the second toe, thereby pushing the joint out of alignment and causing the bump. The main cause is wearing shoes that are pointy or too tight in the toe box. Tight shoes strain the MTP (metatarsophalangeal) joint where the big toe meets the foot. Women are more likely to develop bunions because they often wear high heels. A bunion can also be the result of heredity or arthritis. If you have developed a bunion, it is wise to consult with a podiatrist earlier rather than later. The podiatrist can examine the area and help you decide the correct measures to take. Treatment ranges from elastic bunion pads or shoe inserts in minor cases to surgery in the most severe.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
As a shock absorber and support mechanism to the arch, the connective tissue known as the plantar fascia, is under a lot of pressure. Certain factors like obesity, improper footwear, age, stress from athletic activities, or irregular foot mechanics can compound this stress and cause the plantar fascia to become damaged or even torn. This condition is known as plantar fasciitis—the most common cause of heel pain. This stabbing pain is usually most severe in the mornings when the plantar fascia has stiffened overnight from lack of use. The pain typically subsides as you begin to use your feet again when walking or moving around, only to return later in the day. Plantar fasciitis can also make your arch and toes sore. There are many effective conservative treatments for plantar fasciitis that your podiatrist can use to eliminate pain and repair your plantar fascia. Make an appointment with a podiatrist today to get relief from heel pain.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Livingston Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
How Can It Be Treated?
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
