February 2016

Foot pain is a common condition that many people suffer from. There are several factors behind foot pain, and pain can be attributed to poor-fitting footwear, genetics, posture, or weight gain. Plantar fasciitis is one condition that is characterized by its heel pain, which typically occurs on the underside of the foot near the arch or heel. The condition can easily be prevented and treated by stretching the foot and calf regularly, wearing orthotics, icing the area with an ice pack, or wearing a night splint that stretches the foot while one is sleeping.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, consult with one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctors will attend to all of your podiatric needs.

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?

·     Excessive running

·     Non-supportive shoes

·     Overpronation

·     Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

·     Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices

·     Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis

·     Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

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 offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

Damian Lillard of the Trail Blazers will be sidelined for his third game, due to the pain in his heel. Lillard “had hoped to return for Saturday’s contest,” but the heel pain had caught up with him. Lillard has been suffering from plantar fasciitis for about three weeks in his left foot, and had to call out from the game against the Cavaliers. He was also unable to play Atlanta, ending his consecutive games streak, and also against New Orleans.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries need proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Sport Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports-related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about sports related injuries.

Sweating is the body’s mechanism for cooling down if one’s body temperature begins to rise. While all people sweat, some do sweat more than others. Women, while having more sweat glands, typically sweat less than men. Those who are more fit also tend to sweat more that those who are not as fit. Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is a condition in which the body sweats excessively. Aside from the underarms, this can also occur particularly in the hands and feet

If you have any concerns, consult with one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about hyperhidrosis of the feet.

Senior defensive tackle, Tommy Schutt, will not be playing against Notre Dame due to a broken foot. The news comes as huge news since this Fiesta Bowl is the final game of the season for Ohio State, making Schutt’s 25 tackle record vital to the game’s success. While Schutt will be missed, Joey Bosa, Donovan Munger, and Tracey Springle are set to take his place.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue (foot)
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Broken Feet

Mitchell Starc, Australian rugby star, is set to miss a few games due to a stress fracture in the third metatarsal of his right foot. While Starc initially complained about his troublesome ankle, scans showed the injury was based more so in the foot. This is a major blow to the Australian team, halting their plans for the next year. Although Starc was able to play while injured in 2013, it is unlikely that event will occur again.

Activities, where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

The Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. Then the feet and ankles lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection the bones receive the full impact of each step. The stress on the feet causes cracks to form in the bones, thus called stress fractures.

What are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

-runners                                  

-people affected with Osteoporosis

-play tennis or basketball

-gymnastics

-high impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures, and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves in high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle