July 2016

Unfortunately, ankle injuries are very common in the sport of netball. An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that connect bone to bone tear apart. Prophylactic tape and bracing can be used in order to prevent ankle sprains. There are different benefits that come along with taping your ankle compared to bracing, and vice-versa. A benefit of using tape is that it can be manipulated to fit your specific foot; however, the tape tends to loosen after about thirty minutes. A benefit of braces is that they provide extra support, but they cannot be tailored to fit a person’s foot.

Ankle sprains are common, but need immediate attention. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits can aid in prevention

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Having toenail fungus can be very painful and it may lead to many different problems. Although you may be tempted to use medication to treat the fungus, you should consult with a doctor before doing so. You can also use creams and ointments in order to treat the fungus on your toe. Essential oils can help with protecting the fungus against dust. The most popular essential oils used to fight toenail fungus are olive oil, lavender oil, tea tree oil, and oregano oil.

While toenail fungus is troublesome to eradicate, it is not impossible. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of  University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctorswill attend to your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a problem which affects many people and is hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating toenail fungus.

Antibiotics & Treatments 

Lamisil – is the most commonly effective treatment for toenail fungus. It is available as an antibiotic Terbinafine tablet and cream. Terbinafine is a chemical component which kills fungal growth on the body.  Applying regular doses will gradually kill the fungal growth. It is important to keep the area clean and air free. 

Talcum powder – applying powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well

Alternative Treatments

There are always surgical procedures that are available for toenail fungus. Some people would like immediate quick removal of toenail fungus. Surgeons will be able to cut through and remove the growth using laser surgery. It is important not to try and remove it yourself. Once removed, your old shoes will need to be replaced to avoid reinfection.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Seattle Mariners’ RHP Taijuan Walker injured his right Achilles tendon during his start against the Tampa Bay Rays. He left the game after giving up a triple to Cory Dickerson in the fourth inning. Edwin Diaz was later called from the bullpen to replace the injured Walker.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns contact one of our podiatrists of  University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctorswill treat your foot and ankle needs.

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

- Inflammation

- Dull to Severe Pain

- Increased blood flow to the tendon

- Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot

- Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise

- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Achilles tendon injuries.

Carolina Panther’s running back Jonathan Stewart is currently dealing with pain resulting from a foot injury he had during the Super Bowl. He injured his foot in the middle of the first quarter of the Super Bowl when he was tackled on his ankle. The Panthers are being very cautious with Stewart because they don’t want the pain in his foot to worsen.

Anyone can wind up suffering from heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your 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?

- Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  

- Wearing non-supportive shoes

- Weight change         

- Excessive running

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 thing of the past.

With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.  

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ.We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Heel Pain