Items filtered by date: August 2022

Tuesday, 30 August 2022 00:00

Heel Pain Can Come From Various Sources

There are many different reasons why people can feel heel pain. It can be a result of having Achilles tendonitis, a heel spur, or plantar fasciitis. These are the most common causes, and there are various ways the heel bone can be negatively affected. Heel pain can consist of a stabbing, burning pain, or it may be a chronic dull ache. It may be worse upon waking up in the morning, and walking can be difficult. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. Its function is to connect the heels to the toes, in addition to providing stability to the arch. People who enjoy running or who frequently participate in jumping activities may develop this condition, and it can cause severe pain and discomfort. A heel spur is defined as a bony growth that forms on the back of the heel bone, and it can come from extra bone tissue that can be caused by plantar fasciitis. The Achilles tendon is located in the calf, and it connects the heel to the calf muscles. This tendon can become torn or ruptured from an injury, and cause heel pain. If you are experiencing heel pain for any reason, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer you correct treatment options. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard of Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor 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?

  • 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 condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Marlboro and Watchung, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 23 August 2022 00:00

Little Known Facts About Clubfoot

Clubfoot is a congenital birth defect. The shape of the baby’s foot points down and is turned in. This happens because the tissues that connect the bone to the muscles in the leg are defective in some way. The tendons are shorter than they should be so the foot is pulled into an abnormal position. There may be additional changes to the ankle joint, bone of the foot, and muscles with clubfoot. Male babies are twice as likely to develop clubfoot at birth than females. A little less than half of those born with a clubfoot will suffer this condition in both feet. Having another birth defect, such as cerebral palsy or spina bifida, increases the chances of a baby being born with clubfoot. Infections during pregnancy, smoking, or using drugs can also increase the likelihood of this defect. This can be a genetic birth defect, especially if there is a family history on the father’s side of the family. Clubfoot has a higher incidence of occurrence in countries with lower incomes. Those born in Hawaii are six times more likely to be born with clubfoot, and those born in Japan are 50% less likely to be born with clubfoot. Clubfoot can be cured but this is not always the case. If your child is born with clubfoot, include a podiatrist on your healthcare team for proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Early intervention can make a difference.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard of Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

  • Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
  • Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
  • Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
  • Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
  • Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
  • Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Marlboro and Watchung, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Saturday, 20 August 2022 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

One of the symptoms of poor circulation is having cold feet. Additional symptoms include swelling, chronic pain, difficulty moving the feet. Many people feel a tingling or numbing sensation in their feet, which may make their feet feel heavy. The common reasons poor circulation may be prevalent among seniors include having diabetes, being overweight, smoking, and living a sedentary lifestyle. There also may be existing medical conditions that contribute to having poor circulation. Among them are having peripheral artery disease (PAD), atherosclerosis, or a venous insufficiency. Circulation can be improved by making lifestyle changes. It is beneficial to incorporate a simple exercise routine daily, and it is important to consume a healthy diet. Some patients find relief when they elevate their feet, and it may help to wear compression stockings. If you would like more information about the causes and remedies of poor circulation in the feet, please confer with a podiatrist. 

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 Dr. Ronald Sheppard of Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor 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:

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
  • Pain
  • Muscle Cramps

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 one of our offices located in Marlboro and Watchung, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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The foot condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes. In severe cases, it is quite painful. This can possibly be treated without surgery in the beginning stages. It happens as a result of wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. High heels fit into this category, and it is suggested to refrain from frequently wearing them. The nerve can gradually become compressed, and it will feel like there is a pebble in the sock or shoe. Additional symptoms can consist of burning pain and numbness in the toes. The pain may radiate to the ball of the foot, and it can be difficult to complete daily activities. A qualified doctor can perform a diagnosis by having an X-ray taken, and this can be helpful in ruling out a stress fracture. An MRI or ultrasound can also be performed, and these can eliminate conditions that may include bursitis and Freiberg’s disease. Some patients find it helpful to stretch the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, which are located on the bottom of the foot. This may help to reduce a portion of the pain. If you have Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you meet with a podiatrist who can recommend the best treatment for you.

 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard of Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Marlboro and Watchung, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 02 August 2022 00:00

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis

Some afflictions of the foot occur when a local nerve is damaged or strained, which can result in complications in the feet. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is one such foot affliction. This condition occurs in an individual when the tissue surrounding the tarsal tunnel aggravates the posterior tibial nerve. This nerve is located in the lower calf and runs to the heel of the foot. When this nerve aggravation occurs, the patient can feel pain when walking. By working with a podiatrist, a patient can receive a diagnosis of tarsal tunnel syndrome. There are different ways in which a podiatrist might go about making a diagnosis. In some cases, a podiatrist might conduct a simple examination of the affected foot. In other cases, the podiatrist might use nerve conduction studies. These studies essentially use electrical currents to measure the speed with which a nerve can produce impulses. If the posterior tibial nerve being studied produces impulses at a very slow rate, this can indicate the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Regardless of how a diagnosis of tarsal tunnel syndrome is performed, it can be very helpful to reach out to a podiatrist who will be able to best help you identify and treat this condition.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard of Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
  • Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  • At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
  • The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
  • If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Marlboro and Watchung, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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