Items filtered by date: February 2022

Many active people develop what is known as Achilles tendonitis, which occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed over a period of days, rather than suddenly. It is usually the result of repetitive use and the tightening of the calf muscles. A regular routine of stretching can help to strengthen the tendon and lengthen the muscles. Before starting any exercises, it may be wise to consult with a podiatrist who can examine the painful area and diagnose your injury properly. The calf is made up of two muscles, the gastrocnemius and the soleus, that the Achilles tendon connects to your heel. Both can be stretched using the same exercise in slightly different ways. Stand with both hands pressed against a wall, touch the toes of one foot to the wall with the knee bent. Place the leg to be stretched straight back, with the heel up and the leg straight. Be sure that the heel lines up with the foot. Slowly lower the heel. This should stretch the gastrocnemius (larger) calf muscle. Hold the stretch for a few seconds and repeat several times. To stretch the soleus muscle, do the same exercise with both legs bent. This releases the gastrocnemius and allows the smaller muscle to be stretched. If you are afflicted with an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Toms River Podiatrist . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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 create immense 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 injuries 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 located in Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

It is not uncommon for adults to experience a sudden onset of flat feet, known medically as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD). The tibial tendon, which connects the calf muscles with bones on the inside of the foot, holds up the arch and supports the foot when you walk. This tendon can tear from playing sports like basketball, tennis or soccer, or become inflamed, causing the arch to fall. This injury is more common in women and adults over the age of 40. Other risk factors include obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. Most fallen arches can be treated non-surgically with orthotics, shoes with good arch support, and braces. Sometimes a protective boot is worn to give the tendon a chance to heal properly. Treating PTTD early is highly recommended, as putting it off can lead to further complications, such as arthritis, that may impede your ability to walk, run, or take part in other physical activities. If you have noticed a sudden onset of flat feet, it is wise to make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible for a full diagnosis and suggested treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Toms River Podiatrist . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

An Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test is a screening tool that is used to assess circulation in the lower limbs. During an ABI test, the doctor takes your blood pressure at various points along your arms and lower legs and compares the numbers to determine your risk of having full or partial blockages in the blood flow of your lower limbs. Not everyone needs an ABI test. They are typically done for people who are at risk of peripheral artery disease, a condition characterized by poor circulation in the extremities. People who are at risk of having peripheral artery disease include those with a history of smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and atherosclerosis, as well as older adults and people who have a family history of peripheral artery disease. To learn more, please consult with a podiatrist.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Toms River Podiatrist . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

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

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves in the extremities become damaged and dysfunctional. Peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, burning/shooting pains and muscle weakness in the feet, along with cramps, swelling, sensitivity, and a loss of coordination and balance. This condition often makes it difficult for people to walk. Peripheral neuropathy is often caused by the elevated sugar levels associated with diabetes, but may also occur due to viral infections, injury, or as a side effect of taking certain medications or indulging in too much alcohol. A podiatrist can help treat peripheral neuropathy through pharmaceutical and physical therapy, custom orthotics for your shoes, or even nerve stimulation treatments. It is suggested that you call a podiatrist to explore treatment options for your peripheral neuropathy.

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 Toms River Podiatrist . 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:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

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