Trail running exposes the feet and ankles to forces and hazards not found on smooth pavement. Uneven ground, hidden roots, and shifting rocks can quickly lead to rolled ankles, strained ligaments, or stress fractures. The constant changes in slope and surface demand rapid adjustments in foot placement, increasing the chance of missteps that overstretch tendons or tear soft tissue. Repeated downhill impact can bruise the heel or inflame structures like the plantar fascia. In some cases, sudden landings on unstable surfaces cause foot bone injuries that require weeks of recovery. Trail conditions such as mud, loose gravel, and water crossings can make slips more likely, leading to sharp impacts or twisting falls. Because these injuries can escalate and lead to long-term complications if ignored, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for any lingering pain, swelling, or difficulty bearing weight after a run.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Wendy K. Stinson, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports 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
• 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 contact our office located in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Surgery for Morton’s neuroma is performed to remove thickened nerve tissue in the ball of the foot when conservative treatments no longer provide relief. This condition causes burning pain, tingling, or the feeling of a pebble under the foot, often due to nerve compression from footwear or repetitive stress. Surgery for Morton's neuroma is recommended when symptoms interfere with daily activities, despite other treatments. Recovery time varies but generally takes several weeks, with gradual return to normal footwear and activity. A podiatrist can determine if surgery is the best option, guide you through the process, and provide post-operative care. If foot pain persists, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of this type of foot surgery with you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Wendy K. Stinson, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries in the restaurant industry, where fast-paced environments and slippery surfaces increase risk. Preventive measures such as using non-slip floor mats, placing wet floor signs, installing non-slip surfaces on steps, keeping pathways clear, and regularly cleaning greasy floors can greatly reduce accidents. These efforts help protect staff from serious foot and ankle injuries. A podiatrist can assist by treating foot injuries, advising on supportive footwear, and helping staff maintain foot health under demanding conditions. If you work in food service and experience foot pain or injury from a fall, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist for expert care that supports recovery and helps prevent future complications on the job.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Wendy K. Stinson, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Morton’s toe is a common foot condition where the second toe is longer than the big toe. This structural variation can cause an uneven distribution of weight while walking or standing, leading to foot pain and discomfort. People with Morton’s toe may experience symptoms such as pain in the ball of the foot, calluses, or corns between the toes. The longer second toe may also cause imbalance and increased pressure on certain areas, resulting in fatigue or aching feet. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure and recommend treatments like custom orthotics to redistribute pressure, proper footwear to accommodate toe length, and exercises to strengthen foot muscles. Early intervention can help to reduce pain and prevent further complications. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Wendy K. Stinson, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.