Items filtered by date: December 2024

Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, is a common cause of foot pain and discomfort. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage in the joints to break down, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. In the feet, it can affect areas like the toes, ankles, and the arch. Common symptoms include joint tenderness, limited movement, swelling, and difficulty walking. The causes of osteoarthritis in the foot can range from age and genetics to previous injuries or repetitive stress. Over time, the wear and tear on the cartilage causes painful friction between bones. If you are experiencing foot pain or stiffness, a podiatrist can offer effective treatments. This type of doctor can recommend custom orthotics, pain management options, targeted exercises, or surgical procedures if needed. Seeking expert care early can help manage symptoms and improve mobility. If you are suffering from painful arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to get the relief you need.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Wendy K. Stinson, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A partial plantar plate tear is a common injury among runners, caused by repetitive stress and strain on the ligament beneath the ball of the foot. This thick structure helps stabilize the toes, but the high-impact nature of running, especially on hard surfaces or with improper form, can lead to overuse and small tears. Wearing worn-out or unsupportive running shoes can also increase the risk. Runners often notice pain under the ball of the foot, swelling, and a feeling of instability in the second or third toe. The discomfort may worsen with continued activity, making it difficult to maintain training routines. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent worsening. A podiatrist can confirm the injury through a physical exam, imaging, or ultrasound. Treatment ranges from rest, wearing supportive footwear, and orthotics to immobilization, or, in severe cases, surgery. If you have symptoms as described, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Wendy K. Stinson, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause 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.

Waking up with ankle pain can be caused by several factors. One common reason is the dawn phenomenon, which refers to increased inflammation and stiffness that occurs in the early morning, often due to the body’s natural circadian rhythms. Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, can lead to morning ankle pain as the joints become stiff overnight, making movement difficult. Inflammation caused by overuse, poor posture, or injury can also contribute to discomfort. Plantar fasciitis, a condition that affects the bottom of the foot, can also cause pain in the ankle area, especially in the morning when taking the first few steps. This pain is often sharp and decreases with movement as the tissues loosen up. If you are experiencing any type of ankle pain, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Wendy K. Stinson, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

Pregnancy brings many changes to the body, and the feet are no exception. As the body undergoes hormonal shifts, the ligaments in the feet become looser, which can alter foot structure and cause the arches to flatten. This leads to increased foot length and width, which may require a change in shoe size. Swelling, or edema, is another common issue, as the body retains more fluid during pregnancy, causing the feet and ankles to become swollen, particularly at the end of the day. This can result in discomfort and difficulty walking. Additionally, the extra weight gained during pregnancy places added pressure on the feet, contributing to heel pain and even conditions like plantar fasciitis. If you have foot pain during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and management solutions.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Wendy K. Stinson, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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 and ankle needs.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that often affects the feet, particularly the big toe. Gout occurs when uric acid builds up in the body, leading to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints. People with gout frequently experience sudden nighttime attacks of intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area. These gout flare-ups can last from several days to two weeks and may recur periodically. While genetics can increase the risk of gout, factors such as stress, poor diet, alcohol use, and certain health conditions like diabetes and hypertension can also trigger it. Repeated gout attacks in the big toe or ankle may cause chronic pain and deformities, such as tophi, which are hardened uric acid deposits under the skin. A podiatrist can assess the severity of gout through physical examination and diagnostic testing. This foot doctor can also provide targeted treatments to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent further complications. If you have recurrent flare-ups from gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment remedies.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Wendy K. Stinson, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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 and ankle needs.