Items filtered by date: February 2025

Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, while the tip of the toe angles inward toward the other toes. This misalignment can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the toe. Symptoms often include redness, tenderness, and a visible bump at the joint. Risk factors for bunions include wearing tight, ill-fitting shoes, particularly high heels, which put pressure on the toes. Genetics can also play a role, as bunions often run in families. Other factors, such as arthritis or foot deformities, can increase the likelihood of developing bunions. To prevent bunions, it is important to wear shoes that fit properly, provide enough toe room, and offer proper arch support. Regularly stretching and strengthening the feet can also help reduce the risk of bunions and alleviate discomfort if they develop. If you have the beginning signs of a bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief, and additional prevention strategies.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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 Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• 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.

Ankle arthrodesis, or ankle fusion, is a surgical procedure that permanently joins the bones of the ankle joint to eliminate pain and improve stability. It is typically recommended for individuals with severe arthritis, post-traumatic damage, or deformities that make walking difficult. When cartilage wears away, bones rub against each other, causing chronic pain and inflammation. Fusion stops this movement, relieving pain but reducing ankle flexibility. Candidates for ankle arthrodesis often include those with end-stage arthritis, previous injuries, or failed ankle replacements. While traditional open surgery is an option, minimally invasive techniques using small incisions and screws have improved recovery times and reduced complications. Although mobility is somewhat limited after fusion, many patients experience significant pain relief and improved quality of life. If chronic ankle pain is interfering with your daily activities, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can determine if ankle arthrodesis is the right solution for 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 and ankle needs.

Swelling in the feet and ankles, known as edema, can result from various causes, ranging from minor issues to more serious medical conditions. Common causes include prolonged standing, high-sodium diets, pregnancy, and injuries like sprains. Medical conditions such as venous insufficiency, heart or kidney problems, and lymphedema can also lead to fluid buildup in the lower extremities. Treatments depend on the underlying cause. Simple remedies include elevating the legs, wearing compression socks, and reducing salt intake to minimize fluid retention. Gentle stretching and exercise can help improve circulation. Persistent or worsening swelling may require medication or targeted therapies. If you have chronic or unexplained swelling in your feet or ankles, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist to identify the cause and receive appropriate care.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.

Heel pain is a common complaint that can result from various conditions affecting the structures of the foot. One of the primary causes of heel pain is Achilles tendonitis, which involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, typically due to overuse or repetitive stress. Another frequent cause is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. This condition is often associated with sharp pain in the heel, especially after periods of rest. Heel spurs, which are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone, can also lead to heel pain, often in conjunction with plantar fasciitis. Bursitis, an inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac cushioning the heel, can also contribute to discomfort. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and treat it accordingly.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. 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.

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