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Causes of Foot Pain

Tuesday, 31 December 2024

Foot pain can result from various conditions, including sinus tarsi syndrome, tendonitis, and claw toe. Sinus tarsi syndrome occurs when the sinus tarsi, which is a small cavity in the ankle, becomes inflamed, causing pain on the outside of the foot, especially after long periods of walking or standing. Tendonitis, another common cause of foot pain, is the inflammation of the tendons, often due to overuse or injury. This can result in pain along the top or bottom of the foot and difficulty moving the foot. Claw toe is a deformity where the toes bend downward, causing pain and difficulty walking, often linked to muscle imbalances or wearing ill-fitting shoes. These conditions can be caused by activities that stress the feet, poor footwear, or underlying medical issues. Visiting a podiatrist is key to an accurate diagnosis and treatment, which may include targeted exercises, custom orthotics, or even surgery, in severe cases. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
Flat Feet
Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

Monday, 30 December 2024

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

How to Care for Your Arthritic Foot

Tuesday, 24 December 2024

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and it can occur at any joint in the body, especially in the foot. It generally effects those who are older, however, it can occur at any age. Although there are many different forms of arthritis, there are three main types that occur in the foot. The three types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

The primary cause of osteoarthritis is aging. As you age, cartilage degenerates around the joints which causes friction and pain. Obesity can cause osteoarthritis through mechanical stress. Injuries that damage joints can increase the probability as well. Finally, a family history of osteoarthritis can also increase chances of having it.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the joint linings and weakens them over a long time. While there is no known cause of rheumatoid arthritis, obesity and smoking can increase your chances of getting it. Women are also more likely to get it than men.

Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when there is too much uric acid in your blood and painful crystals form in your joints. Men are more likely to have gout than women. People who are obese or drink alcohol often are also more likely to develop gout. Furthermore, having diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gastric bypass surgery or a family history of gout may increase your likelihood of developing the condition.

Symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness, swelling in the joints. These symptoms can make it harder and more painful to walk. Physical activity can increase pain and discomfort. Furthermore, joint pain can worsen throughout the day for osteoarthritis. Gout attacks generally last several days with the first few being the worst.

Diagnosis of gout includes either a joint fluid test or a blood test. X-ray imaging can detect osteoarthritis but not gout. On the other hand, there is no blood test for osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is difficult to diagnosis. Doctors utilize family and personal medical history, a physical examination, and antibody blood tests to determine if you have rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment varies for the different kinds of arthritis. Anti-inflammatory medication or steroids can help reduce pain from inflammation of the joints. Changing shoe types can help with some symptoms. Wider shoes can help with discomfort from gout and osteoarthritis. High heels should be avoided. Shoes with proper arch support and that take pressure off the ball of the foot can help with rheumatoid arthritis. Drinking lots of water can also help rid uric acid from the blood. Losing weight, improving your diet, and limiting alcohol and smoking can also help prevent or lessen the symptoms of arthritis.

If you are having trouble walking or pain in your feet, see a podiatrist to check if you have arthritis.

Causes and Relief From Toe Arthritis

Tuesday, 24 December 2024

Toe arthritis is a condition where the joints in the toes become inflamed, causing pain and stiffness. The most common cause is osteoarthritis, which occurs as the cartilage in the toe joints wears down over time, often due to age or repetitive stress. Other causes include rheumatoid arthritis or injury to the toe. Symptoms of toe arthritis include pain in the affected joint, particularly during movement, swelling, and a reduced range of motion. In some cases, the joint may become deformed or misaligned. Relief from toe arthritis involves wearing proper footwear that provides support and cushioning, as well as anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling. Specific exercises can also help improve joint flexibility and strength. In severe cases, surgical options may be considered to restore function and alleviate pain. If you have symptoms of arthritis in your toes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and management tips.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors 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 offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions

Tuesday, 17 December 2024

A bunion is a bump that forms at the base of the big toe. Bunions form when the big toe pushes against the next toe, which forces the big toe joint to get bigger and stick out. As a result, the skin over the bunion may start to appear red and it may feel sore.

There are risk factors that can increase your chances of developing bunions. People who wear high heels or ill-fitting shoes are more likely to develop them, in addition to those who have a genetic history of bunions or have rheumatoid arthritis.

The most obvious way to tell if you have a bunion is to look for the big toe pushing up against the toe next to it. Bunions produce a large protrusion at the base of the big toe and may or may not cause pain. Other symptoms are redness, swelling, and restricted movement of the big toe if you have arthritis.

Nonsurgical methods are frequently used to treat bunions that aren’t severe. Some methods of nonsurgical treatment are orthotics, icing and resting the foot, taping the foot, and pain medication. Surgery is usually only required in extreme cases. However, if surgery is needed, some procedures may involve removing the swollen tissue from around the big toe joint, straightening the big toe by removing part of the bone, or joining the bones of your affected joint permanently.

Your podiatrist will diagnose your bunion by doing a thorough examination of your foot. He or she may also conduct an x-ray to determine the cause of the bunion and its severity.

The Truth About Bunions

Tuesday, 17 December 2024

Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe causing it to lean toward the other toes. They often look unsightly and can be painful, especially when wearing tight or narrow shoes. Bunions develop over time due to factors like genetics, foot structure, arthritis, or wearing ill-fitting footwear. While some people experience no pain, others may suffer from redness, swelling, and discomfort, particularly after prolonged walking or standing. Bunions are more common in women, likely due to shoe choices, and in those with a family history of the condition. Unfortunately, bunions do not go away on their own. They may worsen without intervention. Treatment includes wearing wider shoes, using orthotics, or padding the bunion to reduce friction. For severe cases, surgery may be necessary. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can assess your bunions and recommend the best treatment plan.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

Redness and inflammation
Pain and tenderness
Callus or corns on the bump
Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

Gout

Tuesday, 10 December 2024

Gout is a form of arthritis that is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. This considered to be one of the most frequently recorded medical illnesses throughout history. Gout occurrences in the US have risen within the past twenty years and the condition now affects 8.3 million people which is 4% of all Americans. Researchers have found that gout affects men more than women and African-American men more than white men.

Symptoms of gout are warmth, swelling, discoloration, and tenderness in the affected joint area. The small joint on the big toe is the most common place for a gout attack to occur.

People who are obese, gain weight excessively, drink alcohol heavily, have high blood pressure, or have abnormal kidney function are more likely to develop gout. Furthermore, certain drugs and diseases are likely to increase levels of uric acid in the joints which eventually leads to gout. You are also more likely to develop gout if you eat a lot of meat and fish.

Many who experience gout attacks will experience repeated attacks over the years. Some people who have gout symptoms, may never have them again, but others may experience them several times a year. If you have gout symptoms throughout the year, you may have recurrent gout. Those who have gout should also be careful about their urate crystals collecting in their urinary tract, because this may lead to kidney stones.

Diagnosis for gout is done by checking the level of uric acid in the joints and blood. Your podiatrist may also prescribe medicine to reduce uric acid buildup in the blood, which will help prevent any gout attacks.

To treat gout, your podiatrist may also prescribe you Anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) which will relieve the pain and swelling of a gout episode and it can also shorten a gout attack. Maintaining a healthy diet is also a proven method to prevent gout attacks.

Understanding Gout and How Podiatrists Treat It

Tuesday, 10 December 2024

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to intense pain and inflammation. This condition typically affects the big toe but can involve other joints as well. Uric acid is a waste product that the body normally eliminates, but when it accumulates in excessive amounts, it can form sharp crystals that irritate the surrounding tissues. Podiatrists treat gout by first diagnosing the condition through physical exams and sometimes tests to measure uric acid levels. Treatment often involves medications to reduce uric acid levels, manage pain, and decrease inflammation. Podiatrists may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments and weight management, to help prevent future flare-ups. Wearing supportive footwear and custom orthotics can also assist in alleviating pressure on the affected joints, promoting healing and comfort. If you have had one or more bouts of gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat and manage this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors 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 offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar Fasciitis

Tuesday, 03 December 2024

The plantar fascia is a connective tissue in the heel that stretches across the bottom length of your foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the connective tissue becomes inflamed, causing heel pain and discomfort during physical activity. Although the condition is completely treatable, traditional methods can take up to a year to start becoming effective.

Plantar fasciitis is caused by a number of everyday activities, so understanding the condition is important for managing and treating it. One of the most common causes of plantar fasciitis is excessive running, especially with improper fitting or non-supportive shoes. Too much exercise can lead to the plantar fascia being overworked and overstretched, which can cause tears in the tissue. Along with improper fitting shoes, pronation, the rolling of the feet inward, is a common cause of plantar fasciitis. If not treated properly, the plantar fascia becomes overstretched and starts to tear, causing inflammation.

Despite the common causes of plantar fasciitis, there are many different treatment options. For less severe cases, conservative home remedies include taking anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate pain, applying ice packs to the bottom of your foot and heel, slowly stretching and exercising your feet to re-strengthen the tissue, and using orthotic devices are all ways to help manage your plantar fasciitis.

For more severe cases, shockwave therapy has become a common solution for plantar fasciitis. Shockwave therapy can effectively break up the tissue on the bottom of your foot which facilitates healing and regeneration. This fights the chronic pain caused by plantar fasciitis. Even if this doesn’t work, surgery is always a final option. Surgery on the tissue itself can be done to permanently correct the issue and stop the inflammation and pain in your heels.

No matter what the case may be, consulting your podiatrist is the first and best step to recovery. Even the slightest amount of heel pain could be the first stage of plantar fasciitis. Untreated symptoms can lead to the tearing and overstretching of tissue. Because the tearing of tissue can be compounded if it remains ignored, it can evolve into a severe case. The solution is early detection and early treatment. Talk to your podiatrist about the possibilities of plantar fasciitis if you’re experiencing heel pain.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Tuesday, 03 December 2024

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, occurring when the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. It is often caused by repetitive strain, such as from excessive walking, running, or wearing poorly fitting shoes. Other contributing factors include obesity, tight calf muscles, or an abnormal foot arch. The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is sharp heel pain, particularly when taking the first steps in the morning or after long periods of sitting. The pain may subside with activity but often returns after prolonged standing or exercise. Treatment for plantar fasciitis focuses on reducing inflammation and relieving pressure. Common methods include stretching exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and custom orthotics. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended. A podiatrist can provide a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs, helping you recover and prevent future flare-ups. If you are experiencing persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert care.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Excessive running
Having high arches in your feet
Other foot issues such as flat feet
Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
Maintain a healthy weight
If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.