Items filtered by date: April 2023

Pickleball is a trending sport that many people enjoy. As with any physical sport, there can be painful foot repercussions if care is not taken while playing pickleball. Two common conditions that can be associated with this activity are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis. The ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes is called the plantar fascia. The fibers from the Achilles tendon run into the plantar fascia. The Achilles tendon attaches to the back of the heel and the plantar fascia on the bottom. The condition known as plantar fasciitis is when the plantar fascia becomes overstretched or sustains micro tears and causes pain in the heel area, especially when first steps are taken after prolonged rest. Achilles tendinitis is often an overuse injury as well. These things can happen after playing pickleball. Stretching the feet and calves, wearing supportive and well-fitting footwear, and resting the affected areas can all help. If the pain you feel in the heel or Achilles tendon continues or worsens, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist. This foot care expert can diagnose and treat foot pain and provide additional suggestions on how you might prevent foot problems while playing pickleball.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

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Tuesday, 18 April 2023 00:00

What Causes Gout?

There is no question about how painful gout can be. It is a foot condition that is classified as arthritis, which happens when crystals form in the joints of the big toe. This is caused by having excess uric acid in the blood, which can come from the type of foods that are eaten. These can include foods that are laden with purines, such as shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Genetic factors may also contribute to getting gout, and patients may want to be aware of what they are eating if it runs in their families. Common symptoms that many patients experience can include swelling surrounding the affected joint, and it may be warm and tender when touched. There may be existing medical conditions that can lead to developing gout. These can consist of diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, and high blood pressure. If you have bouts of gout, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective treatment and prevention methods.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Crosstown Podiatry. 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 Wayne, Montclair, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Gout
Tuesday, 11 April 2023 00:00

Causes and Symptoms of Sever’s Disease

A condition known as Sever’s disease is common among physically active children between the ages of 8 and 14. Luckily it is not really a disease and generally corrects itself as the child ages. However, in the meantime, the child may experience pain in the heel, but not the Achilles tendon or plantar fascia. Also known as calcaneal apophysitis, Sever’s disease results from inflammation of the growth plate at the back of the heel. This is because the muscles of the calf and the heel bone grow at different rates. Excessive running or jumping, particular to certain sports played by children, can aggravate the condition. Pain is worse during activity and generally lets up after rest. Another factor of Sever’s disease is wearing shoes that do not offer ample heel cushioning or arch support. By late adolescence, the child’s growth plates will have hardened and the pain abates. For more information, it is suggested that your child see a podiatrist who can examine the heel to properly diagnose the problem and offer options for treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Wayne, Montclair, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

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Wednesday, 05 April 2023 00:00

Do You Suffer From Painful Feet?

Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!

Tuesday, 04 April 2023 00:00

Several Reasons to Have Foot Pain

The feet carry the weight of the body and are responsible for walking, running, and jumping. They can become damaged, and various types of foot pain may be experienced. There are several different causes of foot pain and discomfort, and one reason may be from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Athlete’s foot is a common condition that many people get. It is defined as a fungal infection of the skin, and the feet may begin to itch, especially between the toes. Bunions are considered to be a deformity and are noticeable by the hard lump that develops on the side of the big toe. It can be caused by wearing shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in. People who have diabetes may have different levels of foot pain which can be accompanied by a numbing and tingling sensation. If you have foot pain for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is and offer relief and treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Crosstown Podiatry. 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 Wayne, Montclair, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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