Heel pain is a common issue, and, one of the most frequent causes is plantar fasciitis. This condition occurs when the thick band of tissue, known as the plantar fascia that supports the arch of your foot becomes inflamed. It is often caused by overuse, poor foot mechanics, standing for long periods, or wearing unsupportive footwear. Plantar fasciitis typically causes a sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. The pain may ease with movement but can return after extended activity. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through a physical exam and may use imaging, if needed. Treatment options include stretching exercises, custom orthotics, or anti-inflammatory medications. In more persistent cases, they may recommend cortisone injections or, as a last resort, surgery to release the tight fascia and relieve pressure. If you are experiencing ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Wayne, Montclair, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Supination occurs when the body’s weight is placed along the outside of the foot during walking or running, and excessive supination can lead to strain on the ankles, feet, and toes. People with high arches or inherited structural differences in the legs and feet are more likely to experience excessive supination. It increases the risk of ankle sprains, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and other painful foot problems. Wearing  improper footwear, poor body alignment, and previous injuries can also contribute to an unstable gait. A podiatrist can diagnose excessive supination by analyzing shoe wear patterns, conducting a gait analysis, and evaluating foot structure. Treatment options include prescribing custom orthotics to support the arch and improve foot alignment. In some cases, surgery may be suggested to correct severe structural problems. Choosing appropriate footwear with cushioning and stability features can also be part of the overall plan. If you have foot pain related to your gait, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Foot problems in the elderly are often worsened by aging-related changes and chronic conditions. Poor circulation is a common issue, reducing blood flow to the feet and causing symptoms like coldness, swelling, and slow-healing wounds. Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, can lead to painful joint stiffness and deformities in the feet, making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods. Decreased pain sensation, often due to nerve damage, means that injuries or infections may go unnoticed, increasing the risk of complications. Diabetes is another significant risk factor, as it can lead to neuropathy, poor circulation, and an increased likelihood of developing ulcers or infections. If you are elderly and have noticed any changes to your feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can find effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Wayne, Montclair, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Webbed toes, also known as syndactyly, refer to a condition where two or more toes are fused together by skin, soft tissue, or, in rare cases, bone. This occurs during early fetal development when the toes fail to separate completely. Webbed toes are often inherited and may appear as an isolated trait or as part of a genetic syndrome. In most cases, the condition does not cause pain or interfere with walking, although it may be noticeable in appearance. Environmental factors during pregnancy, such as exposure to certain medications or substances, may also contribute to its development. Webbed toes can vary in severity and may be found in both feet or just one. While usually harmless, surgical correction is an option for individuals who desire a change in function or appearance. If you have been born with this condition and are experiencing discomfort, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can discuss relief options, including the possibility of surgery.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Wayne, Montclair, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Tennis players are at risk for various foot and ankle injuries due to the sport’s fast-paced lateral movements and frequent pivoting. Among the most common tennis injuries are ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures. These conditions can result from repetitive impact, poor foot alignment, or sudden changes in direction on hard courts. For example, an ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments surrounding the ankle are overstretched or torn, often after a quick pivot or awkward landing. Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis are overuse injuries that affect the soft tissues in the heel and can lead to chronic pain if left untreated. Stress fractures, which are hairline cracks in the bones, result from repetitive pounding of the feet during play. A podiatrist can use diagnostic imaging to confirm the exact type and extent of the injury. Depending on the diagnosis, medical treatment may include immobilization, custom orthotic support, anti-inflammatory medication, or surgery for more serious cases. If you experience foot or ankle pain after playing tennis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

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.