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Point Pleasant

March 2022

Tuesday, 29 March 2022 00:00

The Early Stages of a Bunion

If you are feeling anything unusual in your big toe joint, such as tenderness, warmth, swelling, stiffness, pain, or limited range of motion, you may be in the beginning stages of developing a bunion. It takes years for a bunion to fully form, so your condition may not have progressed to the point where you can see the telltale bony bump on the outside of your big toe, nor the big toe bending unnaturally towards the other toes. Do you wear high heels or narrow, tight shoes regularly? Have you suffered a foot injury? Do you have arthritis, a neuromuscular disorder, or a family history of bunions? Any of these factors may put you more at risk of developing a painful bunion. It is important to seek treatment early for a bunion because it can help halt the progression of the condition, give your podiatrist more options for correcting the deformity, and avoid long-lasting complications. If you suspect you are developing—or have developed—a bunion, it is wise to call a podiatrist to examine, diagnose, and treat your condition.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector of Shore Podiatry. Our doctor 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.

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

Read more about What Are Bunions?
Wednesday, 23 March 2022 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Tuesday, 22 March 2022 00:00

A Common Form of Heel Pain

The plantar fascia is a strong supportive tissue that runs under the arch of the foot, connecting the heel to the base of the toes. It helps distribute weight evenly across the foot which enables us to walk and run with ease. If the plantar fascia gets stretched or stressed excessively, it can become painful and inflamed. This condition is known as plantar fasciitis. Certain factors that contribute to this condition include wearing shoes that don’t support or cushion the feet properly, having low or high arches, being obese, increasing the intensity of workouts abruptly or exercising on a hard surface, standing for prolonged periods of time, and old age. In addition to creating heel pain which usually is at its worst in the morning or after periods of rest, plantar fasciitis can increase the likelihood of calcium deposits forming on the heel bone (heel spurs). Podiatrists have a great deal of experience treating plantar fasciitis as it is the most common form of heel pain. Reach out to a podiatrist if you believe you have plantar fasciitis to get on the road to recovery.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector  from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Tuesday, 15 March 2022 00:00

What Can I Do About Smelly Feet?

If you notice a foul odor emanating from your shoes, socks, or feet, you may have a condition known as bromodosis, or more simply known as smelly feet. Causes for bromodosis include being on your feet for long periods of time, wearing shoes that don’t allow adequate airflow, wearing shoes that have not dried out, and not changing your socks. Sometimes a fungal or bacterial infection can cause or worsen the condition. A few home remedies may reduce or even eliminate symptoms. Wash your feet daily with soap and warm water, make sure to thoroughly dry the feet anytime they get wet, wear absorbent socks and change them daily, and alternate different pairs of shoes every other day to give them a chance to dry out in between wearing. If the condition persists or gets worse, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a full examination and diagnosis, in case you have an underlying cause that has not been detected.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Every Day Foot Care
Wednesday, 09 March 2022 00:00

What Is Causing Your Heel Pain?

Pain in the heel is a very common problem, but it can occur for a variety of reasons – including structural issues, like plantar fasciitis, or Achilles tendonitis. Generally, the most common source of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which is a result of the tissues that connect the heel to the toes (the plantar fascia) becoming inflamed or partially torn. Achilles tendonitis is also common and occurs when the Achilles tendon (which connects the heel to the calf) becomes inflamed and pulls on the heel. Heel pain can also occur from damage to the bone, such as a bone bruise or stress fracture. The fatty pad at the bottom of the heel can wear away over time and cause pain as well.  Ultimately, it’s a good idea for anyone who is struggling with heel pain to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis of the source of their pain. Upon diagnosis, a treatment option can be developed.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector of Shore Podiatry. 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 Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Heel Pain
Wednesday, 02 March 2022 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Tuesday, 01 March 2022 00:00

Causes of Overpronation

Overpronation refers to the feet rolling excessively inward during walking or running. This results in more weight being placed on the inner side of the foot, which can eventually cause foot pain, plantar fasciitis, ankle injuries, shin splints, stress fractures, and more. Overpronation itself usually has a gradual onset and can be caused by a variety of biomechanical distortions in the foot and ankle. These include having flat feet, knock knees, excess weight, or weakness in the tibialis posterior muscle or the ligaments that support the feet. If you are suffering from foot pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about The Importance of Biomechanics in Podiatry
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