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Manalapan
(732) 845-0100

Manalapan (732) 845-0100

June 2022

Tuesday, 28 June 2022 00:00

Risks of Stress Fractures in the Foot

Anyone who is active physically on a regular basis is a prime candidate for stress fractures. Among the main causes of these hairline cracks in a bone are changing your workout program, improper footwear, and improper technique. Going from running on turf to running on a road or other hard surface also may put you at risk. High-impact sports, such as soccer, running, basketball and dance, increase the likelihood of sustaining stress fractures. Non-athletes can also develop stress fractures, usually by increasing activity after refraining for a long time. Having osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency, especially common among postmenopausal women, is another risk factor. If you have sustained stress fractures in the past, you are more likely to experience them again. If you suspect you may have developed stress fractures in your feet, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist who can conduct a thorough examination and offer appropriate treatment options to reduce your pain.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                  
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Heel fissures are another name for the medical condition known as cracked heels. This ailment can cause discomfort and the heels may bleed in severe cases. Cracked heels can develop for a variety of reasons such as wearing shoes that are backless, or from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. Additionally, the aging process may contribute to the onset of cracked heels which could lead to less padding in the heel area. It is often an unsightly condition and the skin may harden or turn a yellowish color. Patients who are diabetic may need to take extra precautions when looking for any cracks in the skin as they can become infected. Diabetic patients can often have difficulty feeling anything on their feet as a result of elevated blood sugar levels. There may also be existing medical conditions that can lead to cracked heels including eczema, thyroid disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis. If you have developed cracked heels, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who is able to prescribe the correct treatment that can bring relief.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

  • Invest in a good foot cream
  • Try Using Petroleum Jelly
  • Ease up on Soaps
  • Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

  • Moisturize After Showering
  • Skip a Shower
  • Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
  • Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

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Wednesday, 15 June 2022 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

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

Tuesday, 14 June 2022 00:00

Seniors and Plantar Fasciitis

Elderly people often develop foot problems and one of the most common is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia ligament that connects the heel to the front of the foot is damaged by tiny tears. It is caused by repetitive injury or excessive strain which causes pain in the heel area of the foot and is most unbearable when first rising or after prolonged sitting. As with any disorder, this ailment can be prevented to some degree. There are a variety of things seniors can do to help ward off painful food disorders. Getting a gait analysis so that if there are issues with posture or the way one walks, they can be detected and corrected. Regularly stretching the calves and ankles can help prevent tight muscles and tendons that cause small tears in the heels of the feet. Wearing well-fitting, supportive shoes, with proper cushioning and arch support can reduce pressure on feet and help make walking and performing other activities more comfortable. Placing inserts that have deep heel cups and elongated cradles for the arches into regularly worn shoes can be used to assist with a flatter foot as one ages. If you are a senior or taking care of a senior who suffers from painful foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, it is suggested you see a podiatrist to have the feet evaluated and effective treatment prescribed.

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 Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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.

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

 

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Tuesday, 07 June 2022 00:00

Causes of Blisters on the Feet

Most blisters form due to the constant rubbing of the skin with the inside of your shoe. This forms tears in the layers of skin which signals your body to protect it from further distress. In this case, fluid forms a cushion of sorts between the torn skin (epidermis) and the uppermost layers underneath the epidermis. The usual cause is ill-fitting shoes worn over long periods of time. In addition, a narrow toe box, too much room in the heel, and raised seams inside the shoe can also cause blistering. Besides forming on the side of the toes, blisters can form on the bottom of the toes too. Seams in socks can cause blisters on the top of your toes, and protruding bunions and hammertoes are frequent sites for blisters to form. Blisters may be worse if the feet get wet, so wearing socks that wick moisture from the skin may help to reduce them. If you have recurring or infected blisters, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist who can treat them safely as well as provide various prevention methods.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Charles Marchese of Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

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