Items filtered by date: May 2021

The Achilles tendon is a large tendon which is located on the back of the ankle. This tendon connects the heel bone to the calf muscle. It is also the strongest tendon in the body, allowing you to push your body onto the tip toes, but the tendon also bears a lot of stress. When the tendon experiences an increased or abnormal amount of stress from activities such as running, jumping, or standing for long periods, it can become painful, swollen, and stiff. This is known as Achilles tendinopathy. Some factors that contribute to Achilles tendinopathy may include age, weight, tightness in the calves or stiff foot joints. If you are experiencing pain or tenderness in the Achilles tendon, consulting with a podiatrist is highly suggested due to the potential severity of the condition worsening overtime.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Jordan S. Steinberg, DPM of Florham Park Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

Gout is a painful disease that affects millions of people each year. Gout occurs when purine compounds—that are either present in the body or in certain foods—are broken down and produce an excessive amount of uric acid as a waste product. When the body cannot flush excess uric acid out through the kidneys, it can crystallize on the joints—most commonly in the big toe. People who are more likely to develop gout have a family history of gout, while those who are obese or have certain diseases, may also be at risk. Some believe that eating a diet rich in high-purine foods may impede the body’s ability to eliminate uric acid. These foods include: purine-rich fish and shellfish, coffee, organ meats, fried foods, beef, soda, rich sauces, and fruit juice (orange in particular). A podiatrist can help you manage the pain and complications of gout in the big toe or other joints in the foot or ankle, as well as offer additional advice on how best to deal with this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jordan S. Steinberg, DPM from Florham Park Podiatry . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Foot pain can develop from a variety of factors that include injury/trauma, aging, and medical issues. Foot pain can also range from minor inconveniences to debilitating pain. Corns, which can form from wearing ill-fitting shoes or arthritis, are hard thickened areas of skin that form due to friction. Plantar warts, another skin condition, are fleshy growths that occur on the bottom of the feet due to a virus that spreads through small breaks in the skin. The most common cause of pain in the heel is plantar fasciitis. This occurs when the ligament running along the bottom of the foot is strained, putting stress on the heel. Because the foot is made up of 26 bones, a stress fracture or a fracture due to trauma can occur. Medical issues, such as diabetes, can lead to complications  like neuropathy, and a patient’s diet can lead to issues such as gout. If you are struggling with pain in your feet, consulting with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment is suggested.  

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jordan S. Steinberg, DPM from Florham Park Podiatry . Our doctor 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 office located in Florham Park, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to your limbs become narrow and hardened due to a buildup of plaque along the artery walls, leading to poor circulation. This condition is unfortunately quite common, affecting up to 200 million people worldwide. Often, people are not even aware that they have PAD because it does not always produce noticeable symptoms. When symptoms are apparent, they may include pain, cramping, tightness, or fatigue in the lower limbs. These symptoms often become worse with exercise or physical exertion. More advanced PAD can cause pain in the legs even without physical activity, as well as numbness, coldness, and discoloration of the lower limbs. In some cases, wounds that heal poorly may appear on the feet and legs. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of PAD, or if you are older and at risk of developing this condition, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Jordan S. Steinberg, DPM from Florham Park Podiatry . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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