Items filtered by date: April 2023

The arches of the feet play an important role in everyone’s daily life, as they help you walk by keeping the foot flexible. The arches of the feet also support your weight when you stand, walk, run, or jump. Stretching exercises specifically targeting the arches can keep them strong and healthy. They can increase blood flow, improve flexibility, relieve pain, improve balance, and reduce the chances of injury. Among the stretches thought to be useful for the arches are the seated foot stretch and the stair stretch. First, sit in a chair with the affected foot crossed over the opposite leg. Pull the toes toward the ankle and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat two or three times and switch legs. Second, stand on a step with the heel hanging over the edge. Be sure to hold onto a rail or banister. Lower the heel gently until you feel a slight stretch in the arch and calf. Hold for 15 seconds and release. Repeat two to four times and switch legs. If you experience arch pain more often and for longer periods, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and further information on stretches that can help.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet 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.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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.

Oedema is the medical name for fluid retention. The ankles and feet are common places for this to occur, and it may happen for various reasons. These can include heart or thyroid disease, pregnancy, and chronic lung conditions. Additionally, there may be existing medications that may lead to having swollen feet, consisting of specific antidepressants, or hormone replacement treatments. Some of the symptoms that people may experience with fluid retention can be tightened skin, abnormal skin color, or joints that may ache. Swollen feet may be controlled by drinking plenty of water daily, and eating foods that are rich in nutrients. It may also help to limit sodium intake, in addition to drinking less alcohol. If your feet have become swollen, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer you treatment options that are correct for you.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.

Many people are confused by the many types of inserts that can be used in shoes to alleviate foot pain. In certain cases, however, such over-the-counter items do not solve the problem and custom insoles are needed. A major use of custom orthotics is to correct arch problems that often lead to pain, not only in the feet but also in other parts of the body. Low arches or flat feet, high arches, and overpronation call for different and specific solutions that can only be corrected with a custom insert. In addition, deformities such as bunions or hammertoes, as well as heel spurs, may benefit from specially made orthotics. A podiatrist can examine your feet, the way you walk, and your posture to determine if custom orthotics will be best for you. Then this foot doctor can measure your feet, create a mold to see which areas need to be corrected and make a pair of orthotics that will specifically address your foot problems. It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and effective treatment solutions.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Jordan S. Steinberg, DPM from Florham Park Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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

The ankle joint is a complex structure involving bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves that work together to help you walk, stand, run, and jump. When any one of these elements becomes injured, you may experience mild, moderate, or severe ankle pain, depending on the cause. When the ankle becomes stiff, making it difficult to walk, the pain usually involves a sprain, a strain, or an inflamed tendon. Such stiffness may also be caused by arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis. A swollen ankle can be caused by several conditions, including arthritis, blood clots, or pregnancy. Heart and kidney disease can also result in a buildup of fluid in the ankles. A crunching or grinding sound in the ankle, termed crepitus, is most commonly caused by a bone spur or by hardened or brittle ligaments. This is often the result of arthritis and is more common among seniors. General weakness or instability in the ankles may be caused by overuse or from a previous injury. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer treatment options. 

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.