Items filtered by date: July 2024

Sesamoiditis refers to inflammation of the sesamoid bones, the two small, pea-shaped bones located beneath the big toe joint within the tendons. These bones help the big toe move smoothly and bear weight during walking and running. Causes of sesamoiditis can include repetitive stress from activities that exert pressure on the forefoot, such as dancing or running, as well as wearing high heels or tight shoes that increase pressure on the ball of the foot. Symptoms include pain under the big toe, which worsens when bearing weight or bending the toe. Diagnosis involves a physical examination to assess tenderness and range of motion, in addition to imaging tests like X-rays to visualize the sesamoid bones and rule out fractures. Relief options include rest, cushioning pads, and footwear modifications. In severe cases, immobilization in a cast or surgical removal of the sesamoid bone may be necessary to alleviate pain and restore function. If you have pain under your big toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide a diagnosis, and offer you a comprehensive treatment plan.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Jordan S. Steinberg, DPM of Florham Park Podiatry . Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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 and ankle needs.

Foot wounds can arise from various causes, with diabetic foot ulcers being a significant concern. Diabetes can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage, reducing the ability to feel injuries and heal properly. Other causes include trauma, such as cuts, burns, or punctures, and pressure sores from prolonged immobility. Proper management of foot wounds involves regular inspection, cleaning, and dressing changes to prevent infection. For diabetic foot ulcers, maintaining blood sugar levels and wearing appropriate footwear is essential. Applying antibiotic ointments and using offloading devices, such as special shoes or braces, can reduce pressure on the wound. Seeking medical attention from a podiatrist for persistent or severe wounds ensures appropriate treatment, which may include debridement or advanced therapies. If you have developed a foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat any foot condition, which include foot wounds.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

Recovering from hammertoe surgery requires attentive care to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding pain relief and any prescribed antibiotics to avoid infection. Keeping the pain under control will also help you stay mobile and adhere to post-surgery exercises. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports the healing process, with particular emphasis on nutrients like vitamin C and protein to aid tissue repair. Incision care is vital for preventing infections includes keeping the surgical site clean and dry and following your podiatrist's guidelines on changing dressings. Avoid soaking the foot until the incision is fully healed, and watch for signs of infection like increased redness, swelling, or discharge. Elevating the foot and limiting activity as recommended will reduce swelling and promote faster recovery. If you have had hammertoe surgery, it is suggested that you keep in close contact with your podiatrist who can monitor your recovery. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Jordan S. Steinberg, DPM of Florham Park Podiatry . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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 and ankle needs.

Hallux rigidus, or stiff big toe, is a form of arthritis affecting the joint at the base of the big toe, leading to pain and stiffness. This condition occurs due to the wear and tear of the cartilage in the joint, which can be accelerated by repetitive stress, injury, or genetic predisposition. It commonly affects adults over 30, especially those with a history of foot injuries, or occupations that place significant stress on the feet. Symptoms can include pain and stiffness in the big toe during movement, swelling surrounding the joint, and difficulty in bending the toe. Over time, bone spurs may develop, further limiting motion and causing discomfort. Complications of untreated hallux rigidus can include chronic pain, difficulty walking, and an altered gait, leading to additional foot, knee, hip, or back problems. Prevention involves wearing supportive shoes with a wide toe box, avoiding high heels, and performing foot exercises to maintain flexibility. Treatment options range from non-surgical methods, such as anti-inflammatory medications, orthotics, and targeted stretching exercises, to surgical intervention, in severe cases. If you have a stiff and painful big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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.

Congenital foot problems encompass a range of conditions that affect foot development from birth. Clubfoot is characterized by inwardly turned feet and twisted ankles, often requiring corrective casting or surgery early in infancy. Larsen syndrome involves multiple joint abnormalities, including clubfoot, and requires comprehensive manipulation. Metatarsus adductus causes the front part of the foot to turn inward, usually resolving with stretching exercises or corrective shoes. Metatarsus varus results in a curved appearance of the foot bones, treated similarly to metatarsus adductus. These conditions can impact mobility and foot alignment if left untreated, potentially leading to discomfort and difficulties in walking. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for addressing congenital foot problems, often involving a combination of specific techniques to promote proper foot development and functionality from infancy through childhood. If your child has been born with a congenital foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you have a podiatrist on your healthcare team who can guide you to an effective treatment strategy.

Congenital foot problems require 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.

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 office located in Florham Park, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.