Plantar fasciitis, a prevalent foot condition, can cause discomfort and hinder daily activities if left unaddressed. Recognizing its common symptoms is key to seeking appropriate treatment and finding relief. One hallmark symptom is heel pain, typically occurring with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. This pain may subside as the day progresses but can return after prolonged standing or walking. Additionally, individuals with plantar fasciitis often experience pain along the arch of the foot, which may feel sharp or stabbing in nature. Tightness and stiffness in the affected foot, particularly after periods of inactivity, are also common. Swelling and tenderness in the heel or arch area may accompany these symptoms. Some individuals may notice a decrease in their range of motion or difficulty flexing the foot upwards. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment to alleviate discomfort and prevent worsening of the condition.

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 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 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 office located in Florham Park, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout, often associated with men, can also affect women, although less frequently. Characterized by sudden and intense joint pain, particularly in the big toe, gout occurs due to uric acid buildup in the bloodstream, leading to crystal formation in the joints. While men tend to develop gout at an earlier age, women become more susceptible after menopause due to hormonal changes. Managing gout in women involves lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding purine-rich foods like red meat and alcohol, and staying hydrated. Medications like colchicine and urate-lowering therapies may help to alleviate symptoms and prevent future attacks. Additionally, women with gout should prioritize regular exercise and follow-up appointments with their podiatrist to monitor uric acid levels and adjust treatment as needed. If gout has affected your life, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this painful 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.

Diabetic foot ulcers, a serious complication of diabetes, come in various classifications, each indicating the severity and depth of tissue involvement. Neuropathic ulcers, the most common type, result from nerve damage, leading to decreased sensation and increased susceptibility to injuries, often located at pressure points like the ball of the foot or heel. Ischemic ulcers occur due to reduced blood flow to the feet, typically affecting the toes or heels and manifesting as painful, slow-healing wounds. Neuroischemic ulcers, a combination of neuropathic and ischemic factors, pose significant challenges for treatment and healing. Identifying the classification of diabetic foot ulcers is essential for determining appropriate management strategies. Prompt medical attention, regular foot inspections, and meticulous wound care are vital for preventing complications and promoting healing. Additionally, optimizing diabetes management, including blood sugar control and lifestyle modifications, plays a pivotal role in reducing the risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat and manage this condition.

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.