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Manalapan
(732) 845-0100

Manalapan (732) 845-0100

August 2023

Wednesday, 30 August 2023 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Foot pain can send ripples of discomfort through our daily activities, especially when it emanates from the bottom of the foot. This region, comprising muscles, tendons, and ligaments, is susceptible to various triggers. Plantar fasciitis, a common culprit, results from inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Strained arches or flat feet can lead to overuse injuries, causing discomfort along the sole of the foot.  Morton's neuroma, a thickening of nerve tissue, can cause sharp pain between the toes. Excessive pressure, wearing ill-fitting footwear, or repetitive motions can contribute to this condition. Proper diagnosis by a podiatrist is essential in accurately pinpointing the cause. With tailored care and lifestyle adjustments, individuals can address the root of their discomfort. If you have pain on the bottom of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the cause and treat it accordingly. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. 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 offices located in Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain

Morton's neuroma, a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, can cast a shadow over daily activities. This ailment arises when tissue thickens between the third and fourth toes, causing discomfort and numbness. Wearing high heels, tight shoes, and repetitive foot stress are common contributors. Avoiding surgery is often a priority for many seeking relief. Embracing proper footwear is a pivotal step, and choosing shoes with ample toe space and cushioning can alleviate pressure on the affected area. Orthotic inserts can provide arch support, which can help to redistribute weight and reduce strain. Regularly massaging the foot, and taking anti-inflammatory medications can manage pain. It is beneficial to perform exercises that strengthen surrounding muscles and can aid in reducing symptoms. By adopting these strategies, individuals can potentially sidestep surgery and reclaim pain-free steps. If you have pain in this area of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you additional prevention techniques for Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Charles Marchese of Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

Read more about Morton's Neuroma
Tuesday, 15 August 2023 00:00

Causes and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. Its main symptom is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue connecting the front of the foot to the heel. Plantar fasciitis affects approximately 2 million patients each year, with athletes and individuals between 40 to 60 years of age being the most susceptible. The heel pain can range from sharp to dull, often worsening after prolonged periods of standing or physical activity. Causes of plantar fasciitis include repetitive physical activity, foot arch issues, and increased body weight. If left untreated, heel pain can lead to difficulty in walking. Fortunately, plantar fasciitis can be treated with proper care. Stretching exercises can help to rehabilitate the plantar fascia, and wearing proper footwear with adequate arch support is crucial. In some cases, wearing a foot brace or night splint can help to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. A podiatrist may suggest steroid shots or injections, as well as other pain relief medication, and in extreme cases, surgery may be considered. For help with problems associated with plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

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.

 

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Wednesday, 09 August 2023 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Podiatrists are healthcare professionals specializing in the medical care and treatment of the foot and ankles. They undergo extensive education and training, obtaining doctorate degrees from accredited institutions of podiatric medicine. Podiatrists can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including fractures, arthritis, diabetic foot disorders, skin, and nail conditions, and causes of heel pain, like plantar fasciitis. Podiatrists can specialize in general foot conditions, or focus on specific areas like sports medicine, wound care, orthotics, diabetes, pediatrics, geriatrics, neurologic and circulatory foot conditions, and reconstructive surgery. To become a podiatrist, one must complete a bachelor's degree, followed by a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree, three years of residency training, national board certification, and state licensing. Specializations can be pursued through fellowship programs and certification exams. Podiatrists are considered physicians, possessing a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and systemic diseases, with their expertise solely focused on foot and ankle disorders. They differ from orthopedists, who treat musculoskeletal issues affecting the entire body. If you have any interest in becoming a podiatrist, it is suggested that you make an appointment to speak to one about their experiences.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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 a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

Read more about What is a Podiatrist?
Tuesday, 01 August 2023 00:00

Various Types of Bunion Surgery

A bunion is a bony lump that forms on the side of the big toe. It can become larger, and cause the other toes to move toward each other. Patients who have bunions and find difficulty in completing daily activities may choose to have bunion surgery performed. A bunion can be caused by genetic reasons, or from frequently wearing shoes that are too tight. Foot surgery may be considered, which may be successful in removing the bunion. This is referred to as a bunionectomy, and can be chosen if pain relief is not obtained from nonsurgical methods. After local anesthesia is administered, the podiatrist can determine which type of bunion surgery is best for you. When the joint in the big toe is cut and realigned, this is referred to as an osteotomy. An exostectomy is defined as surgery that removes the bunion and the toe is not aligned. When the deformity is corrected by using metal places or screws, this type of bunion surgery is known as an arthrodesis. If you have a bunion, and are considering surgery, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine which type of foot surgery is correct for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Charles Marchese of Manalapan Foot & Ankle. 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 offices located in Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Foot Surgery