Podiatry Blog | Foot Doctor Manalapan NJ 07726

Foot Neuropathy and the Risk of Falling

Tuesday, 03 February 2026

Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves that carry signals between the feet and the brain. When these nerves are damaged, sensation in the feet may become reduced, altered, or unpredictable. People may not fully feel the ground, notice changes in surface texture, or sense foot position during walking. This loss of feedback can interfere with balance and coordination, increasing the risk of tripping or falling. Muscle weakness and slower reaction times can further add to instability. A podiatrist plays an important role in evaluating nerve function and identifying contributing factors. Treatment may include footwear guidance, custom orthotics, balance-focused exercises, and strategies to protect numb areas of the feet. Early care helps improve safety, maintain confidence with walking, and reduce fall-related injuries that can significantly impact mobility and independence. If you are experiencing neuropathy in your lower extremities, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for relief options.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

Numbness
Sensation loss
Prickling and tingling sensations
Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Thursday, 29 January 2026

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Pain and Swelling at the Back of the Heel Might Indicate Bursitis

Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Heel bursitis causes pain and swelling at the back of the heel. A bursa is a small fluid filled cushion that helps reduce rubbing between bones and soft tissue. When this cushion becomes irritated, it fills with extra fluid and becomes painful. Heel bursitis often develops from shoes that press or rub against the back of the heel, especially stiff or tight shoes. It can also occur after a sudden increase in walking, time spent on hills, or other forms of exercise. Common signs include tenderness, redness, warmth, and a soft swollen area near the heel. Pain may be worse when wearing shoes or after periods of rest. Although the problem may start mildly, it can worsen if ignored, and interfere with daily movement. If heel swelling or pain continues or limits activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Charles Marchese of Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

Wearing ill-fitting shoes
Wearing non-supportive shoes
Weight change
Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Surgical Remedies for Ingrown Toenails

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Surgery for ingrown toenails corrects how the nail edge presses into the skin of the toe and causes pain and drainage. When ongoing problems affect walking or shoe wear, a podiatrist can recommend surgery to remove the portion of nail that continues to grow into the skin, while preserving a natural nail appearance. One approach involves removing a narrow section of the nail and treating the growth center so that edge does not return. This helps reduce repeat irritation, infection, and tissue overgrowth along the nail fold. Surgery for an ingrown toenail is performed carefully under local anesthesia and targets the nail plate and matrix, the area responsible for nail growth. If you have a problematic ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Charles Marchese of Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

Bacterial infections
Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

When Feet Hold On to Fluid

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Swelling of the feet, also called edema, occurs when excess fluid collects in the tissues of the lower extremities. Symptoms include puffiness, tight or shiny skin, aching, and heaviness, often worsening by the end of the day. The feet and ankles may look enlarged, feel warm, and leave an indentation when pressed. It may feel uncomfortable, stiff, or painful in shoes and during walking. Causes range from prolonged standing, injury, and obesity to circulation issues or kidney conditions. A podiatrist can help from the start by evaluating medical history, examining the feet and ankles, assessing circulation, and identifying potential underlying causes. Treatment options include footwear guidance, elevation strategies, and targeted treatment of contributing foot conditions. Early podiatric care helps reduce discomfort, prevent skin breakdown, and improve mobility. If you are dealing with ongoing swelling of the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Charles Marchese of Manalapan Foot & Ankle. 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 contact our office located in Manalapan, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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