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Midfoot Arthritis and How to Manage It

Midfoot arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the joints in the middle of the foot, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Common symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and discomfort while walking or standing for extended periods. The pain often worsens with activity and may make daily tasks difficult to complete. Risk factors include previous foot injuries, repetitive stress, obesity, and aging, all of which can accelerate joint wear. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of midfoot arthritis, recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotics, provide anti-inflammatory treatments, and develop a plan to preserve joint function. If you have any type of foot arthritis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you with effective relief and management tips.

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

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 Manalapan, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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How to Find Relief From Morton's Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition caused by thickening of the tissue surrounding a nerve between the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It develops when the nerve is compressed or irritated over time. Common causes include wearing high heels, narrow or pointed shoes, repetitive impact activities, and foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes. Symptoms include burning pain, tingling, numbness, and the sensation of standing on a small stone. Risk factors include excessive walking or running, improper footwear, and certain foot shapes. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis, recommend footwear modifications, offer nonsurgical treatments, and guide long-term management. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat 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 office located in Manalapan, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Sever’s Disease and Protecting Growing Feet

Sever’s disease is a heel condition in children and adolescents caused by inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. It often develops during growth spurts when bones grow faster than muscles and tendons, creating tension at the back of the heel. Risk factors include participation in running and jumping sports, tight calf muscles, improper footwear, and high activity levels. Flat feet or high arches may further increase strain on the heels. Symptoms typically include heel pain, tenderness, swelling, and discomfort during activity. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, and guide stretching programs to relieve stress on the heel. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and relief tips.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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.

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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!

Heel Spur Exercises for Pain Relief

Heel spurs are bony growths on the heel that often cause sharp pain, tenderness, and inflammation, especially while walking or standing. Symptoms include stabbing pain in the heel, swelling, or discomfort after rest. Effective exercises can reduce pain and improve foot function. These can include the foot flex, which involves bending the foot upward and downward to stretch and strengthen the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue on the sole of the foot. Calf stretches on a step help lengthen the calf muscles and Achilles tendon, relieving tension on the heel. Additionally, the toe towel grab strengthens foot muscles by picking up a towel with the toes. A podiatrist can evaluate heel pain, and recommend proper stretches. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose what may be going on, and start you on a personalized plan for relief and improved foot health.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

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