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Manalapan
(732) 845-0100

Manalapan (732) 845-0100

October 2020

Monday, 26 October 2020 00:00

A Common Type of Achilles Tendon Injury

The medical condition that is referred to as Achilles tendinopathy is a type of Achilles tendon injury. The Achilles tendon is located in the calf, and connects the heel bone to the calf muscles. The common cause of this type of injury is overuse, and it can occur in patients who are not involved in sporting activities. Additional causes of Achilles tendinopathy include arthritis, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or taking specific types of antibiotics. Common symptoms that are often associated with this ailment can consist of swelling, pain in the back of the heel, and difficulty walking. Relief may be found when the activity that caused the injury is temporarily stopped, and it may be beneficial to engage in physical therapy, or to wear shoe inserts. If you have pain in the back of your heel, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you get proper treatment.  

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

  • Inflammation
  • Dull to severe pain
  • Increased blood flow to the tendon
  • Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

  • Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
  • Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

  • Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
  • Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 19 October 2020 00:00

What Is Manual Manipulation?

Cuboid syndrome is a condition in which the cuboid bone in the foot is moved out of its proper place, usually due to injury. This condition typically causes pain in the foot. One common treatment for cuboid syndrome is manipulation, in which the doctor applies pressure to the cuboid bone to move it back to the correct position. There are several different types of manipulation. One example is the cuboid “whip” technique, which requires the patient to lie on their stomach with the knee of the affected foot flexed at a 70 to 90 degree angle and the ankle relaxed in a neutral position. The doctor interlocks their fingers over the top surface of the foot and then applies pressure with their thumbs to the bottom surface of the foot. They then perform a quick thrust directed towards the top of the foot. This process may help set the cuboid back in the right position. If you have cuboid syndrome, please consult with a podiatrist, who can perform manipulations and other treatments for this condition. 

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

 

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Wednesday, 14 October 2020 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Monday, 12 October 2020 00:00

Foot Pain May Coincide With Flat Feet

Flat feet is a foot condition that is noticeable. It can be detected by standing on the floor and observing that the entire foot lies flat. The arch is not present, and patients can experience dull foot pain. It is often difficult to stand for extended periods of time, and pain may be felt after completing physical activities. It may be beneficial to wear custom-made orthotics, and this can be helpful in reducing existing foot pain. In severe cases, it may be suggested that you undergo physical therapy, which can increase overall foot strength. If you or your child has flat feet, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist who can determine what the best treatments are for you.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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 Flatfoot

Running has been a popular hobby for many years. It is considered to be relatively simple to begin, but it requires a good pair of shoes that fit correctly. It is important to prevent running injuries from occurring, and this can be accomplished by performing foot stretches to warm up and cool down before and after each run. Additionally, it is beneficial to increase mileage and speed slowly, as this can make it easier for your body to adapt to running. Many people incorporate strength training and other cardio workouts that can help the body to become stronger, and this can often contribute significantly in preventing running injuries. If you are interested in pursuing running, but worry about your foot health, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Charles Marchese of Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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 How to Prevent Running Injuries