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Manalapan
(732) 845-0100

Manalapan (732) 845-0100

November 2025

Thursday, 27 November 2025 00:00

Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Tuesday, 25 November 2025 00:00

Athlete’s Foot and How to Find Relief

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It develops when fungus grows in warm and moist areas, often between the toes. Symptoms include an itchy and scaly foot rash, redness, cracked skin, burning, and thick white skin that may peel. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes, walking barefoot in public locker rooms, having sweaty feet, or sharing contaminated towels or footwear. Athlete's foot is caused by fungi that thrive in damp environments and can spread easily if not treated. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection, recommend effective treatments, and offer guidance to prevent it from returning. Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable. If you have symptoms of this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Read more about Athlete's Foot

Bunions are painful bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe. They may look red, swollen, and misshapen, and can cause aching, burning, or stiffness while walking or wearing shoes. Bunions often develop due to inherited foot structure, tight or ill-fitting footwear, arthritis, or abnormal foot mechanics. Even after surgery, bunions can return if underlying causes, such as foot alignment issues or poor shoe choices, are not addressed. A podiatrist can diagnose bunions through physical examination and imaging, then create a personalized treatment plan. Options include custom orthotics, shoe modifications, padding, or surgery when needed. Early attention helps reduce pain and prevent progression. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss your symptoms and find the most effective solution for lasting relief.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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 a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • Surgery

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.

Read more about What Are Bunions?
Tuesday, 11 November 2025 00:00

When Turf Toe Strikes

Turf toe is a sprain of the main joint at the base of the big toe, usually caused by excessive upward bending of the toe. It often happens in athletes who play on artificial turf, where the surface grips the foot too firmly during sudden starts or stops. Wearing flexible shoes that allow too much toe movement can also increase the risk. The condition develops when the big toe is forced beyond its normal range of motion, stretching or tearing the ligaments that stabilize the joint. This can occur from pushing off forcefully, landing awkwardly, or direct impact during sports. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness at the toe joint, which may worsen with activity. If you experience persistent toe pain or swelling after a sports injury, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Read more about Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Friday, 07 November 2025 16:43

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HANNUKAH

winter feet 002 isGive yourself the give of healthy feet.  Get a check up

Get ready to start the new year. 

New Year…….. New Feet………New You

Friday, 07 November 2025 16:42

DIABETES AWARENESS

neuropathy nerve pain foot painDiabetes can effect the foot.  A diabetic foot check up or a Diabetic Comprehensive Foot Exam can literally save your feet.

Diabetes can significantly affect foot health due to 2 primary factors.  Nerve damage

(Neuropathy) and damage to blood vessel (decreased circulation).  Ulcers occur in 15% of patients with diabetes.  Every 3 minutes and 30 seconds a limb is amputated to diabetes.  Don’t be a statistic, get checked today with a DCFE that includes the assessment of circulation, nerves, skin, nails and Biomechanics

Thursday, 06 November 2025 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.

Tuesday, 04 November 2025 00:00

Fat Pad Atrophy of the Feet

Fat pad atrophy is the thinning or loss of the natural cushioning beneath the heel, which can lead to discomfort and altered gait. Individuals with this condition often experience pain while walking on hard surfaces without shoes, a burning sensation, or a dull ache that worsens with prolonged standing or activity. Risk factors include aging, repetitive high impact activities, wearing unsupportive footwear, and certain medical conditions that affect fat distribution or circulation. Without adequate cushioning, the foot is susceptible to stress and injury. A podiatrist can evaluate the extent of fat pad loss, recommend custom orthotics or padding to restore comfort and support, and provide guidance on footwear and activity modifications. If you have symptoms of this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive an expert evaluation, targeted treatment, and relief from the discomfort caused by fat pad atrophy.

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

Read more about Foot Pain