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Manalapan
(732) 845-0100

Manalapan (732) 845-0100

July 2025

As pickleball becomes more popular, foot and ankle injuries are becoming more common. The sport’s quick movements, sudden stops, and fast pivots place added pressure on tendons, ligaments, and bones. One serious concern is injury to the Achilles tendon, which can occur without warning and is especially common among men. Other frequent problems include ankle sprains, heel pain, and overuse injuries like stress fractures. Playing on hard courts, skipping warm-ups, or wearing the wrong shoes can increase the risk of harm. Continuing to play through discomfort may worsen the injury and slow recovery. Whether you play pickleball for fitness or fun, it is important to protect your feet and ankles to avoid long-term problems. If you notice swelling, pain, or stiffness after playing, it is suggested you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment plan.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Achilles Tendinitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains 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
Thursday, 24 July 2025 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 professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Midfoot arthritis occurs when the joints in the middle of the foot become inflamed, leading to pain and stiffness. It often feels like a deep ache or sharp discomfort during walking or standing, especially after periods of rest. Causes include aging, previous injuries, or conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms can involve swelling, limited motion, and tenderness in the arch. Risk factors include repetitive stress, high-impact activities, and joint instability. A podiatrist can diagnose midfoot arthritis through physical exams and imaging. Treatment options include custom orthotics, supportive footwear, and pain management strategies. If midfoot pain is affecting your mobility, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for expert care and long-term relief.

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.

Read more about Arthritic Foot Care

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This condition can be present from birth or develop over time due to injury, aging, obesity, or certain medical conditions. Symptoms include foot pain, swelling, fatigue, or difficulty standing or walking for long periods. Some people experience knee or back discomfort as well. Relief often comes from wearing supportive shoes, custom orthotics, or stretching exercises. A podiatrist can evaluate the structure of your feet, identify the underlying cause, and recommend a personalized treatment plan. If you have flat feet and have persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and improved foot function.

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

Read more about Flat Feet

Lower limb salvage surgery is performed to avoid limb loss when there is severe damage to the foot or leg. This may be necessary due to infection, trauma, poor circulation, or complications from conditions, such as diabetes. The goal of this type of surgery is to remove diseased or damaged tissue while preserving as much function and structure as possible. Procedures may include cleaning infected areas, reconstructing bone or soft tissue, or improving blood flow. Recovery often requires close monitoring, wound care, and rehabilitation to support healing and restore movement. This approach can improve quality of life and mobility, especially when combined with lifestyle changes and proper ongoing care. Every case is different, and success depends on the extent of the damage and the body’s ability to heal. If you are facing serious foot or leg complications, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist about surgical and non-surgical options.

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, consult with Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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 Diabetic Limb Salvage
Friday, 04 July 2025 17:13

Happy Independence Day!

flip flops 1It’s beach time! Are your feet beach ready or do you have to hide them in the sand? It’s time for a foot health check-up.

Foot pain is never normal. A simple evaluation with X-rays and a gait exam might result in a prescription for orthotics to eliminate foot pain

Be independent from foot pain, get checked for orthotics.

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.

Thursday, 03 July 2025 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!

Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone that often develop from repeated impact or overuse. They tend to appear in the feet and lower legs, especially in athletes, runners, or people who suddenly increase their activity level. Wearing shoes that lack adequate support, skipping rest days, or having poor bone health can all raise the risk. These injuries may begin with a dull ache that worsens over time, especially during weight-bearing activities. Preventing stress fractures involves building up activity gradually, choosing footwear with proper support, and including rest in your routine. Nutrition also plays a role. Strong bones need enough calcium, vitamin D, and overall nourishment. If foot or ankle pain continues during movement or returns with activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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 Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle