Items filtered by date: February 2024

Pickleball, a popular sport blending elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is a favorite for its accessibility and fast-paced gameplay. However, like any physical activity, it carries the risk of incurring foot and ankle injuries. One common injury is ankle sprains, occurring when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear due to sudden movements or changes in direction. These sprains can result from quick pivots, stops, or landing awkwardly after jumping. Additionally, players may experience overuse injuries such as tendonitis or stress fractures, particularly in the foot and ankle regions. The repetitive nature of pickleball movements can strain tendons and bones over time, leading to inflammation and pain. To mitigate the risk of foot and ankle injuries while playing pickleball, it is helpful for players to prioritize proper warm-up exercises, wear supportive footwear with adequate ankle support, and practice good technique to minimize strain on these vulnerable areas. If you have injured your foot or ankle while playing pickleball, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment methods.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors 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
• Plantar Fasciosis
• 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 feel free to contact our office located in South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Congenital foot conditions often have unique signs, aiding in the diagnosis of underlying systemic issues. Conditions such as Ellis–van Creveld syndrome, fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, and Marfan syndrome show distinct foot abnormalities. For example, Ellis–van Creveld syndrome may feature extra toes, while fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva can cause deformities in the big toe. Similarly, conditions such as Kniest dysplasia may lead to short and deformed toes, and pseudo- and pseudo-pseudohypoparathyroidism can result in shortened metatarsal bones. Additionally, acromegaly can cause swelling and softness in the feet, while nail-patella syndrome may affect the toenails. Mucopolysaccharidoses often result in widened toe bones and thickened skin on the feet. If your child was born with a foot abnormality, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as early as possible. 

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

High heels, while fashionable, can lead to various foot problems due to their design and the way they alter the natural mechanics of walking. One common issue is the development of bunions, where the pressure and narrow toe box of high heels force the big toe to bend outward, causing a painful bony bump to form. Additionally, wearing high heels regularly can shorten the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, leading to stiffness and discomfort when walking in flat shoes. High heels also increase pressure on the ball of the foot, potentially causing metatarsalgia, a painful condition characterized by inflammation and discomfort in the ball of the foot. Furthermore, the instability caused by high heels can contribute to ankle sprains and instability over time. To mitigate these issues, it is important to limit high heel wear, opt for lower, wider heels when possible, and incorporate foot-strengthening exercises into your routine to counteract the negative effects of high heels on foot health. If you wear high heels and have developed specific foot conditions, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat any foot ailment that has arisen, and offer other footwear choices.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Foot blisters are pockets of fluid that can disrupt our stride, and arise from a multitude of sources, often interconnected. Friction, a primary culprit, occurs when shoes rub against the skin, creating heat and pressure that lead to the formation of blisters. Ill-fitting footwear, especially those that are too tight or too loose, exacerbates this friction. Moisture is another contributing factor, as damp conditions soften the skin, making it more susceptible to friction-related injuries. Prolonged periods of standing or walking intensify these forces, increasing the likelihood of blister formation. Foot deformities or irregularities, such as bunions or hammertoes, can also contribute by causing uneven pressure distribution. It is helpful to know the reason a blister has formed on your foot. If you have one or multiple foot blisters, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective prevention methods.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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