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Point Pleasant

February 2024

Tuesday, 27 February 2024 00:00

Managing Various Grades of Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are common injuries that can disrupt daily activities and sports participation. Effective management of ankle sprains involves understanding the severity of the injury and implementing appropriate treatment strategies. Ankle sprains are often classified into three grades, based on the extent of ligament damage. Grade I sprains involve mild stretching or microscopic tears of the ligaments, resulting in minimal swelling and pain. Grade II sprains involve partial tearing of the ligaments, leading to moderate swelling, pain, and instability. Grade III sprains are the most severe, involving complete tearing of the ligaments, significant swelling, and joint instability. Management of ankle sprains typically begins with elevation which may help to reduce any existing swelling. In severe cases, immobilization with a brace or boot may be necessary to facilitate healing. Gradual return to weight-bearing activities and sports should be guided by pain tolerance and functional improvement, aiming to prevent recurrent injuries and promote long-term ankle health. If you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the grade of the sprain and offer appropriate treatment methods.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Read more about Three Grades of Ankle Sprains
Tuesday, 20 February 2024 00:00

Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

Plantar digital neuroma, also known as Morton's neuroma, is characterized by the thickening of the tissue surrounding the nerves that run between the toes, most often affecting the area between the third and fourth toes. This thickening can cause compression and irritation of the nerve, leading to pain and discomfort. Individuals with plantar digital neuroma typically experience sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling or numbness in the toes, and the sensation of standing on a pebble or fold in a sock. Pain may worsen with walking, wearing tight or narrow shoes, or squeezing the forefoot. The discomfort associated with Morton’s neuroma can be disruptive to daily activities and may worsen over time if left untreated. Recognizing the symptoms of plantar digital neuroma is essential for seeking proper diagnosis and treatment to alleviate pain and restore foot health. If you have pain or discomfort between your third and fourth toes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can confirm Morton's neuroma, and offer correct treatment solutions.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector of Shore Podiatry. 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 Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Morton's Neuroma
Wednesday, 14 February 2024 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 the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

When selecting running shoes, it is essential to consider several key characteristics to ensure comfort, performance, and injury prevention. First, assess the level of cushioning provided by the shoes, which should offer adequate shock absorption to minimize impact on joints and muscles. Next, consider the level of support and stability the shoes offer, especially if you have specific foot biomechanics or pronation issues. Opt for shoes with a supportive midsole and a secure heel counter to help maintain proper foot alignment. Additionally, pay attention to the shoe's flexibility and responsiveness, as these qualities can enhance agility and energy return during runs. Another important factor is the shoe's breathability, which allows for proper airflow and can help to prevent moisture buildup and blisters. Lastly, ensure a proper fit by trying on shoes in the afternoon when your feet are slightly swollen and leaving a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the shoe's end. By considering these five characteristics, you can find the ideal pair of running shoes to support your training and performance goals while keeping your feet happy and healthy. If you are seeking additional tips on what to look for in running shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

  • Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
  • There should be little to no slipping at the heel
  • Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
  • Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
  • Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

Read more about Choosing the Right Running Shoe

Foot ulcers are sores on the feet that are often found in patients with diabetes. Since diabetic patients may have nerve and blood vessel damage in the feet, it is extremely important to provide proper wound care for foot ulcers. Diabetic foot ulcers can be slow to heal and are more prone to infection. Adequate wound care involves cleaning the wound gently, applying appropriate dressings, and keeping pressure off the affected foot. If you have foot ulcers, it is suggested you seek the help of a podiatrist, who may also perform a debridement to remove dead tissue surrounding the ulcer. A podiatrist may also use techniques such as whirlpool foot baths, tubes to wash dead skin away, wound dressings, chemical enzyme peels, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy. By prioritizing diligent wound care, you can significantly improve the chances of successful healing, minimize pain, and maintain overall foot health with diabetes. If you have ulcers on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist to monitor the healing progress of foot ulcers, and address any signs of infection quickly.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Read more about Wound Care
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