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Point Pleasant

December 2017

Tuesday, 26 December 2017 00:00

Treating Achilles Tendon Pain

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and is susceptible to injury just like every body part is.  Achilles tendinopathy is the universal term to describe disease of the tendon. Specifically, Achilles tenosynovitis is the term to describe the inflammation of the sheath that surrounds the tendon; Achilles tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendon itself.  When it comes to Achilles tendinopathy, it is strongly recommended that you see a podiatrist, as an exact diagnosis and proper treatment is needed to ensure that the Achilles tendon will heal. In the meantime, it is recommended to take it easy and rest to avoid further damage and irritation.  Stretching and certain exercises may help, but it is best to discuss with a podiatrist whether this is right for you. Podiatrists may utilize different forms of treatment depending on the type and severity of the injury.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector of Shore Podiatry. 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 office located in Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 18 December 2017 00:00

Preventing Athlete’s Foot Among Children

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the foot. While generally not a serious condition, it can be bothersome and is contagious. As a parent, making sure your children maintain proper foot care is an important step in preventing ailments like athlete’s foot. Here are some steps that you should teach your children to help prevent athlete’s foot. Make sure that they wear flip-flops or sandals in public bathrooms and around pools. When they are drying their feet, make sure they dry in between their toes, as athlete’s foot often occurs in this area. Keep your house and their play areas clean. Teach them to not share some items like towels or shoes, as these items may be contaminated already. Finally, check their feet for any symptoms of athlete’s foot such as redness, itchiness, or scaly skin.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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 and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 12 December 2017 00:00

Causes of Cracked Heels

If left untreated, minor cracked heels can worsen and turn into painful openings or fissures. There are numerous causes for cracked heels; some may be aging, skin conditions, and vitamin deficiency. The older you get, the more the skin loses its ability to stretch, which can lead to the skin cracking. Standing for long periods of time in ill-fitting shoes may be an additional reason for cracked heels. Calluses may develop, causing pain and pressure associated with walking and running, possibly causing small cracks to develop and even bleeding to occur. Typically, the skin will become red and inflamed, and some patients may feel a decrease in sensitivity in the heels.  Remedies may include topical creams and pumice stones, which may help in the removal of dead skin. Additionally, custom-made orthotics may be another treatment option. A consultation with a podiatrist is advised for learning about other ways to treat and prevent cracked heels.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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.

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New York Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins may need surgery on a recent left ankle injury he sustained during the Giants and Washington Redskins game. Jenkins managed to make an interception and return it for a touchdown, but injured his ankle during the play. The surgery is expected to end his season due to the expected length of the recovery. Jenkins had been playing throughout the season with a “debilitating ankle injury,” but it seems that it just became too bad. The Giants already have a number of players who have suffered season-ending ankle injuries, including star wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Brandon Marshall.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector of Shore Podiatry. 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
  • 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 Point Pleasant, 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
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