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March 2024

Wednesday, 27 March 2024 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Regular screenings for foot problems in children can be important for early detection and intervention, ensuring healthy foot development and optimal mobility. Pediatric foot screenings typically involve assessing various aspects of foot anatomy, alignment, and function. Screenings may include evaluating arch development, toe alignment, walking patterns, and range of motion in the joints. Podiatrists may also check for signs of common pediatric foot conditions, such as flat feet, toe-walking, or excessive pronation. Treatment options may include custom-made orthotic devices, physical therapy, or footwear modifications. Parents can facilitate foot health in children by ensuring they wear properly fitting shoes, encouraging regular physical activity, and addressing any concerns about foot pain or abnormal gait promptly. If you have a child with foot issues you are concerned about, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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 How to Care for Your Child's Feet
Tuesday, 19 March 2024 00:00

Causes of Stress Fractures in the Foot

Stress fractures in the foot are tiny cracks in the bone that happen when your feet are overworked. Unlike regular fractures that occur from a single, severe impact, stress fractures result from repetitive force over time, like running long distances or jumping repeatedly. Athletes and people who dramatically increase physical activity without proper training are more likely to develop stress fractures. After muscles are pushed to a certain point, they become fatigued and place extra stress to the bones, leading to these small cracks. Poor footwear, uneven surfaces, and weak bones from conditions like osteoporosis can increase the risk of developing stress fractures. Pain with stress fractures in the foot often worsens over time and may be experienced as a dull achy feeling. If you have sustained a stress fracture in the foot, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist promptly for treatment. 

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. 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 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 Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Tuesday, 12 March 2024 00:00

How Podiatrists Treat Bunions

Podiatrists, or foot doctors, can take different approaches to treating bunions, which are structural deformities of the joint at the base of the big toe. This condition not only can cause pain but may also lead to a cascade of secondary foot problems, affecting mobility and quality of life. Initial treatment strategies may include non-invasive interventions aimed at alleviating symptoms and halting the progression of the deformity. Possible strategies include the use of custom orthotics designed to redistribute pressure away from the affected joint, targeted exercises to maintain joint mobility, and advice on appropriate footwear that accommodates the bunion without exacerbating discomfort. In more severe cases, podiatrists may recommend surgical intervention. This surgery, known as a bunionectomy, involves realigning the toe by correcting the abnormal angle of the bones, addressing the issue both cosmetically and functionally. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist who can recommend treatment options to prevent the condition from worsening. 

If you are suffering from bunions, 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 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 Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Bunions
Wednesday, 06 March 2024 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Tuesday, 05 March 2024 00:00

Causes of Forefoot Pain

The forefoot consists of various bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, any of which can experience pain. Three main conditions are contributors to forefoot pain. First is metatarsalgia, or discomfort in the ball of the foot. This condition is often triggered by intense athletic training or wearing ill fitting shoes, causing misalignment of bones or spending too much time on the feet. Second, sesamoiditis results from inflammation of tendons that support the two small sesamoid bones, just under the big toe. Inflammation affects weight bearing and inhibits movement of the big toe. Sesamoiditis is common among runners and dancers. Third is Morton’s neuroma, characterized by a thickening of the tissue surrounding the nerves near the toes. This causes burning pain and numbness, and is generally felt between the third and fourth toes. It can worsen by wearing inappropriate footwear or participating in high-impact activities. For advice with any of these painful forefoot ailments, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. 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 Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain
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