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Lumberton (609) 261-2223
1561 New Jersey 38, Lumberton, NJ 08048

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Because heel pain can be caused by several conditions, it is important to have it diagnosed correctly and treated properly. The most common form of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. This is an inflammatory condition of the plantar fascia, which is the long rubber band-like connective tissue that connects the front of the heel bone with the toes. The plantar fascia is on the bottom of the foot. It undergoes a great deal of stress and pressure while doing its duty of helping to form the arch, aiding in the propulsive phase of the walking cycle, and acting like a shock absorber of sorts. Excessive wear and tear and stretching of the plantar fasciitis can irritate it, inflame it, and even create micro-tears where it inserts at the heel bone. This is known as plantar fasciitis, a very painful form of heel pain. Plantar fasciitis can be brought on by certain sporting activities like running, being obese, standing for prolonged periods, and more. If you have heel pain that is at its worst in the morning when you take your first steps of the day, or after periods of rest, you may have plantar fasciitis. Consult with a podiatrist to have your heel pain diagnosed and treated.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Port Richmond Family Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Tuesday, 09 August 2022 00:00

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Wednesday, 10 August 2022 00:00

Arthritis May Cause Toe Pain

Pain, swelling, and stiffness often accompany arthritis in the feet. Many people have their toes affected by arthritis and it can be difficult to walk. Additionally, there may be a bump that forms as a result of the joints rubbing together and the toes may curl. The most common form of arthritis is known as osteoarthritis and it affects the cartilage between the joints generally causing pain and discomfort. The condition that is known as gout can cause pain in the big toe and comes from having excess uric acid in the bloodstream. This can cause crystals to lodge between the joints in the big toe and can cause debilitating pain. An autoimmune disease can cause psoriatic arthritis and typically affects the toes. Another form of toe pain can come from having an infection within the joint and this is referred to as infectious arthritis. Mild relief may be found when the shoes that are worn fit properly and it is advised to refrain from wearing high heels. If you have pain in your toes, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose arthritis in the feet as well as offer correct treatment advice.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Port Richmond Family Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

  • Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
  • Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
  • Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
  • Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
  • Age – Risk increases with age
  • Gender –Most types are more common in women
  • Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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

Read more about How to Care for Your Arthritic Foot
Tuesday, 02 August 2022 00:00

Foot Massage Therapy

Foot massage therapy, a type of massage that focuses on the feet and lower legs, is often used to relieve stress, tension, fatigue, and pain. It also can be used to improve blood circulation to help prevent injuries and alleviate symptoms of chronic conditions like arthritis. This form of massage utilizes gentle pressure to the feet and legs. Swedish or trigger point massage techniques are typically employed. Risks of foot massage therapy include infection from the spread of bacteria and injury, such as cuts and bruises from over-massage. If you have pre-existing medical conditions (like heart disease or stroke history), it is important to consult with a podiatrist before getting such therapy. A podiatrist can also provide additional information about foot massage therapy and provide additional suggestions to treat foot and ankle discomfort.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Port Richmond Family Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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

Read more about Foot Therapy for Sports Injuries

Arthritis is an umbrella term for diseases that cause pain, inflammation, and in some cases a degradation of joints in the body. Gout is one such form of arthritis. It develops when your body cannot adequately flush out uric acid in the bloodstream, which is a byproduct of purines being broken down. This excess uric acid can crystalize, collect, and build up in joints. This accumulation of hardened uric acid crystals causes the joint to become inflamed, swollen, and painful. Gout can develop in any joint in the body, however it is most prevalent in the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of the big toe. If you have gout, there is a possibility that you may also have other forms of arthritis as well, as different forms of arthritis share certain risk factors and can create a hospitable environment for other arthritic diseases to take hold in the joints. If you have any pain, swelling, stiffness, or limited movement in any foot or ankle joint, see a podiatrist. By examining the feet and conducting various tests, your podiatrist will be able to properly diagnose your condition and treat it accordingly.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Gout
Tuesday, 19 July 2022 00:00

What Is Shockwave Therapy for the Feet?

There are many tools at a podiatrist’s disposal to address any number of challenging foot afflictions. Podiatrists may prescribe antibiotics, recommend orthotics, or encourage a surgical procedure in extreme cases. One interesting tool that podiatrists can use is known as shockwave therapy for the feet. This new method can be used to treat plantar fasciitis, one of the most common foot conditions affecting individuals across the country. The shockwave therapy treatment consists of applying bursts of air and electromagnetic shock pulses to the lower limbs in either low or high energy increments. The purpose of this is to facilitate a kind of natural healing response in the feet. That is, the shockwave therapy is meant to encourage the formation of blood vessels in the affected areas and other healing nutrients. If you have plantar fasciitis and believe that you might be interested in addressing it through shockwave therapy, contact a podiatrist who may be able to help.

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists from Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

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

Read more about Treating Heel Pain with Shockwave Therapy

There are several reasons why people choose to run. These include losing weight, training for a marathon, or jogging for pure enjoyment. There are different types of shoes for various styles of running, and it is beneficial to choose the type of shoe that fits comfortably, while enhancing the type of running that is desired. There are many factors that can determine what kind of shoes are purchased. These consist of weight, what type of surfaces are run on, and foot structure. Research has shown foot conditions may be avoided when properly fitting running shoes are worn. These include plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, and general aches and pains in the foot and arch area. When the right shoes are worn, they are typically comfortable, and feel like they are part of the foot. Many people who enjoy running prefer to shop at a specialty store where they can get advice in matching their foot type to the appropriate shoe. There are different shoes that target a forefoot or heel striker, and it is important to know what type of running is done. If you would like additional information about how to purchase the correct running shoe, please confer with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Port Richmond Family Footcare. Our doctors 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 Lumberton, NJ, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Choosing the Right Running Shoe

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Tuesday, 05 July 2022 00:00

Common Causes of Foot Pain

Nearly half of adults in the United States have some type of foot pain. This is to be expected, as we are on our feet so much of the time in our day-to-day lives. Sometimes it’s as simple as wearing different shoes, or wearing the proper shoe for the activity you are doing. However, when pain is not only frequent, but also persistent, it’s a good idea to see a podiatrist for help. The main causes of reported foot pain are tarsal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, bunions, and corns and calluses. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by a pinched nerve that starts in the big toe. The pain then moves through the foot to the ankle and can advance into the lower leg. Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that affects the joints, many of which are in the foot and ankle. Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury affecting a band of tissue on the sole of the foot, resulting in heel pain. An ingrown toenail occurs then the toenail grows into the skin, often the result of tight shoes or improper footcare. Bunions are a bone deformity, usually at the base of the big toe, that affects the gait and can cause other foot problems. Corns and calluses are areas of hardened skin that can become extremely painful as they rub against the inside of a shoe. A podiatrist is able to help with each of these conditions, examining your feet and offering appropriate treatment options. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Port Richmond Family Footcare. Our doctors 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 Lumberton, NJ, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain
Tuesday, 28 June 2022 00:00

Surgery or Buddy Taping?

Falling is a common way to break a toe. Additionally, it can happen if a heavy object falls on it, or from unexpectedly stepping off of a curb. The symptoms are immediate when a broken toe has occurred. These can include bruising, swelling, and the pain can be devastating. If the fracture is severe, the toe may look deformed, and may even protrude from the skin. Many people find it difficult to walk on a broken toe. It is beneficial to seek medical attention when you have a broken toe, as patients who do not receive the correct treatment may develop an infection, or the injury may result in a permanent deformity. If the break is mild, buddy taping may be an effective treatment method. This consists of taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. This is often a successful way to provide stability as the healing process takes place. For severe breaks, surgery may need to be performed to realign the toe. If you believe you have broken your toe, it is beneficial to consult with a podiatrist who can recommend the correct form of treatment for you.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Port Richmond Family Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe
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