Items filtered by date: December 2023

Stress fractures, those tiny cracks in the bones of the feet, are a common concern for athletes, dancers, and anyone who spends a significant amount of time on their feet. These fractures are usually a result of repetitive stress and overuse, rather than sudden trauma. One primary cause of stress fractures is overexertion, often seen in athletes who increase their training intensity too quickly. Wearing Improper footwear or a sudden change in physical activity can also put undue stress on the bones. Inadequate nutrition and underlying conditions such as osteoporosis may weaken bones, making them more susceptible to fractures. Symptoms of a stress fracture typically include localized pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. The pain usually worsens with activity and eases with rest. Left untreated, stress fractures can progress to chronic pain and complications, so early intervention is essential. Understanding the causes and recognizing these symptoms allows for prompt diagnosis and proper care, reducing the risk of more severe injuries and ensuring a quicker return to an active, pain-free lifestyle. If you have developed a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can effectively treat this condition.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard from Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Ingrown toenails, a common foot ailment responsible for approximately 20 percent of podiatric visits, can be attributed to a variety of causes. Among these, improper nail trimming plays a significant role, as cutting nails too short or rounding them incorrectly encourages ingrowth. Wearing tight shoes or high heels that exert pressure on the toes is another prevalent cause. Trauma to the toe, such as injuries, can also contribute to the formation of an ingrown toenail. Three main types of ingrown toenails are categorized by their location on the toe. The lateral ingrown toenail, occurring most frequently, involves the side of the nail edge growing into the skin at the sides of the toe. A distal ingrown toenail can occur when the nail edge grows or curls into the skin at the end of the toe, where the top of the nail meets the skin. Proximal ingrown toenails happen when the nail grows into the skin at the base of the toe, near the cuticle area. This type is characterized by new toenail growth pushing the old nail upwards, causing it to become thick and embedded. Avoiding excessive shortcuts and wearing well-fitted footwear can significantly diminish the risk of ingrown toenails. In instances of persistent discomfort or suspected ingrown toenails, seeking professional advice from a podiatrist is suggested. Podiatrists possess the expertise to accurately diagnose the issue, determine the severity and type of ingrown toenail, and suggest suitable treatment options. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard of Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Foot pain can stem from a myriad of causes, each intricately tied to the complex structure of the foot. One prevalent contributor is improper footwear, as shoes with an ill fit or high heels can induce foot pain and disorders. The foot, supporting the body's weight, is susceptible to injuries during high-impact activities like running or aerobics. These activities can lead to ligament sprains, muscle or tendon strains, and foot bone fractures. Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis may also play a role in foot pain. Osteoarthritis arises from cartilage overuse around joints, commonly affecting the big toe, ankle, and midfoot. Meanwhile, rheumatoid arthritis introduces pain, stiffness, swelling, soreness, and warmth in the foot and ankle joints. Diabetes, with its repercussions like nerve damage, reduced blood flow, and ulcers, often contributes significantly to foot pain. Numerous other conditions further complicate foot health, including plantar fasciitis and Achilles’ tendonitis. Corns, calluses, bunions, and plantar warts are other sources of foot pain. Ingrown toenails, Morton’s neuroma, and hammertoes may induce pain in parts of the foot. Peripheral arterial disease, gout, and flat feet are still other conditions that generate foot pain. If you experience any type of foot pain that persists or gets worse, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Ronald Sheppard from Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. 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 one of our offices located in Marlboro and Watchung, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When it comes to foot and ankle injuries, understanding the distinction between a sprain and a strain is important for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Both share similarities in symptoms, but they affect different parts of the body. A sprain involves the ligaments, which are tough bands connecting bones to joints. This type of injury occurs when a joint is forcefully pushed beyond its normal range of motion. It often leads to pain, swelling, and bruising. However, a strain pertains to an overstretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. The muscles, responsible for movement, can be strained through overuse or abrupt exertion. In the realm of podiatry, ligaments around the ankle are more often affected by sprains. When injured, these ligaments cause inflammation, swelling, and bruising, making joint movement painful. Identifying whether an injury is a sprain or a strain is essential for tailored treatment plans. While both injuries cause pain and discomfort, distinguishing between the two ensures proper care. If you suspect a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a thorough examination, diagnosis, and personalized treatment plan.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Dr. Ronald Sheppard from Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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