Items filtered by date: August 2024

Runners often experience a variety of foot problems due to the repetitive stress and impact involved in the sport. Issues like blisters, toenail damage, and stiff big toe joints are frequent, in addition to more severe conditions like plantar fasciitis and stress fractures. The feet endure significant pressure during running, making them particularly vulnerable to injuries. When not properly treated, these injuries can lead to chronic pain or long-term mobility issues. To prevent foot problems, it is important to wear appropriate footwear, gradually increase mileage, and pay attention to any early signs of discomfort. Regularly stretching and strengthening foot muscles can also reduce the risk of injury. If problems persist, it is suggested that you seek advice from a podiatrist to help ensure proper healing and avoid further complications, allowing you to safely continue the desired activity.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Ronald Sheppard of Warren-Watchung Podiatry Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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 be more than just a temporary inconvenience, especially if it is persistent or linked to activities like sports or standing at work for long periods of time. This pain might actually signal arthritis, an inflammatory condition that becomes more likely as cartilage deteriorates and feet flatten with age or weight gain. Arthritis in the feet often arises from osteoarthritis, which wears down joint cartilage, or from rheumatoid arthritis, which inflames and damages joints. Psoriatic arthritis and gout can also lead to significant foot or toe pain. Each of these conditions can cause swelling, stiffness, and alterations in foot structure, which can radiate pain to other body parts. Treatment of arthritic foot pain often focuses on taking certain medication and maintaining mobility through weight management and physical activity. Consulting a podiatrist is essential for a personalized treatment plan, including custom orthotics to support the feet and maintain proper alignment. If you experience chronic pain in the feet or ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

As pickleball gains popularity across the nation, foot and ankle injuries are becoming more common among players. The fast-paced, lateral movements and sudden stops required in pickleball often lead to strains, sprains, and fractures. Ankle sprains are frequent due to the rapid direction changes, while plantar fasciitis can develop from the repetitive stress on the feet. Achilles tendonitis is another concern, especially for older players, as the sport's dynamic movements can overburden this tendon at the back of the heel. Despite pickleball being a low-impact sport, the risk of injury to players remains significant. Regularly stretching and warming up before playing can help to avoid injuries, but seeing a podiatrist is essential for those experiencing foot pain. A podiatrist can diagnose and treat foot and ankle injuries, recommend proper footwear, and provide strategies to prevent future problems. If you have foot or ankle pain connected to playing pickleball, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, 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.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Plantar fasciitis causes distinct symptoms centered on the sole of the foot, particularly near the heel and arch. Individuals often experience sharp pain or discomfort along the bottom of the foot, radiating from the heel toward the toes. The pain tends to be most intense during the initial steps after waking up or following prolonged periods of rest, known as post-static dyskinesia. Throughout the day, the pain may lessen with movement but can intensify after long periods of standing or walking. Some describe the pain from plantar fasciitis as a dull ache or burning sensation. The arch of the foot may also feel tender to the touch, especially near the heel where the plantar fascia attaches to the bone. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist sooner rather than later. This foot doctor can accurately diagnose plantar fasciitis and begin an effective relief and treatment plan.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best 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 care needs.