A stress fracture, or hairline fracture, often develops gradually. It is considered to be a break in the bone, and can happen in the foot or ankle. It can occur from repetitive overuse, and treatment can begin with temporarily stopping the activity that caused the fracture. Common causes of a stress fracture can include increasing speed and distance too quickly, or from running on uneven surfaces. There are four types of stress fractures, and the most common type affects the second metatarsal in the forefoot. The sesamoid bones may also fracture, in addition to the navicular or heel bone. The symptoms that many people experience with a stress fracture can include pain and swelling surrounding the affected area, and it can be uncomfortable when touched or walked on. A stress fracture requires immediate medical attention, which may prevent it from lapsing into a full blown fracture. This can require the patient to frequently elevate the foot, and to keep weight off of it as much as possible. Many people will wear a protective boot or use crutches that can help with mobility. If you have foot pain, and fear you may have a stress fracture, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this foot condition.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors 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 South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Research has indicated that the number of people who are obese has doubled across the globe in the last forty years, and being overweight often affects foot health. This can be a result of the added weight the feet must support, and daily activities may be difficult to complete. Higher body mass index may lead to developing certain foot conditions that can include plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendon injuries. Overweight people can walk slower and have shorter stride lengths. Stress may be increased on the soft tissues and joints, which may lead to developing overuse injuries. Additionally, the ankles may lose strength from carrying the extra weight. Flat feet may develop for the same reason, and this can be another reason to lose excess weight. As this is being accomplished, it may be easier to build strength in the intrinsic muscles that can help to stabilize the arches. If you are overweight and have foot problems, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition. 

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

Foot shuffling is when someone takes shorter strides and drags their feet when walking. Consistent shuffling can be a sign of an underlying health issue related to the nervous system, joints, or muscles. The most common neurological condition causing a shuffling gait is Parkinson’s disease. Foot shuffling can also come on from foot drop. This is when there is a difficulty or inability to lift the foot while taking a step. This condition can be caused by multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, or stroke, among other things. As one ages, the gait can change with decreased walking speed and range of motion in the ankles, knees, and hips, as well as impaired foot clearance. When the joints of the legs are tight or there is muscle weakness from injuries, health conditions like arthritis, or long periods of inactivity, a shuffling gait can also happen. Stretching and strengthening exercises, balancing activities, and orthotics can help, as well as assistive devices like a walker or cane. If you have a shuffling gait, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist to help identify the underlying cause and devise an appropriate treatment plan individualized to your needs.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

A plantar fibroma is an area of tissue that develops in the arch of the foot that can be painful, despite being benign. Several fibromas on the foot are referred to as plantar fibromatosis. The noticeable symptom of a plantar fibroma is an uncomfortable lump that slowly grows in the arch of the foot. The pain may worsen when the lump is touched or when standing for long periods. There is no known cause for why a plantar fibroma develops, however, enduring repetitive foot injuries may lead to tearing the plantar fascia which may promote the growth of a plantar fibroma. Patients have found mild relief when custom-made orthotics are worn and when specific stretches are performed. If you have a lump on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat a plantar fibroma.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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