With 26 bones in the foot, sustaining an injury to any of them is not uncommon. The most common bone-related foot problems involve the tarsal bones, the metatarsal bones, and the phalanges. The tarsal bones include the talus or ankle bone, the calcaneus or heel bone, and the bones that form the arch of the foot. These are the three cuneiforms, the cuboid, and the navicular. The metatarsals are five long bones of the foot that connect the heel to the toes. The phalanges, or toes, are made up of several bones each. The big toe is the most prominent bone and the workhorse of the phalanges. Bunions, arthritis, and gout are common bone-related foot conditions that involve the big toe. Hammertoe, a muscle and ligament imbalance, usually occurs in the second or third toe. Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis involve the calcaneus, or heel bone. A condition called sesamoiditis affects two tiny free floating bones at the base of the big toe. Stress fractures most commonly occur in the metatarsal bones from overuse. If you are experiencing pain in any of the bones of the feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. 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 South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many patients afflicted with sesamoiditis often ask podiatrists how long it will take to heal from this condition. The answer is slightly complicated. Sesamoiditis occurs when the two sesamoid bones in the ball of the foot become aggravated and inflamed. The recovery time will be significantly dependent on the severity of the injury. For example, if a patient has a relatively minor case of sesamoiditis, they can expect their recovery time to be short. The recovery time might only be a few days if the foot is rested and treated properly. However, if a patient has a severe case of sesamoiditis, it may take longer to recover. If you believe you have sesamoiditis, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today who can provide treatment and a recovery timeline.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.

Cracked heels are a common foot condition that can cause embarrassment from being unsightly. They can happen from excess pressure that is put on the heels, which can occur from standing on hard surfaces for most of the day. Additionally, wearing shoes that have an open back can cause the skin to become dry, possibly leading to getting cracked heels. There may be specific medical conditions that can contribute to developing cracked heels. These can include eczema, psoriasis, and fungal infections. Many people can have this condition from vitamin deficiencies, which can affect skin health. Relief tactics can begin with washing and drying the feet, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. Many people have found it to be successful to increase their water intake, which can help the skin from becoming dry. If you have cracked heels, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment remedies, which may include prescribed medicine.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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 care needs.

Falling can be dangerous. This can apply to any age group, and it is especially helpful for seniors to be aware of how the feet can become injured from falling. It is beneficial for elderly people to be acutely aware of their surroundings, which may falter as the aging process occurs. Getting adequate sleep and leading a healthy lifestyle may be good fall prevention techniques. One of the best things seniors can do for their body is to engage in a gentle exercise and stretching program. This is effective in building and maintaining strength in various parts of the body, which may help to reduce the number of falls. It may also aid patients in getting up quicker after falling, as a result of improved flexibility. There are prevention methods that can be implemented in the household. These can include removing worn rugs from the living area, and installing grab bars in the toilet and shower area. If you would like to know more about how falling can affect the feet and possible prevention methods, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with useful information.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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 care needs.

The toes significantly contribute to maintaining balance in the body, in addition to how we walk, stand, and run. The foot condition known as hammertoe is a deformity that causes the second and third toes to bend downward at the middle joint, often resembling a hammer. Hammertoes can cause corns to develop on top of the affected toes due to them constantly rubbing against the top of the shoe. Hammertoes are often caused by the type of shoes that are worn, which generally do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. This can affect the muscles in the toes and the toes may be unable to stretch and flex normally. The symptoms gradually occur, and the patient may not notice until the joints become stiff. Existing medical conditions like arthritis, bunions, or abnormal arches may increase the risk of hammertoe. Patients can find mild relief when specific stretches are performed that include the toes as well as protective pads on top of the toes. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment options.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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 care needs.