Charcot foot is a serious condition that can affect people with diabetes, most often those who have lost feeling in their feet. It develops when the bones become weak and begin to break under normal pressure, sometimes without much pain. The foot may appear swollen, warm, or slightly misshapen as the condition progresses. Although this problem is not frequently seen, it is important because delayed care can lead to lasting deformity and trouble walking. It is sometimes mistaken for a minor injury, which can slow proper treatment. Early detection makes a big difference in protecting the structure of the foot. A podiatrist can recognize early changes, use imaging to confirm the issue, and guide treatment to prevent further damage. If you have diabetes and notice swelling, warmth, or shape changes in your foot, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that can affect the feet and make movement difficult. Many people report sharp pain in the soles or tops of the feet. The pain can come and go. It may last for long periods and worsen with standing or walking. This foot pain can change the way a person walks and lead to strain in the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. The cause of foot pain is not fully understood, but it may involve sensitive nerves and irritation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that supports the foot. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, check motion, and identify pressure points. Treatment plans include custom orthotics, which are shoe inserts designed to improve support and reduce strain, along with supportive devices and monitoring. If you have foot pain as a result of fibromyalgia, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when it shifts inward and the joint becomes misaligned. A bunion can develop due to wearing improper footwear, aging, genetics, and structural foot imbalances. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. Risk factors include tight or narrow footwear, prolonged standing, and inherited foot structure. Bunion surgery may be necessary when conservative treatments no longer relieve pain or when the deformity interferes with daily activities. Recovery typically takes several weeks and involves rest, limited weight-bearing, and a gradual return to normal movement. If you have a bunion that is causing pain or discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if foot surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Zumba is a high-energy, dance-based workout that involves quick turns, jumps, and side-to-side movements, all of which can place stress on the feet and ankles. Common foot injuries from Zumba include ankle sprains, where ligaments that support the joint are stretched or torn, and stress fractures, which are small cracks in the bones caused by repeated impact. People may also develop plantar fasciitis, a painful condition involving inflammation of the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. Rapid changes in direction can lead to muscle strains and joint instability, especially when movements are not well-coordinated. A podiatrist can evaluate foot alignment, assess movement patterns, and use imaging like X-rays to confirm injuries. Treatment options include bracing, custom orthotic devices, or surgery, depending on severity. If you have injured your foot or ankle from Zumba, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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