An Achilles tendon rupture is a serious injury that occurs when the thick tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel tears completely. This injury frequently happens during sports that involve sudden jumping, pivoting, or running. Many people report hearing or feeling a loud pop in the back of the ankle, followed by sharp pain and trouble walking. Swelling, bruising, and weakness in pushing off the foot are also common symptoms. Risk factors include tight calf muscles, previous tendon injuries, diabetes, and overuse from physical activity. Achilles tendon ruptures are sometimes mistaken for ankle sprains, which can delay proper care. A podiatrist can diagnose this injury with a physical exam and imaging studies. Treatment includes immobilization, custom orthotics, and rehabilitation. Surgery may be required, depending on the severity of the rupture and the patient’s activity level. If you have torn your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

Chronic gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by repeated buildup of uric acid crystals within the joints. It often affects the big toe, midfoot, or ankle. Unlike occasional attacks, chronic gout may lead to ongoing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Joint damage may occur over time. The affected joints can appear red, enlarged, and tender. Some patients develop hard deposits called tophi beneath the skin. Walking may become difficult during flare-ups, especially when pressure is placed on the inflamed area. Chronic gout can develop when uric acid levels remain elevated for long periods. This may be due to diet, kidney problems, certain medications, or genetic factors. A podiatrist can help identify gout-related foot problems, evaluate joint damage, and work with other healthcare providers to guide treatment. Care may include medication management, supportive footwear, and recommendations to reduce stress on painful joints. If you have chronic gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and prevention solutions for this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Heel pain can arise from several conditions that affect daily comfort and mobility. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the band of tissue that supports the arch. It often causes sharp pain on the bottom of the feet after rest. Sever’s disease is a growth-related condition in active children that leads to irritation at the heel. Heel pad atrophy refers to thinning of the natural cushioning under the heel, leading to deep aching pain. Risk factors include overuse, wearing improper footwear, age, and foot structure. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause, recommend supportive treatments, and help prevent further discomfort. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer effective treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

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.