The ankle is a complex joint that supports body weight and helps with movement. Ankle pain can affect people of all ages, and can make everyday activities more difficult. Pain can develop suddenly after an injury or gradually from a condition affecting the joint, tendons, or ligaments. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones. Tendons connect muscles to bones and help control movement. Common causes of ankle pain include sprains, tendon irritation, and arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and damage within a joint. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the ankle. Some people also notice bruising, tenderness, or a feeling that the ankle is unstable while walking.

A podiatrist can determine the cause of ankle pain through a detailed examination. The location of the pain often provides important clues. Pain on the outside of the ankle can point to a ligament injury. Pain along the back of the ankle may involve the Achilles tendon. A podiatrist will evaluate swelling, joint movement, and stability. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, can help identify fractures, arthritis, or other structural problems. In some cases, advanced imaging may be needed to examine soft tissues. An accurate diagnosis is important because different ankle conditions require different forms of treatment.

Treatment depends on the source and severity of the pain. A podiatrist may recommend supportive devices, custom orthotics, or bracing to improve ankle function. Orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that help control foot and ankle movement. More serious injuries may require immobilization with a walking boot or cast. Conditions like severe arthritis or complex fractures sometimes require surgery. Prompt care can also help prevent additional strain on surrounding joints and tissues. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Wendy L. Grossman, DPM  from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

Neuropathy affects the nerves, which are the body's communication pathways. When nerves become damaged, they cannot properly send signals between the feet and the brain. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of neuropathy, although other health conditions can also contribute to nerve damage. Neuropathy in the feet can cause numbness, tingling, and burning sensations. Some people feel sharp pain, while others lose the ability to feel injuries. This loss of feeling is especially concerning because cuts, blisters, or pressure points can go unnoticed. As a result, a person may continue walking on an injured foot without realizing that damage has occurred.

Neuropathy can lead to serious foot complications when it is not properly monitored. Reduced sensation increases the risk of skin breakdown, infection, and foot ulcers. A foot ulcer is an open sore that develops when skin and tissue become damaged. People with neuropathy may also experience muscle weakness and changes in foot shape. These changes can place extra pressure on certain areas of the foot. Another concern is balance problems that increase the risk of falls. Because these complications can progress without obvious warning signs, regular evaluations play an important role in protecting foot health and reducing the risk of severe injury.

A podiatrist can assess nerve function and identify early signs of neuropathy before major complications develop. The examination may include testing sensation, checking the movement of blood through the body, and evaluating foot structure. A podiatrist can also identify areas of high pressure that increase the risk of developing ulcers. Patients with diabetes benefit from routine foot screenings because nerve damage can gradually worsen without noticeable symptoms. Early detection allows appropriate treatment and ongoing monitoring to help prevent complications. Professional foot care also supports safer mobility and better overall foot health. If you have symptoms of neuropathy in the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis, appropriate treatment and management.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Wendy L. Grossman, DPM  from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Foot stress fractures are small cracks in the bones of the foot that develop from repetitive force or overuse, rather than a single traumatic injury. These injuries are common in athletes, runners, and others who suddenly increase their physical activity. In podiatry, stress fractures are considered overuse injuries that most often affect the metatarsal bones, although they can also occur in the heel, navicular bone, or other areas of the foot. Because these fractures develop gradually, they are sometimes mistaken for simple muscle strain or foot fatigue in the early stages.

Symptoms of a foot stress fracture typically begin with mild pain that worsens during activity and improves with rest. The pain may become more persistent and localized to a specific area of the foot. Swelling, tenderness, and sensitivity to pressure are also common signs. Some individuals notice pain when walking or standing for long periods, even without intense physical activity. In more advanced cases, the discomfort may become severe enough to limit daily movement and athletic participation. Early recognition of these symptoms is important to prevent the injury from worsening.

Risk factors for foot stress fractures include high-impact activities like running, basketball, and dance. Sudden increases in training intensity, frequency, or duration can place excessive stress on the bones of the foot. Footwear that lacks support or adequate cushioning also increases risk. Additional factors include low bone density, poor nutrition, and vitamin D deficiency. Biomechanical issues, such as flat feet or high arches, are other factors. People who have had previous stress fractures are also at higher risk of recurrence.

The primary causes of foot stress fractures involve repetitive mechanical loading on the bones without adequate recovery time. This repetitive stress leads to tiny cracks that gradually worsen if activity continues without rest or treatment. Poor training techniques, hard training surfaces, and improper biomechanics can all contribute to excessive bone stress. Without proper care, a stress fracture may progress and lead to a complete fracture. This may require longer recovery time and more restrictive treatment. If you have developed a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective relief and treatment solutions.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor 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 contact our office located in Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Selecting the right running shoes is important for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Foot structure plays a major role in determining the best type of shoe for each person. Individuals with pronated feet, where the arch collapses inward, often benefit from maximum support running shoes that help control motion and improve alignment. Those with neutral feet typically do well with cushioned neutral shoes that provide balanced support and shock absorption. People with supinated feet, where the arch is high and the foot rolls outward, may need structured cushioned or stability shoes to help distribute pressure more evenly. Wearing the wrong type of shoe can lead to pain in the feet, ankles, knees, and lower legs over time. A podiatrist can evaluate foot mechanics and gait patterns and recommend the most appropriate footwear. If you have foot pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who treats various foot and ankle conditions and guide you on which shoes to wear.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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.