Plantar fasciitis is an uncomfortable foot condition. Some people experience debilitating pain and often seek medical treatment from a podiatrist for relief. It develops as a result of an irritated or torn plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue on the sole of the foot. The plantar fascia connects the heel to the toes and is necessary for pointing and flexing the foot. An injury can cause the plantar fascia to become damaged, possibly causing limping and the patient to favor one foot. Performing simple exercises may help the plantar fascia to become stronger. A calf raise is an effective stretch to do several times per day and is done by standing on a step, and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle pull is felt. It may also help to roll the affected foot on a tennis ball or frozen bottle of water, which can help to loosen the bottom of the foot. Many people prefer to use a towel to stretch their feet. This is done by placing it on the floor and scrunching it with their toes. If you are afflicted with plantar fasciitis, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can offer you the treatment that is best for you.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

A puncture wound can be a small hole in the foot that can be caused by stepping on a sharp, pointed object. It often produces discomfort, and the foot can also become bruised and swollen. Additionally, some patients have difficulty moving the affected area, and it is beneficial to seek medical attention. An animal bite also may cause a puncture wound, and an X-ray may be taken that can determine the depth of the wound. It is important that the wound is properly cleaned, and this can begin with removing existing dirt and debris. This can be followed by applying medicine to the wound, which may help to prevent a bacterial infection. Symptoms may be managed by frequently elevating the foot and keeping it above heart level. This is often effective in reducing swelling and pain that may be present. If you have additional questions about how to perform proper wound care for the foot, it is suggested that you ask a podiatrist who can help you with useful information.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

If you begin to feel pain in the middle joint of your big toe, it is quite possible that you may have a bunion. This deformity is caused by prolonged pressure that compresses the big toe and pushes it toward the smaller toes. This in turn causes the middle joint to push outward, resulting in a bony bump on the side of the foot. Besides a genetic disposition to bunions, wearing shoes that are too tight or too small is a major factor in their development. Side effects from bunions include pain in the joint of the big toe, corns, calluses, and difficulty wearing shoes. In some cases, the movement of the tip of the big toe toward the other toes causes it to overlap onto the second toe. This causes problems finding appropriate footwear and can have a negative effect on posture and gait. Wearing shoes with a wider and roomier toe box is one way to reduce the effects of a bunion. Also, avoiding high-heeled shoes can help. Foot pads are available to relieve some of the pressure, as well as wearing shoes made with mesh or more flexible materials. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and recommendations for treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, 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.

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that results in inflammation, redness, itchiness, and scaling between the toes. It can also cause blistering on the bottom of the feet. This is a highly contagious infection and can be brought on by wearing wet or sweaty shoes or by walking barefoot on contaminated wet floors. Common areas to pick up athlete’s foot are pools, locker rooms, and public showers. Athlete’s foot can be difficult to cure and may come back again or turn into a bacterial infection if left untreated. There is more than one type of athlete’s foot. The three types of this fungal infection are interdigital, moccasin, and vestibular infections. An interdigital infection affects the skin between the toes. A moccasin infection covers the sole of the foot and can spread to the heel and edges of the feet. A vestibular infection can appear between the toes or the soles of the feet and can cause blisters or vesicles filled with pus that can burst open and cause open sores. Because athlete’s foot can sometimes be misdiagnosed, it is suggested that if you have these types of symptoms, an appointment is made with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer treatment options for athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

A plantar fibroma causes soft tissue swelling in the sole of the foot. Sometimes when a patient has this affliction, one or more nodules can form in the soft tissue of the feet. It can happen in one foot or both feet at the same time. This condition can cause painful swelling in the feet and walking can be difficult. Plantar fibromas can be confused with benign Morton neuromas, cysts or more serious and malignant sarcomas. If you have swelling or uncomfortable foot nodules, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. This foot and ankle expert can provide a proper diagnosis using radiographic imaging and suggest appropriate treatment.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. 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.

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 Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Practicing good diabetic foot care is essential for maintaining proper foot health. Having elevated glucose levels in the blood can lead to developing diabetes, and the feet are often affected. Research has shown that approximately half of diabetic patients have nerve damage, which is the inability to feel existing cuts, bruises, or scrapes that are on the feet. A foot care routine can begin with washing and drying the feet, followed by inspecting the soles of the feet for any abnormalities. This can be done by using a mirror, or a family member or caregiver may be able to help. Effective foot care tips can include following a healthy eating plan, engaging in a gentle exercise program, and refraining from smoking, if applicable. It is important to wear shoes while walking inside or outdoors, in addition to trimming the toenails straight across. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

A small, hard growth that develops on the underside of the heel may be a heel spur. It is defined as a calcium deposit and extends between the arch and the heel. Some heel spurs can be up to a half inch long, and may or may not be painful. Some of the symptoms that are associated with a heel spur are swelling surrounding the heel, the skin feeling warm when touched, and being inflamed. The cause of a heel spur is muscle and ligament strain, and can gradually develop as the aging process occurs. They may also happen from wearing shoes that are worn out, having excess body weight, or if there is an abnormal foot structure. An X-ray is often taken that can confirm a heel spur, and can be treated through adequate rest and lifestyle changes. It may be beneficial to perform gentle stretches that can help to strengthen the muscles. If you feel pain or mild discomfort in your heel, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat heel spurs.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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.

Most complaints of heel pain derive from plantar fasciitis, which involves inflammation of the band of tissue that runs under the feet from the toes to the heels. At first, plantar fasciitis starts as discomfort in the heel or arch, especially if your shoes have inadequate cushioning and an inflexible sole. Then the pain may also be felt when you first wake up, or after sitting or standing for long periods, but it generally fades as you become active again. Wearing shoes that do not fit properly and do not afford enough cushioning or arch support increases the chances of developing plantar fasciitis. Tightness in the calf muscles, another symptom of plantar fasciitis, is related to a problem with a tight Achilles tendon. Many pregnant women experience plantar fasciitis, as the result of gaining weight, retaining water, and increasing pressure on the feet. Long distance runners and soldiers, who may strike heel first while running, might be more prone to plantar fasciitis. If heel pain is a growing problem, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.