Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, a narrow channel inside the ankle. This compression can result in pain, tingling, or numbness in the foot, particularly in the arch, heel, or toes. Some individuals may also experience a burning sensation or shooting pain. Diagnosis is typically made through a physical examination, where a doctor may apply pressure to the affected area to elicit symptoms. Imaging tests, such as MRI scans, ultrasounds, or nerve conduction studies can also be used to assess the extent of the nerve compression. Treatment varies depending on severity. If symptoms persist, steroid injections or surgery to release the compressed nerve may be necessary for long-term relief. If you feel pain, tingling, numbness, or burning on the inside of your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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 and ankle needs.

Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arch of the foot is lower than normal. Children are often born with flat feet, and in most cases, the condition naturally resolves by the age of seven to 10 as the foot develops. Flat feet are classified based on arch height and heel aversion angle and can be either flexible or rigid. In flexible flat feet, the arch appears when the foot is lifted but disappears when standing, while rigid flat feet have no arch even when off the ground. Flat feet can be caused by genetics, injury, or conditions like arthritis. Symptoms include foot pain, particularly in the heel or arch, and difficulty standing for long periods. Pain occurs due to abnormal pressure on muscles and ligaments. Treatment includes supportive footwear, orthotics, and targeted stretching. In severe cases, surgery may be considered to correct alignment and relieve discomfort. If you have painful flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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 and ankle needs.

Ankylosing spondylitis, or AS, is a type of arthritis that primarily impacts the spine but can also affect other areas, including the heel. In people with AS, inflammation can extend to the tendons and ligaments surrounding the heel, causing significant discomfort. This condition can lead to heel pain, swelling, and stiffness, which may worsen with activity or after prolonged periods of rest. Often, the inflammation in the heel is due to enthesitis, which is inflammation where tendons and ligaments attach to the bone. Managing heel pain associated with Ankylosing spondylitis typically involves a combination of medications to reduce inflammation, exercises to improve mobility, and proper footwear to provide adequate support. If you are experiencing heel pain and suspect it might be linked to AS, it is suggested that you seek specialized care from a podiatrist. A podiatrist can offer targeted treatments and strategies to alleviate discomfort and improve your quality of life.

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 contact our office located in Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Golf, while often seen as a low-impact sport, can still lead to various foot and ankle injuries due to repetitive motions and uneven terrain. Common injuries include ankle sprains, which occur from missteps on uneven ground, and plantar fasciitis, resulting from the constant walking and pressure on the feet. Stress fractures can develop in the metatarsal bones due to repetitive impact, especially in golfers who walk the course frequently. Tendonitis, particularly Achilles tendonitis, can arise from overuse or wearing poor footwear, leading to inflammation and pain. Golfers may also experience issues like neuromas, where nerve tissue between the toes becomes irritated, causing pain or numbness. To prevent these injuries, proper footwear with arch support should be worn. If you experience foot pain from playing golf, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide a diagnosis and treatment, ensuring a swift recovery and return to the course.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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 and ankle needs.

The foot is a complex structure comprised of numerous bones and joints, vital for movement and support. The forefoot includes the five metatarsal bones and the phalanges, which form the toes and are essential for balance and propulsion. The midfoot consists of the five tarsal bones, including the cuboid, navicular, and three cuneiform bones, which provide structural support and flexibility. The hindfoot comprises the talus and the calcaneus, with the talus connecting the foot to the leg and the calcaneus forming the heel. These bones work together through various joints, such as the subtalar joint and the metatarsophalangeal joints, allowing for a wide range of motion and shock absorption. If you have any kind of foot injury, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat various foot injuries.

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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 and ankle needs.