Ankle pain, often caused by injury, instability, or arthritis, can significantly increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knee. When the ankle joint is compromised, it disrupts the natural biomechanics of walking leading to altered gait patterns. This imbalance shifts excessive stress to the knee joint as it compensates for the weakened ankle, accelerating cartilage wear and tear. Over time, the increased joint load contributes to inflammation, pain, and the progressive breakdown of knee cartilage, a hallmark of osteoarthritis. Addressing ankle pain early is essential to prevent this chain reaction. Podiatric treatments such as strengthening exercises, orthotics, or bracing can restore ankle stability and proper alignment. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to have an exam and obtain treatment to prevent long-term complications, such as knee arthritis.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Anas Khoury, DPM from North Eastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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 Passaic, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

First-step pain is a hallmark symptom of plantar fasciopathy, often causing significant discomfort upon getting out of bed or after sitting for extended periods. Custom foot orthotics can be extremely effective in reducing this pain. By providing individualized support tailored to the unique shape and structure of the foot, orthotics help to distribute weight evenly and alleviate pressure on the affected heel. This can significantly reduce the tension on the plantar fascia, especially during the initial steps after rest. Custom orthotics can also help correct foot misalignment or abnormal gait patterns that may contribute to the condition. Over time, this support helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing by limiting repetitive stress on the fascia. For many people, wearing custom orthotics leads to noticeable improvements in both first-step pain and overall comfort throughout the day. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the cause, and offer custom-made orthotics as a treatment solution.

If you are experiencing discomfort in your feet and would like to try custom orthotics, contact Anas Khoury, DPM from North Eastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain. 

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Shoe inserts come in a wide variety and are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality, custom inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you're experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibility of using custom orthotics or shoe inserts. A podiatrist can determine which type of custom orthotic or shoe insert is right for you and help you take the first steps toward being pain-free.

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

Cuboid syndrome is a condition that affects the foot, specifically the cuboid bone, which is one of the seven tarsal bones located on the outer side of the foot. This syndrome occurs when the cuboid bone becomes slightly misaligned or stiff, often leading to pain in the outer part of the foot. The main causes of cuboid syndrome include sudden movements, foot injuries, overuse, or wearing improper footwear. Activities such as running, jumping, or twisting can strain the cuboid bone and surrounding tissues. Common symptoms include localized pain, swelling, and tenderness on the outer foot, in addition to difficulty walking or bearing weight. To diagnose cuboid syndrome, a podiatrist typically conducts a physical examination and may perform specific manipulation tests. In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans may be used to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis. If you have pain in the outer part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat the problem.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Anas Khoury, DPM from North Eastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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