Items filtered by date: August 2024

Golf, though less intense than other sports, can still lead to foot and ankle injuries due to repetitive motions and uneven terrain. Common foot issues among golfers include ankle sprains from uneven surfaces or sudden movements during swings. Plantar fasciitis may develop from prolonged standing and walking, causing heel pain. Stress fractures can occur from overuse and excessive impact on the feet. To prevent these injuries, golfers should wear supportive, well-fitted golf shoes that offer good traction and cushioning. Proper warm-up and stretching exercises, focusing on the feet and ankles, can help prepare the body for the game. Additionally, paying attention to the course's condition and avoiding rough or uneven areas can minimize injury risk. Regular foot strengthening and flexibility exercises can also enhance resilience and prevent common golf-related foot and ankle problems. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury while playing golf, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and educate you on proper injury prevention techniques while playing golf.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, 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.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

The heel, the largest bone in the foot, plays an important role in walking and weight-bearing, absorbing shock and providing stability. Heel pain is a common issue with various causes. Plantar fasciitis, characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, leads to sharp, morning heel pain. Heel spurs, which are calcium deposits on the heel bone, can cause discomfort with prolonged standing or walking. Sever's disease, prevalent in growing children, results from inflammation of the heel growth plate. These conditions necessitate professional assessment. If you or a family member suffers from heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis, identify the underlying cause, and recommend appropriate treatments.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Anas Khoury, DPM of North Eastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Passaic, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Finding the right shoes for your child can be a real challenge, especially with their feet constantly growing and changing. To ensure a proper fit, start by checking for wiggle room at the front of the shoe. Aim for about half an inch between the tip of your child’s longest toe and the end of the shoe to allow for comfortable toe movement. Next, focus on the width by examining the widest part of the foot, making sure there’s no bulging or squeezing of the pinky toe, which indicates the shoe is too narrow. Finally, assess the heel fit by sliding your finger between the back of the shoe around your child’s heel. If you can fit more than one or two fingers, the shoe may be too wide. Properly fitting shoes are important for your child’s comfort and foot health. For more information about how to find the right shoes for your child, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Anas Khoury, DPM of North Eastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

Foot orthotics serve a vital role in enhancing function during both acute and long-term injuries. Whether recovering from a sprain, fracture, or chronic condition, orthotics provide support and stability to promote healing and reduce strain on injured tissues. By redistributing pressure and correcting biomechanical imbalances, orthotics help maintain proper foot alignment and prevent excessive stress on vulnerable areas. This not only alleviates pain but also supports natural healing processes, allowing individuals to gradually regain mobility and function. Customized orthotics are particularly effective as they are tailored to the unique anatomy and specific needs of the injured foot or ankle. Whether used temporarily during recovery or long-term to manage chronic conditions, orthotics play a critical role in optimizing movement, enhancing comfort, and facilitating a faster return to daily activities with reduced risk of re-injury. If you have endured a foot injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if custom-made orthotics are right for you.

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.

Foot stretches are vital for runners to prevent injuries and enhance performance. One essential stretch is the calf stretch, which targets the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, improving flexibility and reducing the risk of tendinitis. To perform this, stand facing a wall with one leg extended behind, pressing the heel into the ground while bending the front knee. The plantar fascia stretch is another good exercise. Sit down and cross one leg over the other, pulling the toes back towards the shin to stretch the arch of the foot. This helps prevent plantar fasciitis by loosening the plantar fascia. Toe curls and extensions also strengthen the intrinsic foot muscles. Place a towel on the floor and use your toes to scrunch it up, then spread the toes out wide. Ankle circles enhance joint mobility. Sit or stand and rotate each ankle in both directions, improving blood flow and flexibility. These stretches, performed regularly, help maintain foot health, reduce injury risk, and improve overall running efficiency. If you are a runner and endure persistent foot pain or are prone to injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for advice.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet 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.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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.