Items filtered by date: June 2022

Understanding foot and ankle biomechanics can be helpful in maximizing the completion of everyday activities. Simply put, it is the way a person walks, moves, or runs. Gait is a style of walking and can involve different stages of movement. There are three components to the foot. The hindfoot is under the ankle joint. This is referred to as the back of the foot and is composed of two tarsal bones. The middle of the foot is known as the mid foot, as its name implies. This part of the foot contains five tarsal bones. Chopart’s joint is the name given where the midfoot and hindfoot connect. The front of the foot is known as the forefoot and includes the metatarsals, phalanges, and sesamoid bone. Each foot consists of 28 bones, and several ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They work together in absorbing shock and creating movement from the heels to the toes. The muscles in the back and front of the leg allow the foot to move up and down and there are specific muscles that enable the foot to point and flex. If you would like to learn additional information about what proper foot structure is responsible for, please consult with a podiatrist. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 offices located in Fort Lee, NJ and Flushing, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you notice a flat hardened callus on the bottom of your foot with tiny black spots showing beneath the skin, you may have a plantar wart. The area might be tender, but try not to touch it. This growth may be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is highly contagious and can enter your body through cuts or sores. The most common places to come into contact with HPV are swimming pools, locker rooms, and bathroom floors, all areas in which you are more likely to walk barefooted. Generally speaking, plantar warts are not dangerous, but they do spread rapidly. The most effective preventative method is to wear foot coverings in places where the virus thrives. If plantar warts become a common occurrence, refuse to go away on their own, or inhibit your ability to walk, it is a good idea to visit a podiatrist for guidance and a range of treatment options.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Lee, NJ and Flushing, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters are fluid-filled sacs usually caused by friction or heat. They are a common complaint of walkers and runners alike and can develop due to poorly fitting shoes, a change in footwear, or an increase in the duration of a workout. Blisters most often occur on the toes, heels, balls of the feet, or soles. Eliminating the source that originally caused the blister may aid in their prevention. The feet should be kept cool and dry, as well as thoroughly examined for spots that rub against socks or shoes. Shoes that are too loose or too tight can pinch and irritate the skin of the feet. It is important to give yourself time to break in a new pair of shoes before wearing them for long periods of time. Wear synthetic socks to prevent moisture build-up and watch for seams in socks that can rub against shoes. If a blister does develop do not pop it and cover it with a bandage. If a blister does not drain on its own or becomes infected, contact a podiatrist for treatment and additional ways to prevent them from recurring.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Each foot is composed of several nerves, tendons, and ligaments. When there is an overgrowth of tissue surrounding the nerves, it may indicate a condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma. The tissue compresses a nerve, and it can cause discomfort. It typically develops between the second and third toe, and the pain is generally felt in the ball of the foot. A common symptom that many people feel is the sensation of a pebble or marble in their shoe which may lead to a numbing and tingling feeling. It can develop as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit well, or from participating in high impact sporting activities. It can affect people who have existing foot conditions that can include bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet. A proper diagnosis  can help to determine how this condition gets treated. This can consist of having an X-ray taken, or possibly having an ultrasound or MRI done. Some patients who are afflicted with Morton’s neuroma choose to have surgery which can permanently remove the neuroma. Please consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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